Choosing the right school for your child is a lot like finding the right pair of tennis shoes: What’s the cost? How comfortable do they feel? What kind of support do they offer? What’s the philosophy behind the brand? Most importantly, will they hold up for the long run? The same goes for finding the right school.
Selecting the right school isn’t just about researching location or ratings. It’s about discovering a community–a place that practices meaningful traditions, strong values, inclusive connections, and a culture where your child feels seen, heard, and supported. For many families, traditional public schools check those boxes. For others, private schools offer what they’re looking for. Every family has their own expectations, priorities, and needs when it comes to choosing a school. Just like finding the perfect pair of tennis shoes, it’s all about finding the perfect fit.
Understanding Charter Schools
Think of a charter school as the middle ground between traditional public and private education. Factually, they are publicly funded schools that are overseen by an authorizer and governed by independent organizations and boards–working to keep all those enrolled tuition-free. They have the autonomy to organize programs, classes, and learning approaches based on the needs of their students, rather than following a one-size-fits all model, as explained by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
Charter schools were first introduced in the early 1990s, and today nearly 8,000 operate across the country. More than 30 charter schools currently stand in the greater New Orleans region. In fact, nearly all public schools have operated as charters in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina.
An Overall Appeal
The freedom and flexibility granted to charter schools allows creative traditions and cultures to develop. Under a unique structure–the ability to welcome students of any neighborhood, disability, race, national origin, gender, religion, and academic achievement–they are able to shape their specific environments to further include, inspire, and engage students and their families.
A lottery system is practiced at the majority of charter schools as a way to enforce equal opportunity to all applicants while keeping the number of students equal to the size of the school. On average, charter schools accommodate roughly 300 students, compared to traditional public schools, which typically enroll more than 500. This leads to smaller classrooms, where teachers can further connect with students on a one-on-one level.
Local Insight
We spoke with Audubon Schools to discover how they foster connection. While no two charter schools are the same, Audubon Schools reflect the creativity and community spirit many families encounter within the charter landscape.
Each of Audubon’s campuses host events throughout the year that both families and community members are said to enjoy. While Audubon Uptown welcomes families to be part of their students’ experience by hosting their Thanksgiving Feast, Grandparents Day, annual Art Walk, and Arts Reach Showcase (where students perform After School program features), Audubon Gentility hosts community-wide events such as their Fall Fest and Art Market (where families enjoy fun activities, food, music, and student-made artwork).
Families not only stay engaged with their school communities, but build friendships through regular events such as laser tag nights, Fall Fête, and Skate Nights hosted by the Uptown PTO and weekly snack sales and an annual Trunk or Treat hosted by the Gentilly PTC. For both of their New Orleans schools, families are brought together for a fun evening in the fall at their Rarebird Night, and in the spring, their City Park Nights, where each school community has a chance to gather and enjoy the park.
The Importance of Community
Why are these events important to Audubon Schools? Not only do they raise funding to support their students and programs, they encourage opportunities outside of the classroom for facility and staff to connect with the families that help it thrive. “By bringing everyone together in positive, community-centered spaces, these events strengthen relationships, reinforce our school culture, and ensure that every family feels welcomed, valued, and engaged,” shares Audubon Schools representative Marissa Zeno.
Just like Audubon Schools, charter schools are built on culture, tradition, and student and family involvement. This can happen through a system of diverse enrollment, student and family engagement initiatives, creativity inside and outside of the classroom, and positive reinforcement on striving for excellence and fundamentals.
Looking deeper than whether a school is in good proximity or has good ratings is important when choosing a school that not only your child will thrive in, but you as a parent will, too. Just like choosing the right tennis shoe, choosing the right school matters because the best fit is the one that makes all the difference in the long run.