At George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans East, a unique educational model is helping students overcome obstacles and achieve academic success. With a focus on college readiness and a commitment to fostering a strong school culture, Carver has become a beacon of progress in New Orleans’ post-Hurricane Katrina educational landscape.
Preparing Students for College Success
Deandria Barnes, a ninth-grade science teacher, starts her day by greeting students in the hallway, reinforcing the school’s vision and reminding them of the ultimate goal: college success. When Barnes asked Junior, a student, to recite the school’s vision, he responded confidently:
“The vision of George Washington Carver High School is to prepare all scholars for college success, inspired and ready to exceed any expectation.”
This morning ritual reflects the strong sense of purpose instilled in Carver’s students, who are encouraged to embrace academic excellence, despite often starting at a disadvantage.
From Struggles to Success: A Growing Reputation
Carver, which opened as a Collegiate Academies charter school in 2012, has made significant strides in improving academic outcomes for students, many of whom enter the school well below grade level. Despite challenges such as high poverty rates and the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the education system, the school has established a reputation for academic growth and college preparation.
For the past three years, Carver has earned a B rating from the state based on graduation rates, test scores, and other key metrics. This year, it was recognized as the top open-enrollment high school in Louisiana for growth, marking a significant achievement for a school in a neighborhood that faces many educational challenges.
Building a College-Ready Culture
At Carver, college readiness isn’t just a goal; it’s a cultural norm. Students are constantly reminded of the importance of earning a college degree as the key to success. Teachers, deans, and staff engage students in a rigorous academic environment where behavioral and academic standards are held high.
Junior, for example, receives a “golden ram” — a reward slip for extra credit — from his teacher, Joe Willens, as part of an ongoing effort to encourage academic improvement. The slip is a reminder that every action contributes to a larger goal: college scholarships and a brighter future.
Overcoming Challenges: Carver’s Formula for Success
Despite the obstacles, Carver continues to thrive. The school tackles the typical challenges of an under-resourced public high school, such as a significant percentage of students entering reading below grade level. However, with targeted interventions like reading support programs, teachers are able to address gaps in learning, helping students build the skills they need for college success.
Teachers use data to identify areas of improvement, and intervention specialists like Jyteca Spencer work closely with students to strengthen their foundational skills. As students advance in their studies, they’re encouraged to aim higher and challenge themselves. By the end of the first quarter, two-thirds of freshmen are on the honor roll — a testament to the school’s high expectations and the students’ commitment to meet them.
Community Support and Engagement
Carver’s progress is also influenced by its strong community ties. Teachers and staff don’t just focus on academic growth; they also prioritize the social and emotional well-being of their students.
Olivia Morales, Carver’s director of college counseling, works closely with students to help them navigate the college application process, offering resources like FAFSA assistance and connecting them to colleges that offer generous scholarships.
Former students, like Jadan Verrett, a business major at Tulane University, serve as living examples of Carver’s impact. Verrett, who entered Carver reading years behind his peers, credits the school with preparing him for the demands of higher education.
Carver’s Discipline and School Culture
While Carver has high academic standards, it has also adopted a compassionate approach to discipline. Unlike the harsh disciplinary measures often associated with schools in underserved communities, Carver focuses on helping students learn from their mistakes and encouraging personal responsibility.
Nell Lewis, Carver’s director of culture, frequently has one-on-one conversations with students, such as a basketball player serving in-school suspension for violating the cellphone policy. Lewis emphasized that “one moment could destroy everything” the student had worked for, reminding them of their future potential.
The school’s approach to discipline has evolved over time. Carver no longer resorts to suspensions or expulsions as a first response. Instead, the school focuses on teaching students to make better choices and grow from their experiences.
Overcoming Stigmas and Misconceptions
Despite its current success, Carver faces a lingering stigma from its past. The school was once F-rated and, in the years following Hurricane Katrina, faced significant challenges in rebuilding its reputation. Carver’s principal, Victor Jones, acknowledged that many still view the school through the lens of its troubled past.
“We have a lot of misconceptions to overcome,” said Jones, noting that the school no longer has a waitlist due to lingering perceptions.
The Path Forward
Carver’s formula for success relies on a combination of high expectations, academic rigor, student engagement, and a strong support system. With strong leadership, a focused school culture, and a dedicated teaching staff, Carver has proven that it is possible to turn around a struggling school and provide students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
While Carver faces challenges like many other public high schools, the progress it has made in just a few years offers hope for students who start far behind grade level. As the school continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to academic excellence and college readiness remains a cornerstone of its mission.
