Proof of What’s Possible: Frederick A. Douglass High School Earns an A Rating
Once among the lowest-performing high schools in the city, Frederick A. Douglass High School is now an A-rated school—a milestone that reflects years of hard work, high expectations, and an unwavering belief in what our students can achieve. Recently featured in a powerful NOLA.com article, Douglass’ journey is a story of transformation, pride, and possibility.
At KIPP New Orleans Schools, we are incredibly proud of Douglass. This achievement is not just a letter grade—it is a testament to a school community that has rewritten its narrative and emerged as one of the highest-performing open-enrollment high schools in New Orleans.
Living the Bobcat Identity
Every morning at Douglass begins with purpose. Before students enter the building, staff recite the school’s mission—known as the “Bobcat identity”—grounding the day in shared values and high expectations.
“Bobcats are the hardest working and smartest working people,” the mission begins. “In our character and results, we are models for the rest of the city of what is possible.”
That mindset has shaped Douglass’ culture and outcomes. In the years before Hurricane Katrina, the original school earned repeated failing marks from the state. Today, the charter school that now carries the Frederick A. Douglass name has earned an A rating from the Louisiana Department of Education and continues to grow as families across the city choose Douglass for its academic excellence and strong school culture.
High Expectations, Real Results
Douglass’ academic rise is rooted in intentional, data-driven instruction and a belief that every student can succeed. Under the leadership of Towana Pierre-Floyd, a 9th Ward native and principal of Douglass, the school has built systems that support students from the moment they arrive as freshmen.
Teachers and school leaders closely monitor student progress, provide real-time feedback, and intervene early to ensure students stay on track. From weekly grade reflections to targeted academic supports, Douglass makes it clear: excellence is the expectation.
As one teacher shared in the NOLA.com feature, “I’m an A teacher. I need you to be an A student.”
That belief—paired with strong relationships and consistency—has helped Douglass students rise to meet the challenge.
College, Career, and the World Beyond
At Douglass, preparing students for life after high school starts early. By sophomore year, students understand their college and career pathways and receive ongoing guidance from counselors and school leaders.
Through a partnership with Bard College, students can earn up to 60 college credits—tuition-free—while still in high school. Students also have access to industry certifications through the New Orleans Career Center, opening doors to career opportunities in fields like healthcare and skilled trades.
Beyond academics, Douglass encourages students to see themselves as global citizens. Annual post-graduation trips and international travel experiences reinforce pride in where students come from while expanding their view of what’s possible.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Douglass’ success is deeply rooted in its history. Hallways tell the story of the school’s origins, its closure after Katrina, and its rebirth—ensuring students understand they are part of something bigger than themselves.
That connection to history fuels a strong sense of belonging and pride. As one Douglass senior shared in the article, “Every day I wake up dumbfounded because it’s like a bunch of children from New Orleans, we’re able to be an A school.”
At KIPP New Orleans Schools, we couldn’t agree more.
A Moment Worth Celebrating
Frederick A. Douglass High School’s A rating represents resilience, belief, and a community committed to excellence. It is proof of what’s possible when students are challenged, supported, and seen—and when a school refuses to settle for anything less than greatness.
We are incredibly proud of our Bobcats, their families, educators, and leaders who made this moment possible.
We invite you to read the full NOLA.com article to learn more about Douglass’ remarkable journey and the people behind its success.
The legacy of Frederick A. Douglass is strong—and the future is even brighter.