Louisiana A+ Schools

Our mission is to transform schools by nurturing creativity in every learner. We envision a state brimming with creative and innovative schools that believe the arts are the catalyst for a reawakening.

Louisiana A+ Schools (LAA+) is Louisiana's only statewide whole school network dedicated to transforming schools by valuing the arts and integrating them into traditional classrooms. LAA+ provides ongoing training and professional development for teachers, and provides an intricate network of support. Spanning the state and growing every year, the LAA+ network includes schools from early childhood through high school, in urban, suburban, town and rural communities.

Originally founded in 2013 as a program of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, LAA+ is now an independent organization that impacts over 700 teachers and 10,000 students from 18 schools statewide.

Thorough research reveals that our schools have:
- Higher Student Achievement
- Better Attendance of Students and Teachers
- Decreased Discipline Problems
- Stronger Parent and Community Involvement
- A More Creative and Joyful School Climate

Testimonials

In 2016, a survey was administered to Louisiana A+ Schools teachers and students. The results from both groups proved the transformative power of the arts in the classroom.

Current Outcomes from Teachers:
- 94.5% of teachers report noticeable improvement in students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills as a result of arts integration.
- 99% of teachers believe that arts integration is a vital teaching strategy for reaching every learner in the classroom, yet only 28% of teachers knew about arts integration before working at an LAA+ School.
- 89.3% of teachers report that arts integration dramatically improves student understanding of math and science concepts.
- 92.3% of teachers report improvement in reading skills for students as a result of arts integration.
- 93% of teachers see higher levels of concentration and engagement when students are learning through arts integration.
 
Current Outcomes from students:
- 83.4% of students believe the arts have helped them master a subject they struggled with in the past.
- 91.5% of students believe the arts "make them smarter."
- 78% of students stated their favorite part of the day was an art or music class.
- 88.7% of students report feeling "proud" when they create or perform art.
- 89% of students reported being able to "understand" math and science better when they learn through the arts.