The Choice Foundation

Choice Foundation, founded in 2004, currently manages and oversees two New Orleans Charter Schools: Lafayette Academy (largest elementary school in NOLA)and Esperanza (the largest Hispanic/Immigrant student population within the city). Choice prepares its students for success in a college preparatory high school and beyond in an atmosphere that challenges and supports each student to achieve his or her highest potential.

Choice was a leader early on in the study of and in the enthusiasm for Common Core State Standards and for more rigorous testing of those standards. By following the principles of Fastidious Alignment with State Standards, Data-Driven Instruction, Extensive Student and Family Support, and Excellent Teaching, all schools have seen dramatic increases in the number of students scoring at or above grade-level on annual state assessments. Two Choice Foundation School, Esperanza and Lafayette Academy, are Top Gains Schools in Louisiana and are Winners of the Louisiana Charter School Excellence Award. In addition to offering after-school and in-school mentoring and tutoring, all Choice Foundation schools provide one of the most efficient and knowledgeable special education curriculum and programming, which includes one-on-one tutoring, special needs interventionists and diverse approaches to teaching and engaging with students. All Choice Foundation schools are distinguished by their wealth of extracurricular activities, ranging from sports teams to marching bands and orchestras, to student government, to art and debate clubs.

Through partnerships with more than 60 community-based organizations, Choice Foundation provides a full range of educational, extracurricular, and mental health resources, including healthcare and flu shots, on-site social workers, music and cultural arts-based activities, physical healthcare practices, collaborations with other community organizations, such as LOOP, who fosters a sense of appreciation for the outdoors by taking our students camping, planting trees, and engage them in other healthy activities. Currently, Choice Foundation has 240 full-time employees and 8 part-time employees. With the student population continuously growing, Choice Foundation will require more teachers and staff and, therefore, an increase in professional development support and initiatives.

All of our schools serve high poverty populations almost exclusively (90%+ at each school), and all schools provide special education services. Choice Foundation schools are thoroughly focused on aligning every resource, every teacher, and every activity with rigorous educational standards..

Testimonials

When we asked our teachers, "What do you like most about working at Choice Foundation?" The responses were amazing! Here, are a few we received...

"The thing I like most about working at Choice Foundation is that Choice makes a team effort to teach to the whole child. Meeting the students where they are and moving them forward to where they need to be."

"I love my students and that I feel valued. I feel like I am really making a difference with the children."

"We are truly a team and a family at Choice Foundation. Everyone works together to promote the best for each child."