Welcome

What is the Common Application?

This is an application form that can be used to apply for acceptance at the majority of the city’s public schools, including all of the Recovery School District’s traditional public schools and public charter schools and some schools that are in the New Orleans Public Schools system. (click here to download a list of particpating schools)

When applications due?

Applications are due for participating schools on March 19, 2008. But it's not too late to apply.

What if I want to turn in an application after the deadline?

You can still turn in applications after the March 19th deadline. You should …

1. Review available public schools in the New Orleans Parents’ Guide to Public Schools (click here to download a copy now)

2. Use the Parents’ Guide to find schools that would be a good fit for your child.

3. Contact the school or school district ….

➢ For schools operated directly by the Recovery School District (“RSD Schools”), go to the Welcome School at 2239 Poydras Street to submit an application.

➢ For schools operated directly by the Orleans Parish School District (“NOPS Schools”), go to the New Orleans Public Schools central office at 3520 General DeGaulle Drive (on the West Bank) to submit an application.

➢ For all other schools, contact the school to ask if there is space available in the grade your child will attend next year. Submit an application to the school for an available spot or to be included on a list of students who could be admitted if space becomes available.

Note: Be sure to retain a copy of each application for your records. If you fax the application, be sure to keep the fax confirmation page for your records.

Your child must be offered a place in a public school. If you are having trouble finding a school where spaces are available, contact the Recovery School District and the New Orleans Public Schools administration for assitance finding a school placement for your child.

Where can I pick up an application?

Applications are available at the Recovery School District’s Welcome School, 2239 Poydras Street; New Orleans Public Schools’ central office, 3520 General DeGaulle Drive; and at participating schools. You can also download an application here or from www.nolapublicschools.net.

How many schools may I apply to for my child?

Apply to as many schools as you like, but you must submit a separate form for each school, and separate forms for each child.

Schools (or district officials) will contact you to notify you that your child has been accepted into specific schools. Once your child is accepted into schools you must officially enroll in one and only one school where you would like your child to attend for the 2008-2009 school year.

What if I already turned in applications?

That’s great! You should have heard back from schools where you applied by April 4. If you have not heard from schools yet, contact schools where you applied, ask to speak to someone who is handling student enrollment and ask: “What is the status of my child’s application?”

For RSD-operated schools, contact the Welcome School at (504) 373-6200 x20050

For NOPS-operated schools, contact the NOPS Central Office at (504) 304-3520

My child is taking the LEAP this year. What if she doesn’t pass?

If your child doesn’t pass the 4th or 8th grade leap, there still will be a place for her at her current school.

Where can I find more information about the public schools available in New Orleans?

You can get a copy of the New Orleans Parents’ Guide to Public Schools at most public librararies or schools or online at www.nolaparentsguide.org. You can also find information about schools on the Save Our Schools New Orleans website at www.sosnola.org.

And you can pick up information about participating schools at the RSD Welcome School, 2239 Poydras Street or at NOPS central office, 3520 General DeGaulle Drive.