New Orleans Guide to High School and Beyond 2018

And for many, it doesn't stop there. A credential can serve as a first
step in achieving advanced career aspirations.
Career Pathway program offerings in New Orleans are aligned with
local industry demand, meaning students are being prepared to
successfully pursue the jobs and professional opportunities that will
be most available in the next decade. Top career fields in the New
Orleans region most needing skilled professionals include healthcare,
skilled crafts, and digital media/IT. See school profiles for career
pathways offered by New Orleans high schools.
Students have options. As sophomores, students will have the
opportunity to enroll in Career Pathway programs and to choose their
diploma type. They can choose to: a) pursue a Jump Start Career
Diploma, or b) pursue a University Diploma and a credentialing
pathway. Upon entering freshman year, students should meet with a
counselor to plan their graduation pathway and inquire about career
preparation options available to them. Students should also be aware
of high school Career Pathway offerings as part of their high school
search during 8th grade. The RIASEC test on the following pages can
help you determine which career path is right for you.
For more information about Jump Start visit louisianiabelieves.com
or for local information, visit youthforcenola.org.
SPECIALIZATION
The freedom charter and nonpublic schools have over curriculum
design has resulted in many schools tailoring their academic
programs to provide students with specialized skills or a unique
school culture. If you have a specialized interest like art, military
training, or entrepreneurial training, there may be a school that
specializes in the skills you are hoping to acquire. Schools may offer
a curriculum based around career interests as well. Here are some
common themes schools may choose to focus on:
Career Pathways Program of Studies: Many high schools
now provide training in one or more career pathways, such as
health sciences (e.g., nursing, lab technician), skilled crafts (e.g.,
carpentry, electrician, automobile service, EMT), or information
technology (e.g., web and digital communications, programming and
software development, IT support). Schools that offer career pathway
programs may offer internships and industry-based certifications that
can be beneficial to students as they enter the workforce or enroll in
a postsecondary training or education program.
Project Based Learning: Project based learning uses in-depth,
rigorous, interdisciplinary projects in the classroom to facilitate
learning. Schools that focus on project based learning may allow
students to have a lot of creative control over their projects, and can
be great for students who prefer hands on activities and applied
learning.
Arts: An arts school provides a strong focus on visual arts, music,
dance, and theater, far beyond what a typical curriculum offers.
These schools prepare students for creative careers and often require
performances and gallery shows. NOCCA, the New Orleans Center for
the Creative Arts, is one of the top arts high schools in the country
and its right here in our city!
College Prep: Some schools focus on college readiness and offer
classes that will help increase the chances of admission into and
funding for college. These schools offer ACT prep, TOPS, AP classes,
and a rigorous curriculum that gives the college applicant an edge
over applicants attending other schools. In addition, they may have
college counselors and enrichment courses that support applying to
colleges and finding scholarships. Other schools that do not identify
themselves as college prep may also offer the same services. Ask
about the individual programs that a school offers and ask what
schools mean by “college prep.”
Virtual Learning: The Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy offers online
classes that can supplement what you are already doing in school.
For more information about online learning and how it can work
for you, visit: www.lacourses.net.
Alternative High School: Alternative can mean a lot of things,
but typically alternative high schools offer a more flexible curriculum
and different paths to graduation. They may offer a more flexible
day for the student who needs to work or take care of a child. They
may offer online classes and accelerated schedules for students who
need to catch up credits in order to graduate. Alternative schools often
focus on non-traditional students or students who have fallen behind
in school for whatever reason. The methods of teaching at alternative
schools may also be different, focusing on job skills and independent
learning. Contact specific schools for additional information.
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