Orleans Parish School Board votes to establish The Leah Chase School

Raeven Poole
·2 min read
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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Famed New Orleans chef Leah Chase, whose family-owned restaurant sits in Tremé, will soon have a school named after her.

In a recent meeting, the Orleans Parish School Board unanimously decided to approve the creation of The Leah Chase School. The campus will be located in the building that once housed Lafayette Academy on South Carrollton Avenue.

According to the OPSB, the school will be the district’s first direct-run institution in 18 years and will operate under the auspices of NOLA Public Schools.

School board officials said the decision is seen as a significant step toward providing a high-quality education enriched with the city’s culture and excellence.

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“On behalf of the board, my colleagues and I remain hopeful for a future where direct-run schools play a vital role within a comprehensive portfolio, catering to the diverse needs of our city,” said OPSB President Katie Baudouin.

The school board reported the new school will serve to not only as educational institution, but as a beacon of cultural richness amplifying the voices of New Orleans history.

“Ms. Leah, a teacher at heart, served food for thought along with her gumbo and shrimp Clemenceau, leaving an indelible impact on generations of diners,” said OPSB officials.

Chase was known as both a chef and a teacher who addressed the struggles of integration in the 60s, 70s and 80s, while standing against racism in educational reforms and advocating for Black teachers in the days following Hurricane Katrina.

“This new direct-run school will not only embrace the vibrant culture of New Orleans and stand as a tribute to the legacy of Ms. Leah Chase, but it also marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing a high-quality education. The school’s educational program will be rooted in culturally responsive teaching and learning, acknowledging, and valuing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our scholars. The school will aim to empower students to own their learning and see themselves reflected in their education,” said OPSB Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams.

The Leah Chase School will serve grades Pre-K through eighth. Operations will begin at the start of the 2024 to 2025 school year with kindergarten through fifth grade and have a target enrollment rate of 320 students, offering two sections for each grade level.

“The Leah Chase School is not just a school; it’s a tribute to an educator and community leader whose lessons will endure for generations to come,” said OPSB officials.

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