The Willow School

Lusher Charter School, located on Freret Street in New Orleans, is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious and high-performing public schools in Louisiana. Operating as a K-12 institution, it is a public charter school that functions under the New Orleans Public Schools district while maintaining a unique partnership with Tulane University. The school is celebrated for its rigorous academic standards, selective admissions process, and its specialized focus on the arts, which is integrated deeply into the core curriculum to foster creative and critical thinking among its diverse student body.

Beyond its academic reputation, Lusher is noted for its strong sense of community and its commitment to the "Lusher Way," a philosophy that emphasizes character development, mutual respect, and high expectations. The school’s dual-campus structure (with elementary grades often housed separately from the secondary program) supports a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for competitive universities nationwide. Because of its consistent track record of high state testing scores and its emphasis on a holistic, arts-infused education, it remains one of the most sought-after schools for families living in the New Orleans area.