[CharterSchools] Rooted School Students Earn College Credits Starting in 9th Grade

Wed Apr 30 11:29:43 EDT 2025

Rooted School New Orleans Redefines High School:

Students Earn College Credits Starting in 9th Grade

Rooted School is the only open-enrollment Early College Academy in Orleans Parish and top school offering Industry Based Certifications (IBC) attainment

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Rooted School New Orleans (RSNO), a nationally recognized and award-winning open-enrollment high school, is changing the game for high school students across the city by offering a unique Early College Academy (ECA) program—starting in the 9th grade.

Rooted is the only open-admission Early College Academy in New Orleans, providing students with the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit. Through a partnership with Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), Rooted students are immersed in college-level coursework beginning their freshman year. As a result, graduates like Starr Ard will enter college as a sophomore with 30 college credits already earned, and students like Kash Friday who is midway through his sophomore year with 19 credits and on track to start college as a junior.

“I never thought I’d be taking college classes this early, but Rooted made it possible,” said sophomore Kash Friday. “It’s challenging, but it’s helping me build confidence and save time and money.”

“Rooted has given me a head start that most students don’t get until they’re juniors or seniors,” added Jeremiah Robinson, a junior with 19 credits already under his belt. “I know I’m going to be college ready.” From 2021 to the present, Rooted students have earned more than 520 college credits, saving families over half a million dollars in future tuition costs,” said Rooted School CEO Kaitlin Karpinski. “In 2024-25 alone, more than 25% of RSNO students in grades 9-12 are actively enrolled in college classes. We are so proud of our students’ accomplishments!”

RSNO isn’t just about earning college credit early, she said. It’s about preparing students for real-world success. The school offers 15 industry-based certifications (IBCs), and ranks in the top 3 for IBC attainment in Orleans Parish. In fact, eight out of ten graduates earn at least one tech credential, with over 60% earning four or more by the time they graduate, according to Karpinski.

Rooted School is a two-time recipient of the Louisiana Public Charter School Association’s “Most Innovative Charter School” Award and was recognized by The Canopy Project as one of the most innovative high schools in the country. In addition, Rooted is proud to hold an 80% college attendance rate with more than 40% of whom are first-generation college-bound.

Rooted School operates year-round (August-June), providing students with a flexible learning environment where they can progress and thrive at their own pace. Prospective students are invited to sign up for Spend-a-Day Experiences, offering half-day or full-day shadowing opportunities to see the school in action, offered throughout the school year. To register, email frontoffice at rootedschool.org.

“At Rooted, our students aren’t waiting to begin their futures—they’re already living them,” said CEO Karpinski. “Our school’s small class sizes combined with our college and career focus is a proven model that high school can be more than the status quo.”

Whether it's earning college credits in ninth grade, walking away with high-value tech certifications, or breaking generational barriers to higher education, Rooted School New Orleans is where students get a head start—and keep going, she said.

Open-enrollment for grades K-12 opens on May 14th.  Go to:  www.enrollnolaps.com,

For more information on Rooted School, go to: www.rootedschoolneworleans.org

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Rooted School New Orleans

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About Rooted School New Orleans:
Rooted School @ SUNO is an open-enrollment Early College Academy in New Orleans focused on bridging the gap between high school, college, and high-wage careers. Rooted prepares students for futures in technology and entrepreneurship while supporting them in earning college credits and industry credentials. Rooted is a two-time recipient of the Louisiana Public Charter School Association’s “Most Innovative Charter School” Award and recognized by The Canopy Project as one of the most innovative high schools in the country. Rooted is proud to offer 15 industry-based certifications (IBCs), and ranks in the top 3 for IBC attainment in Orleans Parish.

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