[CharterSchools] Rooted School New Orleans Students Earn 20 Industry-Based Certifications

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

Rooted School New Orleans Redefines High School: 


 Rooted School New Orleans Students Earn 20 Industry-Based Certifications

Rooted’s open-enrollment Early College Academy top in Orleans Parish for Industry-Based Certifications (IBC) 

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Rooted School New Orleans (RSNO), a nationally recognized and award-winning open-enrollment high school,  is proud to announce that 17 students have earned 20 industry-based certifications, underscoring the school’s commitment to preparing students for college and high-wage careers through rigorous, real-world learning. Students across grades 9–12 earned professional credentials in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe Animate through Rooted’s Photography, Digital Media, and Media Arts pathways, reflecting mastery of in-demand creative and technical skills.

Students earning industry-based certifications include Jaden C. Bowens (12th grade), DaiKhiri Buie (10th grade), Elizabeth Burgos (12th grade), Ethan Clubb (12th grade), Mariah Alisha Edwards (10th grade), Jayden Forde (12th grade), Xoria V. Guidry (10th grade), Taylor M. Hall (10th grade), Kyrell K. Haywood (11th grade), Davien Jefferson (9th grade), Joevanny Lino (12th grade), Hailey M. Reid (12th grade), Ka’Lil K. Spiller (10th grade), Brennon Thomas (10th grade), Payton M. Torrence (10th grade), and James L. Young III (11th grade). Certifications earned include Adobe Photoshop (Photography), Adobe Premiere Pro (Digital Media), and Adobe Animate (Media Arts). Notably, Jayden Forde earned three certifications—Adobe Animate, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Premiere Pro—while Brennon Thomas earned certifications in both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro, demonstrating advanced mastery across multiple media disciplines.

PHOTO: Top Row: Joevanny Lino, Brennon Thomas, Ka’lil Spiller, Elizabeth Burgos, Ethan Clubb, Kessanna Bailey, Davien Jefferson, and James Young  Bottom Row:  Taylor Hall, Dai’Khiri Buie, Xoria Guidry, Jaden Bowens, Hailey Reid, Mariah Edwards, and Jayden Forde.  Not pictured: Kyrell Haywood and Payton Torrence.

As one of the city’s open-enrollment Early College Academies, Rooted School New Orleans provides students the opportunity to begin earning college credits as early as 9th grade while also pursuing industry credentials. Through a partnership with Southern University at New Orleans, students are immersed in college-level coursework from day one—accelerating their path to graduation and saving families thousands of dollars in future tuition. Since 2021, Rooted students have earned more than 520 college credits, with more than 25% of students in grades 9–12 enrolled in college classes during the 2024–25 school year.

“Rooted isn’t just about early college access,” said CEO Kaitlin Karpinski. “It’s about equipping students with the academic foundation, career certifications, and confidence to succeed in college and beyond.” Alongside early college credits, Rooted offers 15 industry-based certifications and ranks among the top schools in Orleans Parish for IBC attainment. Eighty percent of graduates earn at least one high-value tech credential, and more than 60% graduate with four or more.

Rooted’s innovative, year-round model has earned national recognition, including being a two-time recipient of the Louisiana Public Charter School Association’s “Most Innovative Charter School” Award and recognition by The Canopy Project as one of the most innovative high schools in the country. The school maintains an 80% college attendance rate, with more than 40% of students being first-generation college-bound.

“At Rooted, opportunity starts now,” Karpinski added. “Our students graduate with college credit, industry credentials, and a clear path forward.”

Open enrollment for grades K–12 is going on now.. Apply at www.enrollnolaps.com.

For more information, visit www.rootedschoolneworleans.org.

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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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