[CharterSchools] Rooted School Holding School Tours: Only Open-Enrollment Early College Academy in Orleans Parish

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

October 15, 2025 
 
Rooted School New Orleans Redefines High School: 

Only open-enrollment Early College Academy in Orleans Parish and a top school for Industry-Based Certification (IBC) 

Prospective families invited for school tours to meet students and teachers and see Rooted in action; students earn college credits starting in 9th Grade

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Rooted School New Orleans (RSNO), a nationally recognized and award-winning open-enrollment high school, is redefining what’s possible for high school students in Orleans Parish. As the city’s only open-enrollment Early College Academy (ECA), Rooted gives students the opportunity to begin earning college credits in 9th grade—and graduate with both a high school diploma and up to two years of college coursework completed.

Prospective families are invited to visit Rooted Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., to tour the school, meet students and teachers, and experience firsthand what makes Rooted a top choice in New Orleans. Shadow days are also available through Spend-a-Day Experiences (half- or full-day), offered throughout the school year by emailing frontoffice at rootedschool.org.

Through a groundbreaking partnership with Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), Rooted students are immersed in college-level classes from day one. This early start puts students years ahead of their peers—saving families thousands in tuition costs and accelerating students’ paths to higher education.

Students like Starr Ard, who graduated with 30 credits and entered college as a sophomore, exemplify Rooted’s success. Current students are following in those footsteps: junior Kash Friday has already earned 23 credits and is on track to start college as a junior, while senior Jeremiah Robinson has matched that progress.

“Rooted has given me a head start that most students don’t get until they’re juniors or seniors,” added Jeremiah Robinson. “I know I’m going to be college ready.”

Since 2021, Rooted students have earned more than 520 college credits, saving families over half a million dollars in future tuition costs. In the 2024–25 school year alone, more than 25% of Rooted students in grades 9–12 are enrolled in college classes, according to Rooted CEO Kaitlin Karpinski.

“RSNO isn’t just about giving students early college access,” said Karpinski. “It’s about preparing them for real-world success. Our students leave Rooted with the academic foundation, career certifications, and confidence to compete and thrive in college and beyond.”

Alongside college credits, Rooted offers 15 industry-based certifications (IBCs) and ranks in the top 3 in Orleans Parish for IBC attainment. Credentials include video game design, Photoshop, teaching prep, 3D printing, animation, Cybersecurity, and Adobe certifications, among others. Eight out of ten Rooted graduates earn at least one high-value tech credential, and more than 60% graduate with four or more.

Rooted students are also showing measurable academic growth. On the most recent LEAP assessments, RSNO posted a 7-point increase in overall performance in Basic and above and an 8-point increase in Math Mastery and above.

Rooted’s innovative model has earned repeated recognition, including being a two-time recipient of the Louisiana Public Charter School Association’s “Most Innovative Charter School” Award and being named 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 those students being first-generation college-bound.

Rooted operates year-round (August–June), with small class sizes and a flexible learning environment that allows students to progress at their own pace.

“At Rooted, opportunity starts now,” said Karpinski. “Our students earn college credit early, graduate with certifications in high-demand fields, and set the pace as first-generation college scholars. Rooted School New Orleans empowers them to begin their journey with confidence and purpose.”

Open enrollment for grades K–12 begins in early November. 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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