WHAT IS THE AUTONOMOUS SCHOOL NETWORK?

The Baton Rouge Autonomous New School Network (ASN) is a network of new schools which operate within the established school system and will report directly to the Superintendent and School Board. Schools within the ASN negotiate a contract with the Superintendent and School Board that outline clear achievement targets and operating parameters, including significant programmatic autonomy. The schools in the network are funded by the School Board at the same average per pupil as other traditional schools in the school system. The ASN schools are also eligible for entitlement funds and can apply for eligible competitive grants.  Unlike traditional schools, though, these new schools will be afforded operational and programmatic autonomy as long as they meet the performance criteria agreed upon with the parish school board.  Each school’s student population should mirror the population of the school district and zoning restrictions can apply.  

ASN STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Forum 35 recognizes that a strong public education system is essential for economic prosperity, social equity, and active civic engagement. The Autonomous School Network Project aims to support progressive and innovative education reform initiatives by providing committed volunteers and resources, as well as engaging other organizations and community leaders in a collaborative community-wide effort.

WHAT SCHOOLS ARE INCLUDED?

CAN! Academies

Principal- Anthony Suttice; Director of Community Outreach- Ron Johnson

The academies will have 700 students total. There will be 150 middle school students at Prescott, 150 middle school students at Glen Oaks, and 400 high school students at BR Prep. The school is for children at least two years behind. They will be taking classes in 9 week increments, in the hopes of accelerating them to their normal grade level.  Find out more by reading the CAN! Academy FAQ.

EBR Lab

Principal: David Zielinski; Asst. Principal: Molly Williams

The East Baton Rouge Parish Laboratory Academy will begin with a total of 100 ninth-graders attending class in specific classrooms that will be housed at Istrouma High School.  At least half of the new school’s incoming ninth-graders will come from Istrouma’s attendance zone while the remaining 50 student’s can choose to attend from other attendance zones.  The enrollment will increase by 100 new ninth graders each year to eventually grow to a maximum of 400 students by 2011.

The small high school will be modeled after the successful Bronx Lab School in New York City, an Institute for Student Achievement (ISA) partner school. ISA will work in partnership with The East Baton Rouge Parish School System, The Bronx Lab School, F-E-G-S Health and Human Services System, and ADVANCE BATON ROUGE to develop and implement East Baton Rouge Parish Lab High School.  Students attending the East Baton Rouge Parish Laboratory Academy can expect a rigorous college preparatory curriculum which will provide a second chance for at-risk youth and their families to achieve economic independence, and hope for a better life through relationship-based education and training.   

For More Information, Contact Cassie Greer (225-413-5898) or cgreer@privateconsulting.com.