What Happened to Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans?

Benjamin Franklin High School, affectionately known as 'Franklin' or 'Ben Franklin,' was established in 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana, as a specialized institution for gifted students. Its founding was influenced by the post-Sputnik 'Space Race' era, emphasizing advanced placement education. The school initially operated from the historic Carrollton Courthouse.

A pivotal moment in the school's history occurred in 1963 when, under federal court pressure, it became the first public high school in New Orleans to desegregate. This move was significant in a city and state resistant to the implications of Brown v. Board of Education, setting an example for other schools, though full integration across the city took many more years.

By 1990, the school's growing student body necessitated a move to a larger, more modern campus on the grounds of the University of New Orleans (UNO), a location it still occupies today. The new building, designed by a team including E. Eean McNaughton Architects, received an honor award from the American Institute of Architects. The school faced another major challenge in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina caused over $3 million in damage. However, through a massive cleanup effort by administration, faculty, parents, students, alumni, and volunteers, Benjamin Franklin High School reopened as a public charter school on January 17, 2006, becoming the first public high school in New Orleans to do so after the storm.

Since its reopening, Benjamin Franklin High School has consistently maintained its reputation for academic excellence. It has been named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education multiple times, including in 2021. The school consistently ranks as the number one public high school in Louisiana and frequently appears in the top 100 national rankings by publications like U.S. News & World Report. In August 2026, it was ranked 53rd nationally and 1st in Louisiana. Its academic success is attributed to a rigorous curriculum, a high percentage of students achieving proficiency in state tests (97% in math, 98% in reading), and a strong Advanced Placement program with a 97% participation rate and 94% of students scoring 3 or higher on at least one AP exam as of 2025.

CURRENT STATUS as of 2026-10-02: Benjamin Franklin High School continues its trajectory as a premier educational institution. It serves approximately 1,056 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. The school's building has been renamed the Katherine C. Johnson Campus, honoring the pioneering NASA mathematician. In 2026, the school is actively pursuing a Facilities Master Plan in collaboration with VMDO and Trapolin-Peer Architects to chart a strategic course for future growth and enhance its student-centered learning environments. The school celebrated its Class of 2026 commencement in May and is preparing for its annual Alumni Weekend and second annual Bennaroo Music Festival in November 2026, demonstrating a vibrant and engaged community.