Did you know that there are special types of charter schools that not only serve students’ educational needs, but also serve the needs of working families and drive economic development?
They’re called Corporate Partnership Charter Schools.
Louisiana law allows businesses and consortia of businesses and other entities to partner with charter school operators to address mutual priorities and create high-quality education options to benefit regional communities. In exchange for a donation of land, building space or sponsored renovations, and/or technology, corporate partners can reserve up to 50% of a school’s seats for employees’ children as well as a minority percentage of seats on the charter school’s governing board.
This model allows working families to have peace of mind knowing that their child is in a great nearby school and also facilitates opportunities for businesses to provide mentors, special event programming, work-based learning, exposure to careers, and so much more for their partner school. The school could also serve as a pipeline of prospective employees as students learn, graduate, and transition to careers.
Louisiana currently has four such schools across the state:
- BASIS Materra, partnering with Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge;
- John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy in Jefferson Parish;
- Baton Rouge Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy; and
- Edward Hynes Charter School, partnering with the University of New Orleans.
What’s Next?
Louisiana should prioritize the growth of this innovative, successful model to more communities and diversify the types of corporate partners consistent with state economic development priorities.
Thanks to a law passed in 2024, it is now easier for educators and employers throughout Louisiana to apply to open a Corporate Partnership Charter School. Learn more here.
