PRESS RELEASE: Travis Hill NOLA Honored with Four Top Awards at NOLA Public Schools’ State of the District Address

NEW ORLEANS, LA (JANUARY 22,2026)— Travis Hill NOLA, which serves students in secure custody in New Orleans, was recognized with four significant awards during the NOLA Public Schools State of the District Address Wednesday, underscoring the school’s continued academic growth, student-centered innovation, and commitment to serving young people impacted by the justice system.

During the event, Travis Hill School was honored for the following achievements:

• School Progress Grade of a “B”

• Opportunity School Honoree (Louisiana Department of Education)

• Rising Star Award for increasing its School Performance Score (SPS) by 10 points

• Letter Grade Improvement, moving from a “C” to a “B”

“These recognitions reflect what happens when belief, accountability, and unwavering support come together around our students,” said Goodwin. “Our young people are often written off long before they step into our classrooms. At Travis Hill NOLA, we refuse to accept that narrative. We meet students where they are, remove barriers to learning, and surround them with educators and transition support specialists who are deeply committed to their success. This moment belongs to our students, our staff, and our community partners who believe second chances deserve first-rate education.”

Travis Hill NOLA serves students ages 16–23 who are currently in secure custody at the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center and the Orleans Justice Center. The school also supports them as they return home from incarceration by helping them navigate pathways to graduation. THN emphasizes academic acceleration, individualized learning plans, wraparound services, and reentry support to help students earn their high school diploma and ensure students can successfully reintegrate into their communities. During the 2024-2025 school year, the school guided 42 students to graduation.

Key factors contributing to the school’s recent academic gains include:

• Targeted academic instruction aligned to individual student needs

• Strong transition and reentry coordination for justice-involved youth

• Dedicated educators and leadership, including a high number of Black male teachers and staff serving as mentors and role models

• Holistic student supports that address barriers beyond the classroom

• Data-driven academic planning and consistent progress monitoring

Travis Hill NOLA is the only school in Orleans Parish operating within pre-adjudication facilities, positioning it as a national model for education at the intersection of justice, equity, and opportunity.

“These awards affirm that when students are given structure, compassion, and high expectations, growth follows,” added Goodwin. “We are proud of how far we’ve come and even more committed to where we’re going.”

For more information about Travis Hill NOLA or to learn more about its mission, visit www.travishillschool.org.

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