Warren Easton High School

Warren Easton High School. Founded in 1843, it is the oldest public high school in Louisiana and a prominent fixture in the New Orleans educational landscape. Operating as a magnet school within the Orleans Parish School Board, it has a storied history of academic achievement and community resilience, notably recovering from severe damage during Hurricane Katrina. The school is named for Warren Easton, a pioneering educator and former Louisiana Superintendent of Education.

History

The institution was originally established as the Boy's High School of New Orleans before being renamed in 1896 to honor Warren Easton. Its early history is intertwined with the development of public education in the Antebellum South, surviving the upheavals of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The 20th century saw it become a coeducational comprehensive high school, educating generations of New Orleanians. A pivotal moment in its modern history was the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which flooded the campus and displaced the student body. Its remarkable recovery was aided by a national fundraising effort spearheaded by celebrities like Patricia Clarkson and Hilary Swank, allowing it to reopen in 2006 as one of the first public schools in the French Quarter area to resume operations.

Campus

The school's main building is a historic structure located at 3019 Canal Street, bordering the Mid-City and Bayou St. John neighborhoods. The architecture reflects early 20th-century scholastic design, with a central auditorium and traditional classroom wings. Post-Hurricane Katrina renovations, supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and private donors, modernized facilities while preserving historical character. The campus now includes updated science laboratories, a media center, and athletic facilities. Its location provides students with access to the cultural resources of downtown New Orleans, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and Louisiana State Museum.

Academics

Warren Easton functions as a magnet school with a college-preparatory curriculum, emphasizing Advanced Placement courses and dual-enrollment opportunities with local institutions like Delgado Community College. It holds membership in the National Honor Society and has been recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education for high academic growth. Specialized programs include a focus on health sciences and business technology, preparing students for careers and further study. The school maintains a strong graduation rate and consistently sends graduates to prestigious universities such as Louisiana State University and Tulane University.

Athletics

The school's athletic teams, known as the Eagles, compete in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA). Warren Easton has a particularly storied tradition in football, with its team frequently competing in state playoffs and producing numerous collegiate athletes. The football program has won multiple state championships, with notable coaches like Jerry Phillips contributing to its legacy. Other successful sports include basketball and track and field, with athletes often progressing to compete in the NCAA and for teams like the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved distinction in diverse fields such as politics, music, sports, and academia. In politics and law, graduates include former Louisiana Governor John McKeithen and federal judge Morey L. Sear. The entertainment world counts jazz musician and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Fats Domino and Emmy Award-winning actor John Larroquette among its alumni. Sports figures are numerous, highlighted by Pro Football Hall of Fame member Mel Renfro of the Dallas Cowboys, NBA champion Randy Livingston, and Major League Baseball player Willie Norwood. Other notable graduates include educator and activist Dorothy Mae Taylor, the first African American woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives.

Category:Educational institutions established in 1843 Category:High schools in New Orleans Category:Magnet schools in Louisiana