The educational philosophy of the Akili Academy of New Orleans is driven by our college preparatory mission. Our philosophy is based on four core values:

1. All students can learn, regardless of background.
2. Great teachers and great teaching are essential to student academic success.
3. A highly structured, focused, and accountable school culture drives student achievement.
4. Data analysis drives effective instruction.

The core values of Akili Academy’s design are critically informed and inspired by high performing urban charter schools serving a similar population to that which we expect to serve in New Orleans. Based upon the proven practice and results of such schools, the Akili Academy model will incorporate the following elements to support the educational needs of our students and to reach the academic goals outlined in our Accountability Plan:

• A highly structured learning environment marked by limited distractions and efficient use of time and resources.
• An unrelenting focus on literacy acquisition in the early grades to ensure that all students are reading at or beyond grade level by the end of 1st grade.
• An extended school day and year, providing students the time needed to master the skills and content they will need to excel in challenging high schools.
• Research-proven curricula that leads to dramatic academic gains with our target population and a data-driven, direct instructional environment necessary to ensure that students master the core curriculum and are poised for future academic success.

And the results are in: in the Spring of 2011, our 3rd graders took the Louisiana iLeap Assessment for the very first time and 88% scored at Basic or Above, the highest percentage of any school in the Recovery School District--proof that our Core Values and practice-proven academic program have indeed put our scholars on the path to college success.