The FirstLine Community

The FirstLine Schools network prizes academic achievement, and our schools also teach students how to conduct themselves in the world. Teachers emphasize table manners, give tips on how to resolve conflicts, and teach children to greet others politely and exhibit good body language. Everyone spends time modeling the purposeful culture as well, which helps students succeed after they leave our schools. School meetings provide a time for reinforcing social skills, as well as offering recognition for student achievement and acts of exemplary character.

Good Neighbors

The neighborhoods surrounding our schools are also important parts of our community. Green School opened quickly after the flooding and began extensive development of its grounds, inspiring many in its Freret Street neighborhood with the confidence to rebuild their homes. We treasure the thank-you note we received from a neighbor after Green students left treats at people’s doors on May Day. “We love watching how you’re working with the children,” they wrote.

A Safe Place to Grow

The strong sense of community in FirstLine's schools has proved to be particularly critical in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. “Because of Katrina, kids lost their innocence,” says fourth-grade math teacher Brenda Benoit. “It [the school] is a safe place. It’s been difficult, but we’ve come a long way. Parents and kids need to work through the emotional trauma and the garden helps a lot. When you take a student’s hand and say “let’s go to the garden,” it’s amazing how settling that environment can be.”

FirstLine Network

• Mission & Vision
• The FirstLine Community
• History
• Charter Schools in New Orleans
• Samuel J. Green Charter School
• Arthur Ashe Charter School
• John Dibert Community School