The Willow School, formerly Lusher Charter School, is a Kindergarten through 12th-grade New Orleans Public Charter School located on three uptown New Orleans campuses and operated by the non-profit Advocates for Arts-Based Education Corporation. The Middle School, home to fifth through seventh grades, is named in honor of Everett Marsalis, Jr., the “Jazz Patriarch” of one of the most famous musical families in New Orleans.

A National Blue Ribbon School in partnership with Tulane University, The Willow School offers a unique program that inspires imagination and intellectual curiosity. Willow’s renowned academic program engages students and challenges them to think critically, analytically and creatively.

A hallmark of The Willow School is putting students at the center of all decisions. Middle School is a time of considerable mental, physical and emotional growth that will shape how students see themselves in relation to others.

At The Willow School, we believe that success starts with a culture of kindness and a deliberate effort to emphasize social/emotional learning. In order for students to face the complexity of the world, they must embrace empathy, leadership, creativity and teamwork.

Whole-child education is a psychological approach that has long been at the root of The Willow School’s success. The core values that consistently weave through our community at The Willow School are Kindness, Respect, Hard Work, and Responsibility. We envision a world where these are valued by all.