Benjamin Franklin High School is a charter high school and a magnet high school in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Commonly nicknamed "Franklin" or "Ben Franklin", the school was founded in 1957 as a school for gifted children.
Serving 1,056 students in grades 9-12, Benjamin Franklin High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Louisiana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 97% (which is higher than the Louisiana state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 98% (which is higher than the Louisiana state average of 42%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Louisiana state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Louisiana state average of 59% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,056 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 5% in LA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 97% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 98% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 95% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), LA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Benjamin Franklin High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Louisiana for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Benjamin Franklin High School's student population of 1,056 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 62 teachers has grown by 24% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,056 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
62 teachers
Year Founded
1957
Colors
White, Green, Orange
School Calendar
First Day of School
Sat. Aug 16, 2025
School Motto
We prepare students of high academic achievement to be successful in life.
School Mascot
Falcons
School Rankings
Benjamin Franklin High School ranks within the top 1% of all 1,244 schools in Louisiana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Benjamin Franklin High School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1 out of 1244 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
97%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
98%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
95%
27%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
17%
2%
Hispanic
10%
11%
Black
29%
41%
White
39%
41%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
83%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), LA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Falcons
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Benjamin Franklin High School's ranking?
Benjamin Franklin High School is ranked #1 out of 1,244 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Louisiana.
What schools are Benjamin Franklin High School often compared to?
Benjamin Franklin High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like The Willow School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
97% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% LA state average), while 98% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% LA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Benjamin Franklin High School?
The graduation rate of Benjamin Franklin High School is 98%, which is higher than the Louisiana state average of 83%.
How many students attend Benjamin Franklin High School?
1,056 students attend Benjamin Franklin High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Benjamin Franklin High School students are White, 29% of students are Black, 17% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Hispanic, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Benjamin Franklin High School?
Benjamin Franklin High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Louisiana state average of 14:1.
What grades does Benjamin Franklin High School offer ?
Benjamin Franklin High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Benjamin Franklin High School part of?
Benjamin Franklin High School is part of Benjamin Franklin High School District.
In what neighborhood is Benjamin Franklin High School located?
Benjamin Franklin High School is located in the Lake Terrace Oaks neighborhood of New Orleans, LA. There are 1 other public schools located in Lake Terrace Oaks.
School Reviews
5 10/25/2021
This is an excellent school but not for the average student. Its curricula are geared for high performers and it expects only the best efforts from the best students. It regularly delivers a high-level education to talented individuals.
2 12/7/2015
This school is a great springboard for kids hoping to get into a high-ranking college. That said, the students are extremely competitive with each other which results in bullying and rampant academic dishonesty.
Review Benjamin Franklin High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.