IGNITE 2026 for Orleans Parish Families
Choosing a high school is an important decision, and for New Orleans students, that choice can help shape not only their next four years, but also the opportunities available to them after graduation.
On Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, YouthForce NOLA, and NOLA Public Schools will host IGNITE 2026 at the facility of our partner organization, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, bringing New Orleans public high schools together in one place to help middle school students and their families explore their options and find the best fit for their future.
IGNITE stands for Inform, Guide, Navigate, Inspire, Take Action, Enroll, reflecting the goal of helping students approach high school choice with information and a clearer sense of where they want to go.
At the showcase, families can meet representatives from New Orleans public high schools and learn about each school’s academic programs, career pathways, extracurricular opportunities, and student experiences. Students can explore schools based on what matters to them, whether they are interested in college preparation, a particular career field, advanced coursework, or opportunities to earn credentials and college credit while still in high school.
That information can make a significant difference when families begin comparing schools. Course offerings vary from school to school and may include Advanced Placement and honors courses, dual or concurrent enrollment, International Baccalaureate programs, and Industry-Based Credentials that help students build practical, career-ready skills. The IGNITE resource guide includes a glossary to help families understand these options as they navigate the high school selection process.
Families will also be introduced to the NOLA-PS College & Career Success Hub, an online resource where they can explore schools, compare programs, and learn more about college and career pathways. The goal is not simply to choose a high school, but to help students begin thinking about how the courses and experiences they select now can connect to their interests and future goals.
Middle school educators can play an important role in helping families prepare for IGNITE. In the weeks leading up to the event, students will receive pre-work and preparation activities that encourage them to reflect on their interests, goals, and questions so they arrive ready to have meaningful conversations with high school representatives.
And after the work of exploring high schools is done, families can enjoy the museum. IGNITE participants and their families will receive free admission to the Louisiana Children’s Museum following the showcase, with museum doors opening at 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Louisiana Children’s Museum
15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans
For New Orleans middle school students, high school choice is an opportunity to begin connecting who they are today with who they hope to become. IGNITE is designed to help students and families make that choice with greater confidence, information, and a vision for what comes next.