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Audubon Charter School – Uptown

United States, New Orleans

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $5,100
Ages 3 - 14 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1981
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 25
Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Sport
Clubs Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing, Academic and Intellectual
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Audubon Uptown is a public charter school in New Orleans offering two distinct programs on two Uptown campuses. The Lower School (K–3) is at 428 Broadway Street and the Upper School (4–8) at 3128 Constance Street, serving ages 3 to 14. The school blends a Montessori program with a French language program. The French School follows the French national curriculum and is AEFE-accredited, with about 70% of daily instruction delivered in French by native-speaking teachers. English Arts, Math, Science, and Cultural Studies align with Louisiana standards; 8th graders can earn Algebra I credit after LEAP 2025. The Montessori program emphasizes a prepared environment, self-directed, hands-on learning with teachers as guides. DELF progression is followed (A1 in 2nd grade, A2 in 5th, B1 in 8th). Arts education is central via Arts Reach; athletics are coordinated by Rarebird Athletics; meals, before/after care, and enrichment programs support student life.

Lower Campus: 428 Broadway Street, New Orleans, LA 70118; Upper Campus: 3128 Constance Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

The Essentials

Audubon Charter School – Uptown has typical class sizes of 25, instruction in French, English.

Location
Audubon Uptown operates two campuses in New Orleans, Louisiana: the Lower School at 428 Broadway Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, and the Upper School at 3128 Constance Street, New Orleans, LA 70115. The Lower School serves Kindergarten through 3rd grade; the Upper School serves 4th through 8th grade. The school is in the Uptown area of New Orleans and is part of Audubon Schools, a public charter system.

Stages
Lower School grades K-3; Upper School grades 4-8

Type
Public charter school with Montessori and French language programs

Additional learning support
Student Services includes a Student Services Coordinator, a Counselor, and a Nurse. The school provides accommodations via IEPs and 504 plans; a Behavioral Health Provider may be engaged with services incorporated into a written treatment plan. A Student Assistance (SAT) Team supports retention decisions when needed.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school enforces a dress code policy but not a standard school uniform.

Food Options
Cafe Audubon serves breakfast and lunch at both campuses. Menus are subject to change. Families must create a MySchoolBucks account to pay for meals.

Governance and Ownership
Audubon Charter School is governed by the Board of French and Montessori Education, Inc. (FAME, Inc.).
Fees

Annual tuition at Audubon Charter School – Uptown ranges from USD 5,100 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Applications are submitted through the NOLA Public Schools Common Application Process (NCAP); the school does not charge a separate application fee for K–8 enrollment.

Tuition fees (by year group and billing basis)

- Pre-K (tuition-based Pre-K 3 & Pre-K 4): USD 5,100 per year. This tuition for Pre-K seats is collected through a third-party vendor.

- Kindergarten through Grade 8 (K–8): no general annual tuition is charged for K–8 seats (public charter day-school provision); the only recurring tuition shown is for the tuition-based Pre-K program above.

Consumable / student fees (details per year group and due dates)

- K–3 student fees (collected at registration, due July 31): TOTAL USD 50, composed of:
- Student ID with lanyard: USD 13
- Student insurance: USD 18
- Technology fee: USD 19
- TOTAL: USD 50. These fees are collected during registration and are due on July 31. Credit card payments are accepted online and in person.

- Grades 4–8 student fees (collected at registration, due July 31): TOTAL USD 55, composed of:
- Student ID with lanyard: USD 13
- Student insurance: USD 18
- Technology fee: USD 19
- Student planner (4th–8th grade only): USD 5
- TOTAL: USD 55. These fees are collected during registration and are due on July 31. Credit card payments are accepted online and in person.

Before‑ and after‑school (Charter Care) fees and billing

- Registration fee (per family/child) for Charter Care: USD 35 (non‑refundable).

- Before Care (monthly): USD 85.

- After Care (monthly, full‑time): USD 185.

- After Care (monthly, part‑time at upper campus): USD 100.

- Drop‑in fee: USD 15 per day; Drop‑in fee for early dismissal days: USD 20 per day.

- Billing cadence: before/after‑care charges are stated as monthly fees; the registration fee is due at program registration. Specific invoicing and payment schedules for Charter Care follow the Charter Care program registration and handbook.

Boarding fees

- Not applicable. Audubon Charter School – Uptown operates as day campuses (Lower and Upper) for Pre‑K through Grade 8 and does not offer boarding.

Other costs and possible additional charges

- Textbooks, instructional materials and school supplies: parents may be required to replace or compensate for lost, destroyed or unnecessarily damaged books and materials; monetary charges for lost/damaged textbooks are limited to the replacement cost (adjusted for condition at the school's discretion). Requested classroom supply lists exist but supply requests must comply with the school's published limits.

- Extracurricular, field trip, or third‑party vendor costs: fees for certain co‑curricular activities, trips, or items provided by third‑party vendors (for example, specialty classes, certain field trips, or external vendors) may be charged separately and are not included in the standard consumable fee amounts. Such charges are treated as activity‑specific fees under the school fee policy.

- Dress / uniform: the school enforces a dress code but does not require a standard school uniform; therefore there is no mandatory uniform charge imposed by the school. Parents should follow the dress code expectations.

Refunds, waivers and financial hardship policies

- Charter Care registration fees are explicitly non‑refundable.

- Fee waivers, reductions, delayed or installment payment arrangements may be granted for families experiencing economic hardship or meeting public‑assistance eligibility guidelines; families seeking relief should submit a request to the Finance Department for consideration. The failure to pay a required fee does not permit withholding a student's educational record.

- Charges for lost/damaged textbooks are limited to replacement cost; other refunds (for consumable/student fees) are handled according to the school's fee policy and program‑specific rules.

Billing schedule and payment terms (summary)

- Consumable/student registration fees: collected at registration and due July 31 each year.

- Pre‑K tuition: billed through the indicated third‑party vendor (annual amount stated USD 5,100). Families selecting tuition‑based Pre‑K seats will follow the vendor's billing schedule.

- Charter Care: billed as monthly fees (registration due at sign‑up; ongoing monthly charges for care). Drop‑in charges apply per day as noted above.

- General payment timing: payment is expected at or before the start of the activity for which the fee is assessed, unless a payment arrangement is approved. The school's finance office will consider requests for delayed payment, reduction, or waivers for eligible families.

Accepted payment methods and how to pay

- Preferred methods include cash and credit card; the school issues receipts (hard copy or electronic) for fee payments. Online credit card payments are accepted; the site provides a link to pay online. Families may contact the Finance Department (finance@auduboncharter.org) to discuss payment arrangements.

Contacts for fee questions and payment arrangements

- Finance inquiries and requests for payment arrangements or hardship consideration: finance@auduboncharter.org.

Key campus / program notes (for context on grade groups and services)

- Audubon Uptown operates Lower and Upper campus day sites serving Pre‑K through Grade 8; before/after care (Charter Care) options and the tuition‑based Pre‑K program are distinct from regular K–8 public enrollment.
Academics

Audubon Charter School – Uptown teaches French Curriculum, American Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum for students aged 3 to 14.

Curriculum
Audubon Uptown offers two programs: the French School and the Montessori program. In the French School, pre-K through 5th follow the French curriculum for five hours daily; grades 6-8 follow a modified French curriculum, with a portion of the day devoted to English Language Arts taught by the American faculty. French teachers are native speakers certified by the French government, and the curriculum includes English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Cultural Studies aligned with Louisiana standards, with 8th grade students able to earn Algebra I for high school credit after LEAP 2025. The school provides Visual Art, Creative Movement, Music, Theater, Chinese and French as a second language, with typically 3-6 hours of specials per week. Assessments include NWEA MAP three times annually for grades K-8, and LEAP 2025 is administered each spring to grades 3-8. The Montessori program operates with a teacher as facilitator and follows Montessori principles, emphasizing freedom within limits in multiage classrooms, with lower elementary years typically requiring three to four years to complete.

Exam Results
The high academic standards of this combined program yield excellent results on American and French national tests.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates attend the city's best secondary schools, including the middle school at Audubon.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Exceptional Children's Services provide social and emotional supports for Audubon Uptown students. Counseling and other therapies are offered as part of SPED services. Behavioral health services may be provided during school hours by a licensed provider when requested by a parent and supported by an evaluation. The provider must have liability insurance, pass a background check, and coordinate with the student's IEP or 504 plan as applicable. Progress updates are provided to families, and services are coordinated with school teams through the SBLC process.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Audubon Uptown delivers Special Education in accordance with federal, state, and local laws (IDEA, ADA, and Louisiana law). The philosophy is inclusive and holistic, personalizing education within an inclusion model. The SPED program describes staffing and a range of services, including speech/language therapy, counseling, and occupational and physical therapies, provided by school staff or contractors. It outlines a continuum of placements and school-based supports, with procedures for evaluation (SBLC), parent engagement, and collaboration with external providers. Extended school year services and transportation considerations are described as appropriate.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Audubon Uptown provides English Language Learners services in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. The program offers resources and supports necessary for ELL students to access the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
Audubon Uptown supports students' mental wellbeing through counseling and related therapies as part of Exceptional Children's Services. Counseling and other therapies are available as part of SPED, and behavioral health services may be provided during the school day by a licensed provider with parent consent and an evaluation. Services are coordinated with the student's IEP/504 plan and SBLC team, with input from school staff and, when needed, external providers. The school emphasizes collaborative planning to address emotional and behavioral needs.

Safeguarding
Audubon Uptown maintains non-discrimination policies and designates a Title IX Coordinator (Ronda Moore) to handle inquiries. DCFS Toll Free Hotline (1-855-4LA-KIDS) and a Cyberbullying Hotline (1-855-452-5437? or 504-304-5782) are published for safeguarding. A bullying contact and formal complaint procedures are in place to address safety concerns.
Parent Experience

History
Audubon Uptown was established in 1981 as Audubon Montessori School, founded by four teachers who studied Montessori certification at Tulane University. A French component opened in 1986, and in 1990 Audubon became an official French School through an agreement between the French Government and the State of Louisiana. After Hurricane Katrina, Audubon Montessori became Audubon Charter School in January 2006 under the governance of the Board of French and Montessori Education, Inc. The school operates on two Uptown campuses—Lower School (K–3) at 428 Broadway Street and Upper School (4–8) at 3128 Constance Street—and Audubon Gentilly joined as a sister school in 2018; Audubon Baton Rouge opened in Fall 2025 serving K–5.

Community
Audubon Uptown fosters a culturally rich community through Montessori education with a French language component and arts integration. The school hosts community events such as Audubon Uptown Night at City Park and pen-pal exchanges with a French partner school, reflecting its international orientation. Student life includes media and arts programs and events, including the Live Oak Talent Show and Classroom Public Radio, which involve student voices beyond academics.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Audubon Uptown operates two campuses in New Orleans: the Lower School at 428 Broadway Street and the Upper School at 3128 Constance Street. The school blends Montessori education with a French language program and an arts focused approach. The French program is accredited by AEFE and uses the French national curriculum; about 70% of daily instruction is delivered in French with native French speaking teachers. The Montessori curriculum emphasizes a prepared learning environment, hands-on materials, and self-directed learning with teachers as guides. Arts education is a foundational component supported by Arts Reach and other student life programs, and Cafe Audubon along with Charter Care provide meals and before/after care.

Sports Facilities
Rarebird Athletics offers interscholastic style sports across Fall, Winter, and Spring. Fall sports include Girls Volleyball (4th-6th, 7th-8th), Cross Country (6th-8th), Flag Football (5th-8th), and Cheerleading (4th-8th). Winter sports include Girls and Boys Basketball (4th-8th) and Co-ed Soccer. Spring sports include Co-ed Swim (4th-8th), Girls Softball (5th-8th), Boys Baseball (5th-8th), Co-ed Tennis (6th-8th), and Co-ed Golf (6th-8th).

Academic Facilities
Montessori Program: The Montessori curriculum provides an educational experience through a hands-on approach designed to meet each child's needs. The Prepared Learning Environment emphasizes that the classroom, materials, and social climate support independent work, with materials that are self-correcting to foster independent or small group learning. Teachers act as nurturing guides in a framework of self-directed learning with extended work blocks. French Program: The French program uses the traditional curriculum set by the French government and meets the standards of the French Ministry of Education; it is accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). About 70% of daily instruction is delivered in French with native French-speaking teachers; courses cover French across disciplines, with English language arts and specials also part of the program. The school follows the DELF progression (A1 in 2nd grade, A2 in 5th grade, B1 in 8th grade) and maintains a 25:1 student-teacher ratio in the French program.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts Reach is Audubon Uptown is an after-school enrichment program offering classes in music, art, dance, and homework help with enrollment on a first-come basis. The program runs at the Lower Campus and schedules a range of arts and STEM activities with posted registration dates and fees. Rarebird Athletics provides fall, winter, and spring sports including volleyball, cross country, flag football, cheer, basketball, soccer, swimming, softball, baseball, tennis, and golf, with season schedules and eligibility requirements published for student participation.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school uses Montessori and French language programs as its core academic model. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and concept-based study, with learning supported through foreign language study. Arts education is a foundation of the program, contributing to literacy, mathematics, creativity, and critical thinking. The school graduates students as creative thinkers and fluent speakers of French.

Arts & Creative
Arts Reach is Audubon Uptown's after-school enrichment program offering classes in music, art, and dance. Arts education is a foundation of the program and is integrated across the curriculum. Registration for Arts Reach is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cultural & Language
The school offers an authentic French national-curriculum program accredited by AEFE. About 70% of daily instruction is delivered in French, with 30% in English; specials include Arts, P.E., and library. Most French teachers come from France and other francophone regions, with many recruited by CODOFIL. DELF exams are administered at key grade levels (DELF A1 in 2nd grade, A2 in 5th grade, B1 in 8th grade).

Social & Hobbies
Arts Reach provides after-school enrichment including music, art, and dance. Rarebird Athletics offers interscholastic sports throughout the year, including girls volleyball, cross country, flag football, cheerleading, basketball, soccer, swimming, softball, baseball, tennis, and golf. Live Oak Student Voices and Classroom Public Radio provide student-led media activities. Charter Care offers before- and after-school care at both campuses.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The athletic program fosters personal growth, self-discipline, skill development, cooperation, creativity, and fun. Inter-scholastic sports run across fall, winter, and spring for 4th-8th graders, including volleyball, cross country, basketball, soccer, swimming, softball, baseball, tennis, and golf. Before- and after-school care supports student wellbeing at both campuses. Specials such as arts, physical education, movement/theater, and library are part of the French program, contributing to a balanced schedule.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include French, English, and Mandarin Chinese. The French program is AEFE-accredited and follows the French national curriculum, taught by native French speakers. In lower elementary, 70-90% of instruction is in French; in 2nd grade, English Language Arts begins daily, and in 3rd grade instruction is about 70% French and 30% English, with math, social studies, science, and related subjects taught in French. Mandarin Chinese starts in 3rd grade with Confucius Institute support to develop tonal language listening and speaking skills.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers a bilingual program with instruction in French and English. In lower elementary, 70-90% of instruction is in French. In 2nd grade, students begin transitioning between French and English in thinking, reading, writing, and speaking. In 3rd grade, 70% of instruction is in French and 30% in English; English Language Arts is studied daily from 2nd grade, and other core subjects are taught in French.

Immersion Programs
Not a French immersion program. The school offers an accredited French program taught by native French speakers using the French national curriculum. English is integrated as a separate subject, with daily English Language Arts beginning in 2nd grade and most other core subjects taught in French. Mandarin Chinese begins in 3rd grade with support from the Confucius Institute.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
The school is accredited to teach the French national curriculum by the AEFE and is designated by the Louisiana Department of Education as a Certified World Languages Site.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The school participates in the EnrollNOLA Common Application Process (NCAP). All applications are completed online at enrollnolaps.com. Main Round Applications open on November 3, 2025 and close on January 23, 2026, with placement notifications sent by EnrollNOLA and Open Enrollment occurring in mid-May 2026. After placements are issued, registration links become available in the NCAP portal after a five‑day processing period. Open Enrollment is open as of May 13, 2026. 2. During Open Enrollment, the school accepts applications for Montessori (Kindergarten–8th) and French (Kindergarten–8th); placements are made based on waitlist offers and seat availability for each program. 3. Students applying for Audubon Uptown seats may be required to take an admission test; it is important to complete the testing requirement before Open Enrollment to be eligible for available seats. Montessori testing dates are Tuesday, June 23, 2026; Tuesday, July 7, 2026; and Tuesday, July 14, 2026. French testing dates are by appointment for grades with seats available. 4. For Audubon Uptown – French Program, Priority 1 is siblings of currently enrolled students, Priority 2 is applicants transferring from an accredited French school or French immersion school, and Priority 3 is all other applicants. 5. For Audubon Uptown – Montessori Program, Priority 1 is siblings of currently enrolled students, Priority 2 is applicants transferring from a Montessori school, and Priority 3 is all other applicants. 6. Applicants must be legal residents of Orleans Parish; Audubon Uptown has an academic admissions requirement. Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years old on or before September 30 of the upcoming year to submit a kindergarten application. After submitting the application, the next steps outline any follow‑up information needed to complete the process. 7. Next steps for Audubon Uptown (and Gentilly) are available after submission through the admissions portal.

Waitlist
Placements are filled from a waitlist based on seat availability for all programs. In the Uptown French Program, priority is given first to siblings, then to applicants transferring from an accredited French school or French immersion program, and finally to all other applicants. In the Uptown Montessori Program, priority is given first to siblings, then to applicants transferring from a Montessori school, and finally to all other applicants. Open Enrollment and Main Round rely on the waitlist system to fill available seats.
School Events
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