Educators for Quality Alternatives

Educators for Quality Alternatives

EQA is a New Orleans nonprofit with the mission of Providing struggling students with the skills, confidence and experiences to succeed in the education and career paths of their choice.

The organization currently runs three alternative high schools: The NET:Central City, The NET:Gentilly, and New Orleans Accelerated High School for students who have dropped out of, been expelled from, or who have otherwise struggled in a traditional school setting.  Additionally, EQA operates a middle school program called The Bridge for students who struggle in the traditional setting in 7th and 8th grades.  

EQA programs are built on the belief that alternative schools should not punish or “fix” young people; they should be vibrant, flexible, and restorative environments that support students in being their best selves.

The Bridge Middle School Program

This new program launched in August 2019 to serve 7th and 8th grade students during their expulsion terms, and this year was expanded to include referrals for struggling middle school students.  The program is rooted in restorative and therapeutic practices:  students will participate in intensive behavioral, social, and academic support and will work to build skills that will help them transition successfully back to their home school.