EBRATS History
Louisiana approved the first charter school law in 1995. The East Baton Rouge Arts & Technology School (E.B.R.A.T.S.) originated as the idea of a group of concerned citizens who were seeking an innovative and effective approach to improve public education. A board of directors was initiated; the school charter was developed and approved in 2000; and the school opened in January, 2001. That semester the school was housed at the Community School for Apprentice Learning. Dr. Ted DeMuro was the Headmaster, Kealy Duke was the original teacher, and the student body numbered 15.
In 2001-02, E.B.R.A.T.S. opened in its present location at 101 St. Ferdinand Street. This site was chosen particularly for the abundance of nearby community resources, such as the Old State Capitol and Centroplex Library. The staff and students all contributed to the renovation of the building and the development of the school environment. The school year began with approximately 85 students and a staff of 12. As the school developed each year, the student body and the faculty has grown. In 2002-03, there were approximately 120 students; in 2003-04 there were 145 students; and in 2004-05 there are 185 students with a fulltime staff of 23. Mrs. Duke became School Director in 2004.
E.B.R.A.T.S. was founded on the educational philosophy that cognitive learning is improved by active participation, that the concepts being taught should include their practical application, that the arts help facilitate creative understanding, and that all subject areas should be perceived as overlapping or integral parts to the educational “whole.” The charter emphasizes that the school will also be a laboratory setting for professional development of its teachers. The staff actively participates in planning, development, collaboration, and policy-making. The students are also encouraged to “take ownership” of initiating and managing their school activities. Community service and service learning are key components of the “E.B.R.A.T.S. ethic.”
With time, the Baton Rouge community has come to accept and support the somewhat unique presence of high school students in the downtown area. The students, who eat lunch out, are a boon to local small businesses. The many cultural organizations and businesses have welcomed the E.B.R.A.T.S. students to share their resources and facilities. Many Baton Rouge businesses have actively participated in the school’s internship program by taking students into their operations for hands-on training and experience in a career field that the students are interested in investigating. These intern experiences help teach the students professionalism and job expectations in “the real world.”
The E.B.R. Arts & Technology School is still a “work in progress.” Accountability scores indicate continued academic growth. Both the staff and students take pride in sharing in the effort to build a school where all who enter can feel welcomed and nurtured, where students can succeed based on their efforts, and where education goes far beyond traditional “book learning.” The overarching goal of E.B.R.A.T.S. is to instill in its students a sense of community, creativity, self-confidence, and understanding and to ensure that students have a solid foundation for success in their future academics or their career of choice.
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101 St. Ferdinand
at
North Blvd
Baton Rouge LA
70802