IDEA Schools in Baton Rouge to Close: Families Face Uncertainty as Two Campuses Shut Down

BATON ROUGE, La. – The closure of IDEA Public Schools’ two Baton Rouge campuses, IDEA Innovation and IDEA Bridge, at the end of the 2024-25 school year has left nearly 2,000 students and their families facing uncertainty about their education options. The decision, announced on January 7, follows years of underperformance and challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

IDEA’s closure marks the end of a six-year attempt to replicate the success of the charter network’s Texas schools in Baton Rouge. The local campuses, which opened in 2018, have faced persistent struggles, with both schools failing to meet academic standards in recent years. Despite initial promise, the schools were unable to recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, leading to the difficult decision to close.

“This decision comes after years of challenges. While IDEA made efforts, they ultimately weren’t able to deliver the results students deserved,” said Dr. Noemi Donoso, CEO of New Schools for Baton Rouge. “This is a wake-up call about the complexities of transplanting successful models into a different state with different needs and accountability systems.”

As the closure date approaches, local education leaders, including officials from IDEA, New Schools for Baton Rouge, and the East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBR), are working together to find a solution for the displaced students. Among the options under consideration are transitioning the schools to a new charter operator, integrating students into other successful district schools, or partnering with a new organization to take over operations.

“We are focused on providing students with a high-quality educational experience, and we will explore all options to ensure a smooth transition,” Dr. Donoso added.

IDEA Public Schools issued a statement acknowledging their failure to meet the academic needs of students. The organization emphasized its commitment to working with EBR and other community partners to ensure a seamless transition and provide continued support to families during the change.

“Though we are proud of the perseverance shown by our students, families, and staff, it’s clear that new opportunities are necessary to give these students the education they deserve,” IDEA’s statement read. “We are committed to working with our partners to provide a successful transition for all affected families.”

The East Baton Rouge School System has already begun formulating plans for the upcoming transition. In a statement, EBR officials expressed their dedication to ensuring that all students, including those impacted by the closure, have access to outstanding, tuition-free educational opportunities. EBR intends to present a range of options to the school board soon.

As the closure looms, Dr. Donoso stressed the importance of finding the right educational solution for the students, many of whom have spent years in underperforming schools. “When children spend years in failing classrooms, it has a lasting effect on their future success,” she said. “The best outcome would be for students to remain in their current schools with a new, high-quality operator.”

Discussions are ongoing, and families affected by the closures are encouraged to stay informed as more information becomes available about the transition and future options for their children.