Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is located in Natchitoches, Louisiana on the campus of Northwestern State University (NSU). It is a member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology (NCSSSMST).

LSMSA is the brainchild of State Representative Jimmy D. Long of Natchitoches and Robert A. Alost, president of the then-declining NSU. The school was conceived to offer a unique experience to the state's brightest students while supplying Natchitoches with a well-needed influx of commerce and attention. On the heels of a fleeting surplus of state funds from oil revenues following America's oil crises of the late seventies, one-term Republican Governor David Conner Treen approved the founding of the school, and as a result is largely credited for saving the fledgling community college. Treen named trustees of the school, including Democratic State Senator Donald G. Kelly of Natchitoches.

Classes were originally held on the ground floor of Prudhomme Hall, an unused dormitory on the campus of NSU while female students lived in the upper floor and male students originally lived in Bossier Hall, another dorm. Renovation of the "High School Building," (known by no other formal title, but formerly the campus of Natchitoches High School) was completed in 1984, and the ceremonial ribbon was cut by then Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards.

"The Louisiana School," as it is commonly called, was the second state-supported residential school of its kind - the first being the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, which opened in 1980. The school was founded in the early 1980s with the first class enrolling as juniors in the fall of 1983, graduating in 1985.

Academically, the school is similar to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). Studies focus on mathematics, science, and the humanities. Like NCSSM math and science high schools, it has an arts program, with instruction in music, theater, visual art, and dance.

Among the various ensembles in both voice and instrumental, student musicians get the opportunity to perform music special to Louisiana through the Louisiana Composers' Consortium founded by LSMSA's own Dr. Al Benner. "Impulse," the school's dance company, travels across the state performing and also holds its own concert in the Spring of each year.

Admissions

As LSMSA recruits students from all of Louisiana, it can be described as a statewide magnet school. Prospective students apply during the fall of their sophomore year. Applicants submit application forms, grade transcripts, SAT or ACT results, and four letters of recommendation with one optional recommendation form. Applicants to the arts curriculum also submit a portfolio of artwork or audition. Also, a small number of students in their junior year may apply for admission for their senior year only. As of the 2007–2008 school year, LSMSA added its first Sophomore class, which composed of 41 students. 65 students have been invited to be in the 2008–2009 Sophomore class.

Residential Life

Students who attend LSMSA live in dorms, away from their families, much like college students. The dormitories are single-gender; girls in Caddo Hall and boys in Prudhomme Hall. At Caddo and Prudhomme, students of the other gender are only allowed in the dormitory lobbies unless accompanied by an SLA(Student Life Advisor). Rules regarding residential life are fairly stringent. Students have free time before 9pm (10pm with privileges) during weekdays during which they can sign out to various areas within the city of Natchitoches. The Louisiana School provides a shuttle for transportation because students with cars can only use them to drive home on weekends. Some students receive special privileges to drive their car on Saturday afternoons when grades and behavior warrant this special privilege.

Academic Integrity

Students must agree to the following honor code pledge:

As a student of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, I understand that I belong to an institution dedicated to the pursuit of learning. Thus, I promise to uphold the Honor Code that safeguards this pursuit. I accept my personal duty to promote an honorable attitude in my academic life by refraining from lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarizing, or vandalizing.

Notable alumni

* Rod Dreher (1985) - "The Dallas Morning News" editorial writer, columnist, frequent contributor to "National Review", "The New York Post"
* Andre Dehon (1986) - Nanotechnology pioneer, associate professor of electrical and systems engineering at the University of Pennsylvania
* D. Stephen Voss (1986) - award-winning teacher of political science and education policymaker at University of Kentucky
* Keith Nicewarner (1986) - Robotics engineer at NASA Ames Research Center, supervisor of Personal Satellite Assistant robot designed for the International Space Station
* Lt. Col. Stacy Hawkins (1987) - USAF
* Stephen Lazarus (1988) - Senior Policy Associate at the Center for Public Justice
* Trent Dawson (1989) - actor, played Henry Coleman on As the World Turns
* Heidi Gomez (1992) - U.S. diplomat; [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/pix/b/53240.htm]
* Mary Ellen Slayter (1995) - Career advice columnist for the Washington Post
* Josh Tickell (1993) - Biodiesel pioneer. [http://www.joshtickell.com]

ee also

* North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
* Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
* National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology

External links

* [http://www.lsmsa.edu/ LSMSA website]
* [http://www.lsmsaaa.org/ LSMSA Alumni Association]
* [http://www.lsmsa.edu/Foundation/ LSMSA Foundation]
* [http://www.lsmsareunion.com/ LSMSA Alumni Forum]