The East Baton Rouge Parish School System proudly celebrates Scotlandville Magnet High School being honored at the recent National Academy Foundation NEXT 2026 Conference on July 6-9 in Washington, D.C.
Leading the school’s accomplishments was the Academy of Engineering, which received the prestigious NAF Distinguished Academy Award for the 12th consecutive year. This extraordinary milestone reflects Scotlandville’s sustained excellence in career-connected education.
Four Scotlandville academies received national recognition, underscoring the school’s commitment to preparing students for success in college, careers, military service, entrepreneurship, and leadership through rigorous academics, innovative instruction, work-based learning, and strong business partnerships.
National Academy Foundation Honors
Scotlandville received the following academy recognitions at the NAF NEXT 2026 Conference:
- Academy of Engineering — NAF Distinguished Academy (12th consecutive year).
- Academy of Finance — NAF Distinguished Academy (second consecutive year).
- Academy of Health Sciences — NAF Distinguished Academy (first in school history).
- Academy of Information Technology — NAF Model Academy.
NAF Distinguished is the organization’s highest academy designation, recognizing sustained excellence in curriculum, work-based learning, business engagement, student outcomes and college and career readiness. NAF Model Academy status recognizes schools that have successfully implemented the NAF educational model while demonstrating exemplary progress toward Distinguished status.
“These recognitions represent the collective work of an outstanding team committed to ensuring every student has access to opportunities that prepare them for success beyond graduation,” said Scotlandville Principal Paul M. Jackson. “These honors belong to our exceptional faculty and staff, our academy directors, our advisory board members, our workforce partners, our students and families and our community.”
The awards further solidify Scotlandville’s reputation as one of Louisiana’s premier career academies and workforce development schools.
The school’s success is driven by strong partnerships with business, industry, higher education, government and community organizations that provide students with authentic career experiences and meaningful workplace connections.
Among those celebrating Scotlandville’s achievements at NAF NEXT 2026 was the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, whose collaboration continues to strengthen regional workforce development and expand opportunities for students.
Also representing the Scotlandville community was Anthony Kenney, Metro Council member for District 2 and chair of the Scotlandville Professional Academy Consortium Advisory Board.
Under the leadership of EBR Schools Superintendent LaMont Cole, Scotlandville’s NAF academies have experienced unprecedented growth and national recognition. The school has expanded career pathways, strengthened partnerships with business and industry, increased student participation in internships and work-based learning, and broadened access to industry credentials and postsecondary opportunities.
