Howard School

Howard School, located at 901 South Vienna Street in Ruston, Louisiana, United States, is a state-licensed alternative school on the campus of Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home. The school, also known as the Lorraine Nobles Howard Education Center, is designated as a “Top Gains” school by the Louisiana Department of Education. Howard School provides education for residents of Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home and students referred from Lincoln Parish.

The institution offers a Strong Start Plan for the 2020/2021 school year, outlining teaching and learning strategies, safety protocols, cleaning procedures, and food services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the school's Ready to Achieve Plan for 2021/2022 provides further details on pandemic-related measures.

In addition to traditional education, Howard School offers a successful GED/Vocational Education track for students who may benefit from a career skills-based education. The school's Allen Career Center provides vocational training in construction, welding, and barbering.

Howard School has a long history of providing education and care for vulnerable children and families. The institution was established in 1902 as the Louisiana Methodist Orphanage and has since evolved into the Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services. The school's campus in Ruston has been home to educational initiatives since 1920, with a focus on meeting the needs of residents who may face challenges in traditional educational settings.

The school's dedicated staff is equipped to support junior and senior high students who are emotionally and behaviorally at risk. Howard School offers both a traditional academic track for students preparing for state universities, as well as a GED/Vocational skills track for those seeking career-focused education.

To report child abuse, individuals can contact the toll-free hotline at 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) at any time of day or night. For the privacy and protection of their children and families, Howard School does not display photos online. Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services operates as a ministry of The Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.