A Baton Rouge Charter School Embraces a Unique Approach to its School Culture

Prescott Academy, a Third Future school, has transformed the traditional teaching model, opening the door to higher salaries while maintaining an 85% staff retention rate. Located in North Baton Rouge, Prescott Academy was founded in 2023 and serves students in PreK-8th grade.

Third Future has flipped the script on a traditional school board model. They eliminate the top-heavy style of leadership and opt for a light and agile upper management team. This model allows money that would go to a board to flow directly into the schools, giving teachers a $75,000 starting pay and more
ownership.

“We cut out all the side positions,” said Prescott Academy Principal Kylon Wishom. “Our standards are different because our teachers carry more of the weight.”

Third Future schools follow the Learners, Securing, Secured, Accelerated, and Enriching (LSAE) education model. Under this model, teachers give 45 minutes of direct instruction, then move to 45 minutes of “LSAE time,” where students divide into 1 of the 5 categories based on individual needs.

The LSAE model creates a hands-on culture at Prescott Academy that demands high teacher performance. Still, the school offers many professional development and coaching opportunities to keep up the pace and maintain a positive environment. “Many teachers lose their vision, and it’s impossible to grow students if you’re not growing yourself,” said Wishom.

Prescott Academy saw double the expected growth for year one with the LSAE model. The 11 Third Future schools across the country align under one mission: to develop students for the 2030 workforce and redefine the education system.

To learn more about Prescott Academy, visit thirdfuture.org/schools/prescott-academy.