Wednesday kicked off late enrollment for most New Orleans public schools. Hundreds of families stopped by Dillard University throughout the day. Some missed earlier deadlines or just moved to the city. Others already got placements but wanted to try for a different school.
Last year's process was less than smooth. Long lines outside in the heat. Families turned away. This year, it's different.
"It was very fast," says parent Jenese Johnston. "I'm out of here in less than two hours. Yay!"
Johnston is here with her 15-year-old daughter, Corazon. They just moved to New Orleans from Chalmette. Like many families, they showed up at 7:00 a.m. on the dot.
"Yeah, they said no one arrive before seven o' clock and there were still people here. Like a lot of people," Corazon says.
They were assigned number 70.
Still, their wait wasn't too long. That's because the enrollment team made major changes this year. For starters, late enrollment is split into two phases. This week is high school only. Next week, all grades. There are also significantly more trained staff members on hand.
Once a family's number is called, they meet with a member of the enrollment team to see which schools still have openings and figure out a good fit.
For Corazon Johnston, that meant a school close to her new house: Carver Prep.
Late enrollment runs through August 31.