LSMSA Recognized with Seal of Biliteracy Award at BESE Meeting
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) was honored this summer at a Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting in Baton Rouge for its achievements in language education.
Dr. John Littlejohn, Lecturer of German and Chair of the Languages Department, accepted the Seal of Biliteracy Award on behalf of the school.
The Louisiana Seal of Biliteracy recognizes graduating seniors who have attained proficiency in two or more languages, demonstrating the state’s commitment to bilingualism, global readiness, and academic excellence. This year, 1,138 students statewide from 67 schools across 38 districts received the Seal. In addition, 31 high schools, including LSMSA, were recognized as Exemplary High Schools for having at least five percent of their graduating class earn the distinction.
Dr. Littlejohn expressed pride in the recognition and gratitude for the collective effort that led to the award. “I felt very proud for our students,” he said. “They put in a lot of effort—and they maintained a real enthusiasm for languages—over the course of several years. I’m just as proud of our language faculty, because I know the hard work they put into teaching and mentoring these students. And I’m thankful for the work the administration put in to help these students accomplish their goals.”
The Seal of Biliteracy is a distinction affixed to students’ diplomas or transcripts, signaling high-level language mastery to future employers and colleges.
Dr. Steve Horton, Executive Director of LSMSA, noted the significance of the award in reflecting the strength of the school’s curriculum. “The achievement is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and the rigor of our curriculum, which encourages students not only to meet high academic standards but also to embrace the opportunities that multilingualism provides.”
ABOUT LSMSA
LSMSA is a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families so that no eligible student is denied access to the school’s 42-year legacy of a college-level living/learning experience for financial reasons. For more information about LSMSA, or to apply for the Fall ‘25 academic school year, visit www.LSMSA.edu.
Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is the preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for Louisiana's high-achieving, highly-motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures the program is available to all qualifying students regardless of family financial need.