The school opened in 1931 and was named for the renowned professor of Romance Languages at Tulane, Alcée Fortier.[2] Originally Fortier was an all-boys school.[1]
In 1992, Michael Lach and Michael Loverude of The Christian Science Monitor stated "Based on test scores, dropout rates, and socioeconomic status of the students, the schools we taught in were two of the worst high schools in the country - Booker T. Washington and Alcee Fortier high schools. Given these circumstances, both schools do a fine job, but students leave deserving so much more."[3]
Around 2003, the school made an "academically unacceptable" list.[4] In 2006, John Schmid of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said that Fortier was considered to be one of the "worst" schools in Louisiana.[5] The high school closed in 2006.[6]
The school offered German after its 1931 opening. About 150 students per academic period studied German. German was discontinued in the New Orleans school system in 1938, with the approach of World War II.[2]
^ abSchmid, John. "URBANOMICS REBUILDING AMERICAN'S [sic] INNER CITIES Johnson Controls has a blueprint to revive urban centers across the country while expanding its business. First on its list: Hurricane-ravaged New Orleans. Corporate catalyst for stricken cities." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. January 8, 2006. Retrieved on March 18, 2013. "But Lusher took on another challenge in its charter: It agreed to reopen Alcee Fortier High School, one of the state's worst schools."