The School for Math, Science & Arts is only the second state-supported school of its kind. Founded primarily due to the efforts of State Representative Jimmy D. Long and Robert A. Alost, the school was founded in 1983 in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Students can apply to attend during their Freshman or Sophomore years to spend two, three or four years at the school. The curriculum is heavily focused on math and the sciences, but there is also a large fine arts program available at the school. The school is located on the campus of Northwestern State University, but it uses separate buildings and dormitories.
The school maintains a strict disciplinary standard, while still allowing students their personal freedoms.