care of. reporter: debra stephenson has seen remarkable change in two granddaughters, journey and sky. last year journey won top reader award. sky is a wonder woman. she can do anything. she tries. they give them that courage. reporter: for melissa, innovation is what her son needed. i am thrilled we could choose the school that would be tailored to my child. reporter: josh den son, founder, says the student body is 50/50 black and white from affluent and disadvantaged families. we believe bringing kids together from diverse backgrounds is a great way to increase equity, to increase empathy and cat a liez creativity. reporter: when katrina hit in 2005, public schools in new orleans were considered among the worst in the country. the storm damaged and destroyed most schools, including ones like this. abandoned for ten years.