The school was named in honor of New Orleans social activist
Eleanor McMain. It opened in 1932 originally as an all-girls school.[4][5] It became a coeducational junior high school in 1952, and a coeducational secondary with a magnet program in 1974. It later became an all-magnet school.[6]
Students and Alumni refer to the schools appearance as "The Birthday Cake" because of its square shape and candle-like pillars. The school is five blocks away from the former
Alcee Fortier High School, now the
Lusher Charter School secondary campus.
In 2017, it was announced that McMain was going to become a charter school and retain the same name under the Inspire Charter Network starting with the 2018 school year.[8]
Athletics
McMain Secondary School athletics competes in the
LHSAA.
Notable alumni
Hong Chau, Vietnamese American actress.[9] Attended McMain in the 1990s
Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.), rapper, singer, songwriter. Attended McMain in the 1990s for two years before transferring to
Marion Abramson High School[10]
Darrion Weems,
NFL offensive tackle. Attended but did not graduate from McMain. (displaced by Hurricane Katrina)[11]