Ursuline Academy of New Orleans
Belinda Baker, Director of Early Childhood

The Soeur Teresita Rivet, OSU Early Childhood Learning Center of Ursuline Academy of New Orleans offers a program like no other. This NAEYC-accredited program, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment. The learning environment, known as the “third teacher,” provides a large variety of both natural and man-made materials for the students to choose from, sparking their intellectual curiosity through a self-guided curriculum.

Based on the belief that children need to naturally know how to work and problem-solve together, Ursuline Academy Early Childhood students, Toddler 2 through Kindergarten, are given the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences. The Early Childhood teachers model this belief by working together in order to benefit from each other’s strengths. Located on an 11.5-acre historic Uptown campus, the Center provides a program that is uniquely Ursuline in that it offers the project approach with traditional academic structure and timeless values.

Ursuline Academy’s Early Childhood provides a cohesive learning approach that sets the foundation for the future success of its young women. With the distinction of being both the oldest, continuously operating school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the United States, Ursuline Academy educates the whole person and prepares future female leaders for life in a global society. Ursuline Academy’s Director of Early Childhood, Belinda Baker, is excited to expand the program to include a one-year-old program in the 2019-2020 school year.

2635 State Street New Orleans, LA 70118, 504.861.9150, uanola.org.

Academy of the Sacred Heart
Sr. Melanie A. Guste, RSCJ, Headmistress

At the Academy of the Sacred Heart, we are committed to offering our students the knowledge, skills, and character required for global leadership. We define success not only in terms of outcomes but in demonstrated imagination, innovation, collaboration—all critical competencies of the 21^st Century.

“We believe our girls ‘will change the world’—whether by exploring the stars, designing new technologies, or partnering to drill wells in Africa. By discovering the intersections of faith, academics, service, and community, our students grow to become integrated persons of conscience and consciousness,” says Headmistress Sr. Melanie A. Guste, RSCJ, a Religious of the Sacred Heart who holds a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems and M.S. degrees in Educational Administration and Applied Spirituality.

Our school is a community where girls from age 1 through 12^th grade grow through relationships, create lasting connections with others, and benefit from an international network of over 150 Sacred Heart schools in 41 countries. Entering through the gates of “Sacré Coeur” as infants and leaving as women, Sacred Heart students grow in confidence and become courageous Christ-centered leaders who make an impact in the world.

4521 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, 504.891.1943, ashrosary.org.

Archbishop Rummel High School
Marc Milano, President and Principal

When I first entered the halls of Archbishop Rummel High School as a young man in 1986, I had no idea that later in life I would be returning to the same halls as the school’s principal and president.

Our motto, “Touching Hearts, Teaching Minds, and Cultivating Leaders,” describes the philosophy of all our educators and administrators. Educating young men, grades eight through twelve, in the Lasallian faith for over fifty years, we have established ourselves as a strong educational institution.

I encourage you to come see our campus renovations and experience what it means to be a part of our Raider Family. I am a Rummel Raider. My son is a Rummel Raider. Like the third stanza of our Fight Song says, “We are the pride of the Southland. We’re here to stay. Raiders, the champions, boldly show the way!” 

1901 Severn Ave, Metairie, rummelraiders.com.

Atonement Lutheran School
Doug Molin, Principal

Atonement Lutheran School was founded with one objective in mind: to provide an excellent Christian education and loving environment to families in the metro New Orleans area. Our mission statement exemplifies this: “Atonement Lutheran School functions as an arm of the Atonement Lutheran Church community of faith and demonstrates God’s love in Christ so that children, parents, faculty, staff, and congregational members might grow as persons and as Christian disciples.” 

Atonement is a place where families can grow together in all facets of life. We are small enough to give parents and children the attention they deserve but have the faculty, staff, and facilities to provide a great education and school life experience. From the littlest threes in our Preschool to the eighth graders preparing for high school, Atonement is a place where the teachers, faculty, and staff passionately believe in providing personalized attention, while maintaining a superb educational climate and creating memorable experiences. 

I continue to hear feedback from area high schools, saying that our students are amongst the most – if not the best – prepared in their student populations. We also offer many opportunities for our children to be involved in extracurricular activities, including a year-round sports program, scouting, talent shows, and a robust music program that has several choirs, a band and a musical every spring. Families are welcome to schedule a private tour or attend one of our two open houses and learn more about our wonderful school and all it has to offer.

6500 Riverside Drive, Metairie, 504.887.0225, alcs.org.

Beary Cherry Tree

Beary Cherry Tree is one of the most unique child development centers in the New Orleans area, serving infants, babies, and toddlers. We believe interactions matter! Our center promotes positive relationships while guiding your children in their physical, mental, social and emotional growth. Our staff implements research-based assessments and aligns our curriculum to meet the individual needs of our children while guiding them through each developmental stage of growth to set a strong foundation. 

Beary Cherry Tree is family owned and operated and has been for 34 years. Since opening in 1976, we have enjoyed growing with our families. With our new building opening on September 4th, we are looking forward to new opportunities for engagement and interaction with our families!

3117 Lake Villa Drive, Metairie, 504.455.1950, bearycherrytree.com.

Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans
Pauline Dides, Head of School and Chevalier of the Order of the Academic Palms

Founded in 1998, Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year with experienced faculty from all over the world and a richly diverse student body.

Now serving more than 260 students from 18 months through 8th grade, Ecole Bilingue is Louisiana’s first and only private, multilingual school accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the Louisiana Department of Education. Our mission is to provide a strong and distinctive education by combining the best of French and American academics.

Ecole Bilingue is set up on the principle that the best way to ensure academic excellence is through a variety of proven teaching methods in a nurturing and vibrant environment. Our beautiful campus includes three buildings, specifically designed for early childhood, elementary and middle school students, as well as a large green space and playground.

Pauline Dides joined Ecole Bilingue in 2006 and became Head of School in 2009. As part of a very forward-thinking leadership team, Pauline plays a major role in creating innovative educational projects and new teaching methods. She successfully implemented the use of new technology in the classroom, as well as the use of special teaching spaces that encourage student creativity. Dides was the driving force in securing accreditation for the school’s Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 programs. In addition to its accreditations, Ecole Bilingue is affiliated with several global networks, including the AEFE, NAIS and Mission Laïque Française.

812 General Pershing St., New Orleans, 504.896.4500, ebnola.net.

Isidore Newman School

Newman’s core values of honesty, kindness, respect, and responsibility are at the heart of our community. They are embodied in our school spirit and central to the strong relationships and high expectations that are central to the Newman experience. Students are encouraged to excel in the classroom and on the field in the areas of academics, arts, and athletics, but they are also Newman ambassadors in the wider community, participating in community engagement activities ranging in scope from local to global.

Starting in early childhood, “Greenies” learn what it means to be a part of a community. In Lower School, students practice working together to achieve common goals. In Middle School, students become mentors, guiding Lower School students through activities throughout the year. In Upper School, students begin to see themselves as empowered young adults capable of making a global impact through service, science, business, the arts, and leadership.

Our spirited community enjoys celebrating Newman and sharing with others what makes our school special. We invite you to come and see for yourself.

1903 Jefferson Ave, New Orleans, LA, 504.899.5641, newmanschool.org.

Kehoe-France School

At Kehoe-France School, children are nurtured in a warm and welcoming environment. With small class sizes in a secure and picturesque environment, our degreed and certified staff encourage our students to explore their curiosities. As a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme, Kehoe-France is focused on providing an inquiry-based approach to learning. Our students are actively engaged in their development, education, and activities. We focus not only on the academic fundamentals but also a child’s physical health and wellness through our expansive athletic programs, exposure to the fine arts through classes and clubs, and a commitment to service as a school community. Our facilities are newly renovated with more improvements to come. We invite everyone to come tour with us and take those first steps onto the path to success.

720 Elise Ave, Metairie, LA , 504.733.0472, www.kehoe-france.com.

Kinder Haus Montessori

In 1984, our founder, Pat Lacoste, opened Kinder Haus Montessori School in Metairie, followed by our Mandeville campus in 1996, with the vision of providing the highest quality care for young children. Now, as we begin our 35th school year, we celebrate the joys that Montessori has brought to thousands of children who have passed through our doors. We truly believe that Montessori is a gift for life.

We fully embrace the Montessori philosophy of education, allowing children to experience its lifelong benefits. The teaching methods focus on work that helps develop a child’s ability to concentrate, be self-motivated, self-directed, self-confident, and independent. Children learn to care for their own needs by helping with snack time and taking care of the environment. This fosters their natural desire to be independent and self-confident, which they take pride in. Children are encouraged to explore their environment and have the freedom to make choices. It’s also stimulating and child-oriented, a place where they can learn and explore without fear. Freedom within a structured environment helps develop a sense of order and purpose, which increases critical thinking skills, decision-making, understanding of natural consequences, and encourages creativity.

Kinder Haus introduces each child to academic foundations in Math, Science, Language, and Geography. Teachers give individual lessons to support the children socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Children who come through our doors leave with compassion, independence, self-esteem, concentration, and a love for learning.  We invite anyone eager to brighten their world to come visit.

5201 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie and , 252 Magnolia St., Mandeville, kinderhausmontessori.com.

St. Paul’s Episcopal School
Charleen Schwank, Head of School

Creativity, challenge, confidence – at St. Paul’s Episcopal School we believe every child should be engaged in a continuous process of learning and discovery. Nestled in the heart of Lakeview, St. Paul’s provides a loving family atmosphere for toddlers through 8^th grade, where students feel safe to explore, take risks, and gain confidence with the guidance of our highly qualified, experienced faculty.

 St. Paul’s believes that fostering lifelong learning and academic success requires the ability to think critically, demonstrate good character, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and exhibit cross-cultural competency. Spiritual development is vitally important as we teach children to be empathetic and respectful of all beliefs. Educating for sustainability is woven throughout the curriculum. We build a solid foundation in the core subjects, through daily hands-on activities, real-life applications, and use of technology. The curriculum is rigorous, and the St. Paul’s approach is one that respects and nurtures students.

Learning extends beyond the classroom. Outdoor education, class gardens, an outdoor culinary center, and field trips create excitement for learning. Our sports teams reinforce necessary physical and social skills.

 Programs such as Science Olympiad, Math Olympiads, and Lego League are offered to middle school students. The visual arts include pottery, watercolors, acrylics, and printmaking. Performing arts consist of choir, handbells, and studio band. Spanish is taught in all grades, and Latin is a middle school subject. 

Visit our classrooms; learn more about St. Paul’s. We would love to welcome you into the St. Paul’s family!

6249 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA, 504.488.1319, stpauls-lakeview.org.

Waldorf School of New Orleans

Your child gets only one childhood, and the Early Childhood Program from Waldorf School of New Orleans helps protect that precious time. Our teachers have decades of experience in leading little ones through days filled with wonder and imagination. Children enjoy puppet shows, sewing, and painting. They help tend the garden and prepare their own snack. They revel outdoors on special Forest Kindergarten days in the park. The Waldorf journey continues into the Grades, where the benefits of a play-based beginning transform into a lifelong love of learning. Come see our Nursery and mixed-age Kindergarten classrooms as well as our Grades program. Open House dates: October 6 (Nursery-Kindergarten), October 20 (Grades K-8). Contact enrollment@waldorfnola.org for information on additional tours, or visit waldorfnola.org to learn more.

Grades Campus: 517 Soraparu St., New Orleans, 504.525.2420, waldorfnola.org.
Early Childhood Campus: 2010 Peniston St., New Orleans, 504.345.2366, waldorfnola.org.