January 4, 2021

We let the schools do the talking to help you make the best choice. 

Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans
Pierre-Loïc Denichou, Head of School and Chevalier of the Order of the Academic Palms

Founded in 1998, Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans is a private, French immersion school with experienced faculty from all over the world, a diverse student body, and the best of French and American academics.

Now serving more than 375 students from 18 months to 8th grade, Ecole Bilingue is Louisiana’s only private school accredited by both the French government and the State of Louisiana. The mission of Ecole Bilingue is to develop globally literate students through a rigorous bilingual French-American curriculum set in a nurturing and multicultural community. We guide our students to excel academically, foster their curiosity, and prepare them to become creative and innovative contributors to the world.

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 four buildings specifically designed for early childhood, elementary, and middle school students, as well as a large green space and playground.

Pierre-Loïc Denichou joined Ecole Bilingue in 2015 and became Head of School in 2019. With extensive experience in curriculum development, teacher training, and education research, Pierre-Loïc has played a major role in improving the quality of education at the school and will continue to transform the academics, community, and culture at Ecole Bilingue. He previously served as the Academic Director at Lycée International de Los Angeles from 2007-2015. Prior to coming to the US in 2007, Pierre-Loïc taught elementary school at a French school in Bolivia.

Pierre-Loïc is currently leading the charge for accreditation with the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest with the recent status change to Recognition of Accreditation Candidacy. Ecole Bilingue is also affiliated with several global networks, including the AEFE, NAIS, AFSA, and Mission Laïque Française.

812 General Pershing St., 504.896.4500, ebnola.net

Kehoe-France

At Kehoe-France School, children are nurtured in a warm and welcoming environment. With small class sizes in a secure and picturesque setting, our degreed and certified staff encourage students to explore their curiosities. As an authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and candidate for Middle School 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 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, 504.733.0472, kehoe-france.com

St. Paul’s Episcopal School
How Does Your Garden Grow?

St. Paul’s students love designing their unique gardens. Each grade at the school plants and tends a garden specifically themed to a science, language arts or social studies unit. Among these, kindergartens plant a “super sensory garden” as they study the five senses, while eighth graders plant a Vietnamese garden as they discuss the Vietnam conflict and learn about New Orleans’ Vietnamese community. As part of this same curriculum, the eighth graders also will read Song of the Buffalo Boy, a story chronicling a Vietnamese child’s life in that post-war era. Another garden is Louisiana-themed for the entire St. Paul’s community to care for and enjoy!

Students have been busy with their gardens, discussing appropriate plants, learning the proper care for those plants, and appreciating the benefits of gardening. Working in the St. Paul’s gardens also is a practical, hands-on way to teach students math, science, history, sustainability, ecology, and much more. Best of all, students ultimately have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labor, as the many gardens produce fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Students don’t think of gardening as a dirty job, but as a neat way to get dirty!

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

University Montessori School

University Montessori School is dedicated to the Montessori philosophy and method of education, devoting itself to the total child – their emotional, social, intellectual, and physical wellbeing. There are two classrooms: a 20-months to 3-years-old class, and a 3-to-6-years-old class. By combining age groups, the children develop a sense of community. Younger children teach older children patience, empathy, and competency, while older children practice leadership by helping younger children. The child has the opportunity to progress at their own rate in order to reach their full personal potential. UMS is also a nature inspired school – the children enjoy time connecting with the Earth in the school’s green and lush outdoors.

7508 Burthe St., New Orleans 70118, 504.865.165, umsnola.org

Early childhood (usually defined as birth to 8 years) is a time of tremendous physical, cognitive, socio-emotional, and language development. 8-year-olds typically are in grade 3. Find the best school for your child using our 2021 Early Learning School Guide for Jefferson and Orleans Parish.