Education

2017 Heads of School

Picking the right school for your child is hard.

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

 
 
 
Academy of the Sacred Heart
Sr. Melanie A. Guste, RSCJ, Headmistress
 
“The Academy of the Sacred Heart is more than just a place, or even a school. For students and families, alumnae and community partners, Sacred Heart is a rich experience of community and culture, a formidable landmark of faith and learning, a pathway for growth, and an adventure to savor for a lifetime,” says Headmistress Sr. Melanie A. Guste, RSCJ, a Religious of the Sacred Heart who holds a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems, and master’s degrees in Educational Administration and Applied Spirituality.
Our school is a community where girls from age 1 through 12th grade grow through relationships, create lasting connections with others and benefit from a truly global network of more than 150 Sacred Heart schools in 41 countries around the world. 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 change the world.
 
This fall, the school opened the Gayle and Tom Benson Sports Field, the Richard C. Colton, Jr. Center for Performing and Fine Arts, and the Katherine and Robert Boh Innovation Lab & Makerspace. Development of these new spaces is driven by Sacred Heart’s five-year Strategic Plan, “Inspiring Faith-Filled Women of Courage and Confidence.” “Our new, multidisciplinary learning commons positions our young women to be ethical global leaders of tomorrow – inspiring each girl to explore and understand critical pathways for making a real difference in the world,” Sr. Guste says.
 
Academy of the Sacred Heart, 4521 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, 504.891.1942, 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 I would be returning to the same halls almost 30 years later as the school’s principal and president. As I enter my third year as an administrator at Archbishop Rummel, I continue to be awestruck at the evolution I see our young men experiencing during their tenure at our school, as well as the evolution of our school itself.
 
Our motto, “Touching Hearts, Teaching Minds, and Cultivating Leaders,” describes the philosophy of all our educators and administrators. We encourage each young man to pursue his unique talents and set a standard of academic excellence that prepares them to become tomorrow’s leaders.
 
Educating young men, in grades eight through 12, in the Lasallian faith for more than 50 years, we have established ourselves as a strong educational institution with a record of alumni who are involved in every respectable profession imaginable. We are most proud of these alumni and our students who approach their lives following the Lasallian traditions and morals established for them at Archbishop Rummel.
 
I encourage you to come see our new 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!”
 
Archbishop Rummel High School, 1901 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504.834.5592, rummelraiders.com
 
 
Beary Cherry Tree
Kim Mumphrey, Early Childhood Coordinator and Four-Year-Old Teacher
 
Beary Cherry Tree is one of the most unique child development centers in the New Orleans area. We are a five-star quality child development center, which means low ratios and high quality for the families we serve. Our center promotes positive relationships while guiding your children in their physical, mental, social and emotional growth.
 
Kim Mumphrey, our Early Childhood Coordinator/Four-Year-Old Teacher, mentors the staff to ensure the best methods are used to assist the children at Beary Cherry Tree as they flourish and grow. Kim collaborates with many organizations and schools while continuing professional development to bring current information to the staff. 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, 3117 Lake Villa Drive, Metairie, 504.455.1950, bearycherrytree.com
 
 
Brother Martin High School
Ryan Gallagher, Principal
The 149-year educational tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart is grounded in a holistic approach. We believe in addressing the religious, academic, social, psychological, physical, and cultural development of the young person and in building a community spirit that is characterized by a pervading influence of Christian values, a strong insistence on an orderly and disciplined atmosphere, a personal approach to education, and a firm commitment to academic excellence.
 
Brother Martin High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ryan Gallagher ‘00 as Principal. “Brother Martin has been and continues to be an integral part of my life and that of my family. I am honored and humbled that the Board of Directors and the leadership of Brother Martin High School has the confidence in me to serve our school community as Principal.” Gallagher said.
 
The mission of Brother Martin High School is to form young people through a holistic education that fosters academic excellence in a caring, disciplined community, which integrates Catholic tradition and the charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart to meet the needs of a changing world.
 
Brother Martin High School, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, 504.283.1561, brothermartin.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, AFSA and Mission Laïque Française.
 
Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans, 812 General Pershing St., New Orleans, 504.896.4500, ebnola.net
 
 
Isidore Newman School
Dale M. Smith, Head of School
 
In the 23 years I’ve worked at Newman, our core belief has remained constant: strong relationships and high expectations are the foundation for teaching and learning. At Newman, teachers challenge students in the classroom because they know them as individuals.  
 
Newman provides a comprehensive, rigorous and balanced educational experience, offering myriad opportunities for learning and growth in academics, the arts, athletics and service. Our community lives by our Core Values of honesty, kindness, respect and responsibility.  
 
Newman emphasizes critical thinking as an essential skill for success and engagement with a complex world. Students learn to resist the tendency to settle for easy answers, but instead to confront and solve substantial problems with creativity and confidence.  
 
I invite you to learn more about Newman by visiting www.NewmanSchool.org or calling 504.896.6323 to schedule a visit. We look forward to showing you what makes Newman such a remarkable learning environment for students of all ages.  
 
Isidore Newman School, 1903 Jefferson Ave., New Orleans, 504.899.5641, newmanschool.org
 
 
 
Kinder Haus Montessori
Pat Lacoste, Founder and Director
 
In 1984, I opened Kinder Haus Montessori School in Metairie with the vision of providing the highest quality care for young children. Now in our 34th school year, I can proudly say Kinder Haus has far surpassed my initial dream. Thousands of children have passed through our doors, taking with them many gifts for life.
 
Within our two schools – the Mandeville campus opened in 1996 – we truly embrace the Montessori philosophy of education, allowing children to experience the life-long benefits that accompany it. Children develop concentration skills, and become self-motivated, self-directed and self-confident by being given the freedom of choice in a structured Montessori classroom environment. Children also gain an appreciation for order, and learn independence and self-care skills as they, for instance, learn to serve themselves snacks, to clean up after themselves and to put their work back on the appropriate shelves.
 
Kinder Haus introduces each child to academic foundations in Math, Science, Language Arts and Geography. During the work periods, individual attention to each student from the teachers supports the whole child socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Children excel because they know their teachers believe in them and support them.
 
The Montessori environment fosters the children’s natural desire to learn and promotes a positive self-concept, which is truly a gift for life. More important, the children become compassionate, inquisitive and socially competent. Independence, self-esteem, concentration and the love of learning are vital for personal success. I invite anyone eager to brighten our world to come and visit.
 
Kinder Haus Montessori, 5201 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 504.454.2424, and 252 Magnolia St., Mandeville, 985.674.9303, kinderhausmontessori.com

 

Metairie Park Country Day
Matt Neely, Head of School 
 
Metairie Park Country Day School enriches the lives of talented young people in a dynamic learning environment, building strength of both intellect and character within a community that is simultaneously challenging and supportive. Our students learn to be flexible, to be adaptable, and the face the challenges of life with honor, optimism, confidence, creativity, and a sense of humor.
 
Established in 1929, Metairie Park Country Day School is a co-educational, non-denominational, independent school where care and cultivation of each child, from Pre-K through Grade 12, come to live with exciting and innovative approaches to teaching. Our uses of advanced technology and our expansive, rigorous curriculum open the world to our students. Our outstanding faculty holds our students to high standards, while teaching the importance of individual achievement through depth of inquiry rather than mere recitation of facts. The Country Day tradition of developing an aesthetic sensibility in students is reflected not only in our beautiful 14-acre campus, but also in the rich and varied performing and visual arts program that has been a hallmark of our school. Our insistence on intellectual virtues and ethical leadership is woven throughout the daily lives of the diverse individuals that build our community.
 
Learning in the 21st century calls for the very values and practices that have made Country Day unique since its inception. Our students are prepared to compete on a global scale, and face the future with poise and vigor. The successes of our graduates in college and beyond are a living testimony to the curiosity, involvement, and creativity engendered by our philosophy and our community.
 
300 Park Road, Metairie, LA 70005, 504.849.3110, mpcds.com

 

St. George’s Episcopal School
Dr. Robert E. Eichberger, Ed.D., Headmaster

Since 1969, St. George’s Episcopal School has proudly offered a unique, tailored approach to education for students in New Orleans. Our educational philosophy considers the whole child, focusing on developing creativity, determination and a strong sense of self-worth, and moral responsibility at school and in the larger community.  

 
Defining characteristics of the St. George’s educational experience include a low student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1, a rigorous academic curriculum, a diverse student body, a commitment to character and a concept of individualized education. The St. George’s faculty prides itself on identifying each child’s strengths and gifts, and supporting their growth in every area. When students express an interest in an area of study, even one that is outside of the standard curriculum, our teachers find ways to engage those interests. We constantly challenge ourselves to grow as educators as well as challenging our students to grow.  
 
In addition to a highly qualified teaching staff, our students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, age-level appropriate technology and a vast array of co-curricular activities, including an award-winning robotics team and a nationally recognized academic games team. St. George’s students are grounded in the guiding character values of integrity, perseverance, compassion and respect.  
 
Finally, St. George’s recognizes that parents are partners in their child’s educational journey. We pride ourselves on offering a warm, family-centered atmosphere with open communication and collaboration among teachers, students and families. Our students gain more than just a solid academic foundation; they develop self-confidence and character that impacts all areas of their lives. I invite you to visit St. George’s and see what makes our school the smart start for your child. 
 
St. George’s Episcopal School, 923 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, 504.891.5509, stgeorgesepiscopal.com
 
 
     
Trinity Episcopal School
The Rev. E. Gary Taylor
 
Trinity is a co-educational, Prekindergarten through Eighth Grade school located in the Garden District. We continue in the tradition of our predecessor school, Miss Edith Aiken’s Little School, and in that of Trinity Episcopal Church.
 
At Trinity, we focus on young children. We recognize that the period from infancy through middle school is when children come to own their personal values, define their lives’ priorities, and develop habits of compassion, resiliency and integrity. It is, as we remind ourselves in our school prayer, when children learn to be Gentle, Generous, Truthful, Kind, and Brave.
 
At Trinity, we nurture a child’s mind, body, and spirit through a fun and challenging program that offers the best in the academic disciplines, uses best practices, and is taught by a skillful, experienced, and loving faculty and staff. We have identified five characteristics of a Trinity graduate. A Trinity graduate is:
  • An empathetic upstander who accepts the responsibility for improving life within the School, the larger community and the world.
  • A reflective person who has the capacity for solemnity and a set of guiding principles stemming from daily chapel.
  • An ardent questioner who sees, thinks and wonders about the world around him or her.
  • A fluent communicator whose voice is clear not only in spoken and written language but also in the fine and performing arts.
  • A collaborative learner who seeks to discover, consider and respect multiple viewpoints.
For more information or to schedule an individual tour, please visit trinitynola.org or call the Admission Office at 504.525.8661.
 
Trinity Episcopal School, 1315 Jackson Ave., New Orleans, 504.525.8661, trinitynola.org

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