St. Michael Special School - New Orleans

Scholars of Tomorrow Enrichment Center opened in 2020 on Behrman Highway in New Orleans, and our founder brings more than 25 years of child care experience. Infant, toddler and preschool rooms serve ages 6 weeks to 5 years, and we offer before and after care for children ages 5 to 8. The center's hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our preschool uses the Frog Street curriculum, with themed lessons in early literacy, math and art, STEM exploration, early numeracy and pre-reading. Literacy and communication skills are a particular focus, and children pick up English and Spanish vocabulary along the way. Enrichment includes baby sign language, music and movement, dance and dramatic play, art and interactive storytelling, with daily routines that give each day a predictable structure. Our educators are licensed and hold CPR and first aid certification. We serve meals and snacks, entry to the building uses biometric scanning, and families get updates through a family communication app.

A Different World Academy opened in 2003 in Marrero with 10 students, including our founders' two daughters, and today serves kindergarten through 12th grade from our campus on Bellemeade Boulevard in Gretna. We call our model a Homeschool Away from Home: a Christian private school with live, traditional classroom instruction using the Abeka curriculum, combined with computer instruction. Classes are small, and we offer one-on-one student-teacher instruction, individual assessments, annual testing and AP courses. We serve gifted and talented students and students on the autism spectrum, and IEPs are welcome. A year-round program lets students who are a grade or two behind catch up and graduate on time, and we offer after-school tutoring and grade-level testing. We are accredited by the National Association of Private Schools. Each summer we run a day camp at $60 a week with academic enrichment, field trips, science dissection, music and dance, arts and crafts, and breakfast and lunch included. Our graduates have gone on to colleges, universities and the military.

Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy (ARCA) is a tuition-free charter school dedicated to serving students from grades K-12, with a mission to foster excellence in education while nurturing the unique potential of each child. The school is committed to supporting a diverse range of learners, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students, ensuring that every child receives the individualized attention they need to thrive. At ARCA, the educational approach is rooted in high expectations and character development, complemented by tech-based instruction and data-driven strategies that prepare students for college, careers, and active citizenship. The school prides itself on its low student-teacher ratio and strong family partnerships that create a supportive community environment. This collaborative effort not only enhances academic achievement but also instills essential life skills, empowering students to become compassionate and contributing members of society. With specialized facilities and a culture that emphasizes community involvement, ARCA stands out as a nurturing space where every student is encouraged to excel both academically and personally.