The back-to-school season is a time of great transition in more ways than one. While many kids are trading in camps for the classroom, parents’ routines often undergo a shift as well. Some families will find themselves on the hunt for daytime childcare and after school activities, whereas others may be navigating a new school with their children. To top it all off, the commencement of another calendar school year usually warrants a wardrobe update for the little ones. Although it may seem like there are lots of boxes to check, these academic, childcare, enrichment and clothing options will ensure the return to school is easy on the whole family.
Education
Arden Cahill Academy
Arden Cahill Academy combines a strong education with the unique qualities of an outdoor country environment minutes from downtown. Nestled along Bayou Fatma in Gretna, the 12-acre campus currently serves students from six weeks in its Infant Center through 12th grade in its High School. Arden Cahill Academy enrolled its first class of high school freshmen in August 2019 and is proud to continue its tradition of academic excellence and cultural enrichment through its college preparatory curriculum. Arden Cahill Academy will be graduating its first class of high school seniors this school year.
Horse stables, a petting farm, a STEAM Lab, art studios, band and music rooms, and a 300-seat theater make the Arden Cahill Academy campus unique. The academy also hosts Camp Corral, a 10-week summer camp that has been voted Best of New Orleans by Gambit readers. For more information on registration, please call 504-392-0902 or visit ardencahillacademy.com. Tours are scheduled daily by appointment. Interested families are encouraged to attend a virtual or in-person tour or come to the Fall Open House on October 6.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is the oldest Episcopal school in New Orleans with 65 years of experience in educating the mind, body and spirit of young children. St. Andrew’s enrolls boys and girls 12 months through eighth grade, offering a nurturing yet challenging education that focuses on “Cherishing Childhood, Developing Character and Cultivating Leaders.”
St. Andrew’s students love to build things – building a rocket for science class, a set for a school play, building friendships or building upon the lessons they learn. More importantly, St. Andrew’s aims to build up each child’s self-esteem, because helping them believe in themselves means they’ll have a strong foundation to build their future. With smaller class sizes, children have the individual attention they need to thrive.
Those looking for a school to nurture their child’s love of learning and to build self-esteem, leadership skills and social skills will discover it at St. Andrew’s. See the school in action at the upcoming Open House on October 21 for PK 3 – Grade 8, or call for a personal tour. Cottage tours are available by appointment and registration is required for Open House. Registration can be completed here, and for more information visit saesnola.org/admissions.
Jewish Community Day School
Jewish Community Day School of Greater New Orleans (JCDS) is a coeducational independent school for students ages two months through 6th Grade. By fall 2025, we will offer two months through 8th grade. Balancing challenging academics with an enriching Jewish Studies program, a JCDS education is interdisciplinary, project-based, and holistic.
The school’s small class size and differentiated instruction ensure each child is valued for their individual strengths. Students bring what they’ve learned at JCDS beyond the school’s boundaries, too, using their education to fulfill the Jewish value of Tikkun Olum, repairing the world.
JCDS is a nurturing school where families of all backgrounds are welcomed and children are prepared to be engaged, compassionate leaders.
The school’s fall open house takes place on Sunday, October 23 at 12 p.m. To learn more or schedule a tour, please call 504-887-4091 or email admissions@jcdsnola.org.
Kehoe-France
Kehoe-France is a school known for offering transformative and meaningful academic experiences that instill a lifelong love of learning, leadership and service. A nurturing and engaging environment for children as young as eight weeks through 7th grade, Kehoe-France sets children on a path to discovery while developing the skills they need to be productive citizens of a global community. Each student experiences a rigorous and balanced curriculum focused on developing the whole child and preparing them to succeed and make lasting relationships in an increasingly connected and innovative world.
As part of the International Schools Partnership, Kehoe-France is one of a growing group of private schools committed to improving schools and learning opportunities for students across the world. For more information on the school and admissions, call 504-733-0472 or visit kehoe-france.com.
Ursuline Academy
Ursuline Academy is an all-girls Catholic school offering a diverse educational environment from six weeks through 12th grade. Founded in 1727, Ursuline Academy of New Orleans enjoys the distinction of being the first all-girls Catholic school in the United States. As girls progress through the academy, a highly interactive approach exposes them to increasingly complex concepts in STEM and the arts that go beyond learning the material. Ursuline girls learn to think creatively, articulate their ideas confidently and compassionately, and solve problems collaboratively. Ursuline’s all-girls environment empowers students to challenge themselves, explore outside their comfort zones and expand what they are capable of achieving.
At Ursuline, students blaze their own trails—it’s the school’s legacy. Make it yours, too. Register for an open house at uanola.org. For more information, visit go.uanola.org or contact the Office of Admissions at 504-866-5292 or admissions@uanola.org.
Mount Carmel Academy
The Mount Carmel Academy experience is filled with opportunities for each student to pursue her passions, uncover new talents, grow spiritually and discover the person God created her to become. Students collaborate with peers, view failures as opportunities for growth and approach the ever-changing and complex world with an inquisitive mind. Small class sizes (average of 15) ensure an interactive and inclusive learning environment. Students are encouraged to expand their interests as they navigate through more than 50 extracurricular activities and become active participants in the community through the service learning program.
Graduates depart from Mount Carmel Academy with confidence in themselves and a love for each other. They are well prepared for college and beyond. Explore the campus, meet the students and teachers and learn more at Open House on October 13 from 3-7:30 p.m. RSVP on mcacubs.com.
Childcare
Kidz Klub House
Serving as a child’s home away from home, Kidz Klub House has been the Northshore’s trusted child care provider since 1999. Kidz Klub House provides children a stimulating, safe and clean environment for them to grow and prepare for kindergarten while maintaining a trusted partnership with their families.
A range of carefully developed curriculums cater to the needs of young children in all developmental stages, including infants, toddlers, two year-olds, Pre-K threes and Pre-K fours. Kidz Klub House’s highly educated and experienced early childhood teachers receive at least 12 hours of continuing education per year in addition to being CPR and first aid trained.
Kidz Klub House has been an educational, fun environment for over 8,000 young children in Mandeville, Madisonville and Slidell. To learn more about Kidz Klub House or to join the family, visit kidzklubhouse.com.
Fashion
Auraluz
For over 50 years, locally based Auraluz has offered its children’s clothing, including its own Auraluz signature, hand-embroidered clothing brand. Auraluz is a one-stop-shop with items perfect for all occasions. Product offerings range from kitchen tools and home accessories to candles, locally themed items, personal care, dolls, plush, books and toys. You’ll also find one of the largest selections of Maison Berger/ Lampe Berger fragrance products at Auraluz.
Centrally located in Metairie, just one block from Clearview and West Esplanade, Auraluz occupies a freestanding building with plenty of parking, which makes it a great spot for stress-free shopping. Auraluz also offers easy online ordering through ShopAuraluz.com (with baby-bridal-gift registry), convenient store pick-up, and virtual/private shopping appointments.
The store is open 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. Auraluz is located at 4408 Shores Drive in Metairie. For more information, call 504-888-3313 or visit shopauraluz.com.
PERLIS Clothing
Make your off-to-school headquarters PERLIS Clothing in Uptown New Orleans, French Quarter, Mandeville and Baton Rouge. From head to toe and from activewear to very casual to dress casual, find practically everything you’ll need to compliment your wardrobe. The selection of top quality brands includes Barbour, Bonobos, Johnnie O, Patagonia, Peter Millar. Smathers & Branson, Southern Marsh, Southern Tide, Tasc, Vineyard Vines, 34 Heritage and more.
“We are extremely proud that our iconic crawfish logo collection of polos, tees, sun shirts, sport shirts and other items are recognizable not only locally but around the country,” says David W. Perlis, President. “We constantly seek the best quality clothing and fashion for our customers.”
For 83 years, PERLIS has been committed to complete customer satisfaction and unparalleled service including complimentary lifetime alterations. Stop by any PERLIS location, call 800 725-6070 or shop online at perlis.com.
Enrichment
Louisiana Children’s Museum
Make play a priority. In the business of back to school it is easy to forget that even a brief moment of playtime serves an important role in childhood development. Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) encourages learning, exploration and shared connections through play. Make it a day of play or stop by after school. LCM memberships allow for a year of unlimited play.
While playtime is key in shaping the next generation of adults, parents certainly deserve a night of fun too. Join LCM for the 24th Annual CHAIRish the Children, Louisiana Children’s Museum’s signature gala on Saturday, September 24th. Guests will enjoy live entertainment by Amanda Shaw and Sam Price and the True Believers, food from Dickie Brennan & Co., cocktails and a feature auction. Contribute to a future of enriching play, year-round educational programming and exhibits.
To learn more about LCM or plan a day of play, visit lcm.org or call 504-523-1357.
