Superintendent Announces Opening of St. Therese Academy

Ensuring the accessibility of Catholic education for all families is a priority for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Over the past several years we have made great strides in increasing services offered to exceptional learners. It is a highlight of our educational ministry in light of the many challenges we face. Today, I am excited to announce the formation of a new school dedicated to educating children with exceptional needs and learning differences through a personalized educational platform. St. Thérèse Academy for Exceptional Learners will open its doors for the fall 2019.

In opening St. Thérèse, we are building on the successes of two Catholic schools: Holy Rosary School and Our Lady of Divine Providence Catholic School. Holy Rosary School has educated children with alternative learning styles for nearly 15 years.  For over a decade, Our Lady of Divine Providence in Metairie has welcomed children in need of specialized support into its traditional programs. In recent years both schools have experienced challenges in terms of enrollment and finances. Again, building on their successes, we will be opening St. Thérèse on the campus of Our Lady of Divine Providence and transferring the students from Holy Rosary’s New Orleans campus to the new school site. As we begin a new chapter, we are bringing fresh energy to create an innovative model that will give New Orleans area parents a new option in Catholic education.

St. Thérèse Academy for Exceptional Learners will serve elementary and high school students with mild to moderate exceptionalities through a 21 ^st Century program of personalized learning. This model will follow a highly individualized curriculum with a low student-teacher ratio to allow for learning to be tailored to the students’ unique abilities and learning styles. The curriculum will include traditional courses including physical education and art and music therapy. The school will have a new administration led by an educator with experience and training in special education certification. The team of educators will be comprised of qualified faculty and supported by a specialist in curriculum and instruction.

Children currently enrolled at Holy Rosary School, including those participating in the Louisiana Scholarship for Excellence Program (vouchers), will be transferred to St. Thérèse Academy for Exceptional Learners. If families decide to choose another Catholic school, the Office of Catholic Schools will work with families to facilitate transfers. The same applies to students at Our Lady of Divine Providence that are currently being educated through individualized instructional programs. All other students from Our Lady of Divine Providence will be given priority admission to other area Catholic schools. All families with questions or concerns are welcome to call the Office of Catholic Schools at (504) 866-7916 or email [email protected].

We are sincerely grateful to all faculty and staff from Holy Rosary School and Our Lady of Divine Providence, and we look forward to the opportunity to expand innovative options for families, particularly those with exceptional needs. This is truly an exciting initiative in Catholic education, and it is a vital part of our educational ministry. 

“The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of its scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.”
― St. Thérèse of Lisieux