NEW ORLEANS - Public French immersion school Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its Carrollton Campus at 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. on Thursday, September 15 at 10:00 AM.

Central St. Matthew United Church of Christ, from which Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans leases the space, has warmly welcomed the school. The church built a space in 1959 with the intention of housing a diverse student population. However, when it became apparent that the school would be segregated, the pastor at the time, Rev. Roland Pantermuehl, refused. Half of the church's congregation left over the pastor's decision, and the school never opened.

Today, Rev. Pantermuehl's vision has been realized. Lycée Français embodies the diverse student population that he envisioned: 42% of students are non-white, and over 50% qualify for free or reduced lunch, or have special needs. Learning and laughter fill the halls. In the near future, students will transition to a restored campus in the historic Alfred C. Priestley Junior High School building. The Priestley Campus will serve students through 12th grade.

The Carrollton Campus serves 175 students in grades 4 through 6. The school partners with CODOFIL, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana, to bring in experienced teachers from francophon e countries to work specifically in an immersion environment. Because Louisiana's French heritage and appreciation for French culture run deep, the school celebrates having a robust roster of over 730 students, and 95 faculty and staff members.

In addition to French immersion, the school's unique Thinking Outside the
Classroom program provides experiential learning modules for all its students. Lycée Français partners with institutions in New Orleans to offer extraordinary educational experiences. The Audubon Zoo and Aquarium, Louisiana State Museum and Ogden Museum of Southern Art are just a few of the school's affiliated partners. Some highlights of the Thinking Outside the Classroom program include behind-the-scenes classes at the Audubon Zoo, a special Ogden After Hours showcasing student work inspired by gallery talks and the museum's collection, and lessons with re-enactors on historic sites. Dynamic
multi-week sessions in authentic settings provide students with real world experiences.

For more information, please visit www.lfno.org

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