McDonogh 15: Creative KIPP

By Jonathan Bertsch

Children's voices are perhaps the most pleasing sounds of a rebuilding New Orleans, and in the French Quarter the McDonogh 15 School for the Creative Arts is the best place to find children cheering, singing, and chanting. McDonogh 15 opened in the summer of 2006 to serve 420 students in grades pre-kindergarten through eight, after being shuttered for most of the year after Hurricane Katrina. The school is providing a rigorous, proven academic program along with the tradition of creative arts education for which McDonogh 15 is known.

McDonogh 15 School for the Creative Arts is operated by the local nonprofit organization, KIPP New Orleans. KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) is a national network of 52 free, open-enrollment public schools located in 16 states and the District of Columbia. KIPP schools use a longer school day and year, innovative teaching, and high expectations to help their children achieve at the highest academic levels. KIPP schools serve primarily low-income communities, but so far 80% of KIPP graduates are enrolled in college. KIPP New Orleans also operates KIPP Believe College Prep on Carrollton Avenue and will open three additional schools in New Orleans in the next two years.

The new McDonogh 15 stays true to the legacy of creative arts education. All students receive 90 minutes of creative arts or enrichment instruction everyday, including visual arts, ceramics, jazz band, choral music, acoustic guitar, French language and culture, and physical education. Student artwork has been featured in local galleries, and the jazz orchestra performed for over 1,000 people at the Konica Minolta business convention.

As a KIPP school, students attend classes for over nine hours each day, but teachers keep them engaged with high-energy teaching that often incorporates singing, chanting, and movement. Students focus on "climbing the mountain to college" and each grade level is referred to by the year they will enter college. For example, fifth graders are the Class of 2014.

The French Quarter provides an extended real-world classroom for McDonogh 15 students and teachers. Classes take frequent walking trips to French Quarter destinations, including one art class's recent trip to Jackson Square to sketch the architecture. The Quarter has also provided countless volunteers and friends who help make the school run smoothly.

"We are excited to be in the French Quarter, and we are so grateful for all the support we've received from the French Quarter community," said McDonogh 15 principal and French Quarter resident Gary Robichaux. Those interested in helping McDonogh 15 can call Robichaux at 504-782-4279.