January 2025
JANUARY 2025
THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY
Make This Year Organized
Co-ops Learning Together
The Education Issue
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@brparents.com
MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor SANONNA AL TAWEEL AMANDA CIANI JULIANNA STEEN MADISON VOORHIES Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION ALEX HERRING Senior Graphic Designer TOM GONZALES MADISON GRAHAM MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ MARTINE MELANCON RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JADE GRAY JENNIFER HOFFMANN KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator
2024
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WHAT’S ON THE WEB Get Free Expert Parenting Tips by Text Learn more about Bright by Text and discover how you can start receiving expert advice today.
2022
5 Gumbos to Try This January Take advantage of gumbo weather this month by trying one of these hot spots.
New Year’s Resolutions Louisianians Can Actually Keep From attending community events and parades to showing Tiger pride, these are fun resolutions families will want to keep.
6 Book Club Subscription Services Every Avid Reader Should Know About Are you always looking for a good book? These services can help!
MAKAYLEE SECREST Administrative Assistant SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager EMMY LOGAN Accounting Coordinator AMY PLAISANCE Founder
freebies
Visit brparents.com and click “Promotions.” | Deadline to enter is January 17, 2025.
Furlings Cleo offers over 80 expressions, from giggles to playful growls, assuring endless surprises and joy with every interaction. amazon.com
Experience the magic in this Disney-themed Beat the Parents board game, full of drawing and active challenges for the entire family. amazon.com
CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816-6055 BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.
LAST MONTH’S WINNERS Look who won December’s Freebies: Kim Kimble won the TableTopics 20th Anniversary Limited Edition and Collin Andry won the Woven Woven’s Cotton Kids Weighted Blanket.
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inside
JANUARY 2025 • ISSUE 414
DEPARTMENTS
IN EVERY ISSUE 4 @BRPARENTS.COM 8 A NOTE FROM MOM 74 THINGS TO DO 82 THINGS WE LOVE 84 THE LAST WORD 86 SNAPSHOTS CONNECT 14 BOOK CORNER 16 CRAFT CORNER LIVE 18 MOM NEXT DOOR 20 THRIVE 22 FAITH 10 COMMUNITY 12 EDUCATION
Photo by Kleinpeter Photography
ON THE COVER 2024-25 Cover Kid Rhys J. is a bright and cheerful girl whose creativity shines through her love for art, painting, and crochet. She stays active and engaged, enjoying dance, volleyball, and acting as part of her vibrant lifestyle. Her kindness and affection extend to her pets, adding warmth to everything she does.
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FEATURES 26 WHAT IS CO-OP & WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Learn all about the advantages of learning through co-ops. By Julianna Steen 30 ALL ABOUT ESAS Discover how you can unlock education savings. By Amanda Ciani
33 PRIVATE SCHOOLS Discover all of the local private school options in Baton Rouge. By BRPM
66 HOW TO AFFORD A FAMILY Follow these financial advisor’s tips to navigate finances during parenthood. By Julianna Steen 70 PUT IT ON THE CALENDAR Here are 30 things you should do each month this year to stay ahead. By Pam Molnar
Photo by Hannah Johnson Photography.
57 CHARTER SCHOOLS Find the perfect
charter school that fits your family’s needs in this guide. By BRPM
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a note from mom IN EVERY ISSUE
New Year, New Chores
A h, New Year’s—a time for resolutions, fresh starts, and of course, new chores! Growing up, my mom worked harder than anyone I knew. I always had what I wanted: school activities, sports, parties. I was the definition of a busy, social butterfly, constantly bouncing from dance team to gymnastics to whatever else was on my schedule. But guess what? I wasn’t exempt from chores. In fact, I helped around the house by making dinner, watching my sister, and doing the laundry. Now, as a parent myself, I realize that our kids will never truly understand the effort we put into making sure they have what they want—until they have kids of their own. It’s funny, they think the world revolves around them (as they should), but in my house, that world revolves around earning what you get. My husband calls it “pulling your weight,” and I’m all about it. Want a new toy, extra screen time, or a few Vbucks? Sure, but first you’ve got to earn it. That usually means pulling weeds. Yes, weeds. Why? Because the outside world clearly has it out for me, and pulling weeds is my personal nightmare. So, if my kids want something extra, the garden gets a makeover. What really blows my mind, though, is how many of my
children’s friends don’t have to do chores at all! I can’t even wrap my head around it. At my house, everyone has a role. The kids wash their own clothes, put them away, alternate doing the dishes, wash the towels, take out the trash, and clean up specific rooms. The older they get, the more responsibility they get (I’m looking forward to the day when they’re old enough to cut the grass—just pray the lawn mower isn’t too much for them!). And my sister? She’s got my three-year-old nephew folding towels, and let me tell you, his pride when he shows me his “new skill” over FaceTime is the cutest thing ever. So here’s the million-dollar question: Do you have your kids do chores? I was curious about this, so I looked up the national average. You know what I found? While most parents do chores themselves, only 28 percent actually make their kids pitch in. Let that sink in. If you want your kids to thrive in the real world— whether it’s at school, work, or in their relationships—teaching them responsibility and teamwork now is key. Wishing you and your family a happy, productive New Year! Time to teach those kiddos how to fold towels and pull some weeds!
Amy L. Foreman Publisher
Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.
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CONNECT
community
FILM AND DIGITAL MEDIA CHARTER SCHOOL SET TO OPEN IN 2026 The Louisiana Academy of Production (LAAP), a new 9-12 charter high school, is set to open in August of 2026 at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge. The school will have an emphasis on film and digital media, preparing students for successful entry into competitive media programs at the collegiate level or directly into high-wage media careers. Through the school’s website, the leadership team is looking for interested educators, and prospective students are encouraged to join the waiting list. ■ laapbr.org
BATON ROUGE RANKED THIRD MOST DIGITAL CITY IN THE U.S. Baton Rouge has been named a Top 10 Digital City by the Center for Digital Government for the 10th consecutive year. Baton Rouge ranks third amongst mid-sized cities, marking a notable increase from its previous tenth- place recognition. The City-Parish’s ranking reflects its continued efforts to leverage data, technology, and digital innovation to modernize systems, streamline operations, promote digital transparency, and deliver more effective services to the residents of East Baton Rouge Parish. The City-Parish ranks alongside leading digital cities, including Columbia, Missouri, and Scottsdale, Arizona. ■ govtech.com
DIAPER DASH RETURNS TO MARATHON WEEKEND
Birth Center of Baton Rouge will host the second annual Diaper Dash during the Louisiana Marathon weekend on Saturday, January 18, at 2 p.m. Open to ages two and under, these little competitors will crawl across the 10’ race course to determine the winner. Parents are encouraged to bring their baby’s favorite toy, binky, or other shiny plaything that will motivate the young athlete to crawl the fastest to the finish line. Registration is open now. The “race” will be held in downtown Baton Rouge. ■ thelouisianamarathon.com
Access to essential services and resources is becoming easier for communities across the parish, thanks to newly unveiled mobile units. The two new mobile units, some of the first of their kind in the state, will expand access to rent or utilities assistance, Head Start registration, pro bono legal services, and Employ BR assistance. Equipped with generators, wifi, and stations for caseworkers, the units also provide spaces for discussing individual needs privately. Additionally, the units will encourage neighborhood-specific donations by distributing supplies, like diapers, food, uniforms, shoes, and other items. ■ brla.gov TAKING HUMAN SERVICES TO THE PARISH
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PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
A new digital surgery experience rolled out at Baton Rouge General, powered by Cox Business, making the hospital’s operating rooms even more high tech and safer for patients. The technology upgrade centers on the important role of the anesthesiology team, who monitor patients’ vital signs during surgery. Leveraging a supply of new high-tech tablets procured through Cox Business, anesthesiologists are sending information in real-time to clinicians across the health system, from vital signs and medications given during surgery to blood loss during the procedure. ■ brgeneral.org BATON ROUGE GENERAL AND COX BUSINESS ENHANCE SURGERY EXPERIENCE
NEW COWORKING SPACE FOR WOMEN The Pathos Collective, a child-friendly, women’s coworking space and membership-based community is planning to open this year. Abbey Kish, CEO of Kish Consulting, will open the space which will include communal work areas, an event hall, a coffee shop, creative studios for photography and videography, and in-house child care. Additionally, members will have access to grab-and-go meals, wellness workshops, training, snacks, events with industry experts, and business resources. Although still in the planning phase, the membership program will have three membership tiers starting at $99 per month. ■ thepathoscollective.com
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education CONNECT
BRMHS PRESENTS SOUL MUSIC CONCERT
THE MASKED TEACHER AT DUFROCQ
Baton Rouge Magnet High School’s Symphony Orchestra recently presented their Soul Music Concert , and it was a night full of incredible performances. Kelsi Montgomery and Soul Eclectic started the evening with an incredible rendition of William DeVaughn’s “Be Thankful.” Other hits of the evening included George Gerwin’s “Prayer” by trumpeter Russ Love, Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” by Summer Hayes and Levi Kenney, the Impressions’ “Falling in Love with You” by Hayes, and “Sunshine” by Montgomery and Brynnan Self. The concert was a spectacular showcase of musical talent. The evening was dedicated to the memory of former student Judah Cheong.
The Dufrocq School recently held their own rendition of the popular show, The Masked Singer , titling it The Masked Teacher . The last to be unmasked was Sunflower with their performance of “Killing Me Softy.” Other masked performances included “Superstitious” from PJ Mask, “The Climb” from the Fox, “What's Love Got to Do With It” from Cocomelon , “How Far I'll Go” from Marshmellow, “ABC” from the school’s mascot, and “Respect” from Gracie's Corner . Performances were judged by the students’ loud cheers. Earlier in the day, the students were also able to showcase their talents in their own edition of The Masked Singer .
BASIS Baton Rouge Schools announced significant academic gains, as reflected in their 2024 School Performance Scores (SPS). The Louisiana Department of Education SPS are based on criteria such as year-to-year student academic progress and proficiency on the state assessment for grades 3–8. The scores are an indicator of how well a school prepares its students for the next level of study. BASIS Baton Rouge Primary Mid City experienced a 19.3-point increase, rising from an SPS of 57.3 to 76.6. This substantial growth propelled the school to a "B" rated campus. BASIS Baton Rouge Materra also achieved notable progress, increasing its SPS from 90.8 to 102.3, an 11.5-point gain. This achievement solidified the school's "A" rating status while setting a new benchmark by surpassing an SPS of 100. BASIS BATON ROUGE ACHIEVES ACADEMIC SUCCESS
The Dunham School’s Middle School students collected a total of 204 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Each year, Operation Christmas Child delivers essentials and an opportunity to present the Gospel to children in need. Each box can be filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items. To add even more fun to giving back, the students turned their box collection into a House Competition. House Michaelson came out on top with a total of 64 boxes collected. DUNHAM STUDENTS DONATE TO OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
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EXXONMOBIL KICKS OFF LIFT
ExxonMobil officially kicked off the second cohort of its education initiative, Leaders Inspiring the Faces of Tomorrow (LIFT). The initiative pairs 26 middle school students with mentors to promote career readiness and academic success, with a focus on introducing students to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) within the energy industry. This year’s program will focus on Istrouma Middle Magnet School, enrolling 26 mentees, half of whom are returning students eager to continue their STEM education journey. Volunteers from 100 Black Men of Baton Rouge serve as mentors for the LIFT initiative, offering weekly sessions focused on academic and personal development.
Congratulations to the Senior Beta Club of The Brighton School on receiving the Rocksey’s Young Leadership Award, an Everyday Hero Award from Keep Louisiana Beautiful. Mrs. Parsiola nominated the group for this award for the work they did with Clean Pelican and GGI on the Map It Clean Project, the Keep Louisiana Clean: Love the Boot service project, and Coastal Roots. The Everyday Hero Awards recognize those that go the extra mile to keep our communities clean and beautiful. Juniors Nia Cancienne and Reid Willians represented the group at the Award Ceremony. BRIGHTON BETA CLUB RECEIVES ROCKSEY’S YOUNG LEADERSHIP AWARD
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CONNECT book corner
B rrrrrrrr! It’s wintertime in a blanket of snow, but there’s plenty of frosty fun in these winter-themed stories. Louisiana! Okay, so maybe we’re not guaranteed frigid temps or
YOUTH If our Louisiana little ones don’t see real snow this year, they can experience the wonder of a white winter in these picture books. Snow Days by Deborah Kerbel View the magic of snow days through the eyes of a child. From skating and snowball fights to making snow angels, the world is full of fun and wonder when it begins to snow. A young boy and his grandfather go for a walk in the winter woods, sharing fun and knowledge with each other, from how to jump in the snow to how to track rabbits and deer hidden in the trees. After their walk, they enjoy a moment together with milk and cookies and share the Raven, Rabbit, Deer by Sue Farrell Holler most important lesson of the day—being with family. Young readers will shiver with excitement while reading these adventurous chapter books set in frozen landscapes. Balto and Togo: Hero Dogs of Alaska by Helen Moss
Snack, Snooze, Skedaddle by Laura Purdie Salas As fall turns to winter, learn how a variety of animals prepare to survive the cold! Animals get ready in different ways, such as burrowing, migrating, storing up food, or hibernation. In this rhyming book, you will learn facts about how animals big and small get ready to take on the winter season. TWEENS AND TEENS Bundle up and grab one of these win-terrific books for tweens and teens! Brian’s Winter by Gary Paulsen Instead of being rescued from a plane crash, as in the author’s book Hatchet , this story portrays, what would have happened to Brian had he been forced to survive a winter in the wilderness with only his survival pack and hatchet. Miracle on Ice: How a Stunning Upset United a Country by Michael Burgan Relive the stunning upset of the 1980
While Disney made Balto famous, few know the story of Togo, who completed the longer and more perilous parts of their famous journey. Follow the two sled dogs as they battle the elements and race against time to deliver life-saving antitoxin to the children of Nome, Alaska. I Survived: The Children’s Blizzard of 1888 by Lauren Tarshis Winter is here, and the weather outside is more than frightful in 1888. Eleven-year- old John Hale catches himself outside during a life-threatening blizzard. Will John live to tell the tale? Discover the winter activities of both humans and animals in these non-fiction titles. What are the Winter Olympics? by Gail Herman If you’re a fan of winter sports, you’ll want to check out What are the Winter Olympics? Learn all about the Winter Olympics, from its start in 1924 to today. Follow the highs and lows of legends and losses and all of the winter sports and athletes that have come and gone throughout the games’ history.
Book Corner is provided by librarians at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. To learn more about the libraries in East Baton Rouge Parish, visit ebrpl.com.
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Winter Olympics when the U.S. hockey team defeated the mighty Soviets and how an iconic photograph captured the greatest moment in international hockey. Trapped by Michael Northrop Seven high school students are stranded in their New England high school during a week-long blizzard that shuts down power and heat, freezes pipes, and leaves them wondering if they will survive. Winter Blunderland by James Patterson and Brian Sitts Things heat up when Rafe gets an invitation from Dr. Daria Deerwin to join a research study in Alaska. His adventure includes building igloos, racing across icebergs, and coming face-to-face with polar bears. The Way Past Winter by Kiran Hargrave Mila, her sisters, and her brother, Oskar, live in a small forest cabin, surviving in a world gripped by frost and snow. When a mysterious man shows up on her doorstep, Mila and her family grant him shelter for the night. But in the morning, the man is gone, and he’s taken Oskar with him. With unbreakable determination, Mila begins a riveting adventure to reunite her family.
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CONNECT
craft corner
Get Creative with Winter Weather Crafts
BY PAM MOLNAR PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
Colder weather forces many of us inside to find something to entertain our kids with that does not involve a screen. However, this is not always an easy task. The colder days and longer nights of winter are the perfect time for children to experiment with their creative side. Crafting provides an outlet for self-expression, as well as an environment to open conversation with your child. Why not try some of these winter weather crafts at your house?
colored glass, or tissue paper. To secure the items, first, add a layer of Mod Podge and place the items on top. Seal with another layer of Mod Podge. Add a small strand of battery-operated lights inside the jar. Decorate the lid with a piece of wrapping paper or cloth. The jar makes a great bedside night light. SHOWER BOMBS As cold and flu season drags on, shower bombs are a helpful way to clear your head while standing in the steam. You will
need some silicone molds about 2” wide. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 15-20 drops of essential oils. Try peppermint, cloves, cinnamon, eucalyptus, or cedar wood. Blend well and slowly add water until it reaches the consistency of wet sand. Press into molds, filling ½ way, and bake at 180 degrees for 5 minutes. Let cool and save in an airtight container. MARSHMALLOW IGLOOS If your family loves building gingerbread houses, try making an igloo out of
PINECONE CREATURES The holiday clearance rack is a great place to find pinecones if you have none in your area. Decorate pinecones with paint, felt, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners to make woodland creatures like owls, mice, rabbits, and foxes. These make a cute winter display on the fake snow blankets from your holiday decor. MASON JAR ROOM LIGHTS Decorate the outside of mason jars with a light layer of paint, clear stickers, glitter,
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marshmallows and frosting. The easiest way to create without the marshmallows collapsing is to cut the bottom from a plastic water bottle or 2 liters (depending on the size you want to make). Place cut side down on the surface. Spread a little frosting on the marshmallows like mortar as you build around the plastic. HOT COCOA CUPS Start by cutting down the side of a disposable 3 oz. cup. Place tape over the outside of the cup for easy removal. Coat the inside of the cup with a light layer of melted chocolate chips, pouring out the excess. Place in the refrigerator to set. Remove tape and paper cup. Fill the chocolate cup halfway with hot cocoa mix and fill the rest with marshmallows. Add a candy stick that is taller than the cup. Coat the top of the cup with melted chocolate, top with more marshmallows and sprinkles, and put in the refrigerator again to set. When ready, add to a cup of hot milk and stir. STRING ART Find a graphic online—sports logo, animal, word, etc. Print out and place on a piece of scrap wood or one from the craft store. Use small finishing nails to attach the paper to the wood in the corners. Then, use a hammer to place nails about 1/4” apart along the outline of the graphic. When all are in place, remove the paper by cutting it, careful not to disturb the nails. Use colorful string or yarn to go around the outside or fill in the graphic by wrapping it around and across the nails. Tie off and display your artwork or give it as a gift. SOCK ANIMAL WARMERS These are great for comfort on a cold night. Mix uncooked long-grain rice with a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil. Fill an old sock and tie off the end. Use rubber bands to fashion ears on the top of the sock, moving the rice around to fill in. Create a tail by using excess material at the knot and braid it into a long strand. Add a face with a fabric marker. To use, place in the microwave for 45 seconds and when it’s cool enough for touching, give it to your child at naptime. This can be warmed up over and over.
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mom next door LIVE
Katherine Carver
BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY HANNAH JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY.
F or Katherine Carver, parenting is an adventure full of laughs, dance parties, and faith. As a Baton Rouge mom of three, Katherine shares how she navigates it all by establishing a strong foundation for herself, not sweating the small stuff, and giving herself grace. WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST THING ONE OF YOUR KIDS HAS SAID OR DONE RECENTLY? KATHERINE: They make us laugh every day with little things. They’re at such fun ages with the questions they ask, especially our two-year-old. Our six-year-old is into jinxing people, and so David, our two-year- old, will come up and say, “jinx, double jinx,” with no context of what it means. It’s so cute, because then he just walks away laughing. Just the other night, my husband was putting him to bed, and Taylor said, “Okay, David, two more minutes. I’m going to rock you for two more minutes.” And David popped up and said, “No, one more minute.” That made us chuckle because he thinks he’s negotiating with us. WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO FAMILY MEAL WHEN LIFE GETS HECTIC? KATHERINE: Definitely spaghetti and meatballs. Our kids are at the age where one day they’ll like something, and then I cook it the next week, and they hate it. Spaghetti and meatballs never fail. If someone doesn’t like the sauce, I can just do the “mommy noodles” where it’s just butter, and they think it’s the best thing ever. The other thing is Serop’s, because when it’s hectic, going through Serop’s Express is a staple. IF YOUR FAMILY HAD A MOTTO, WHAT WOULD IT BE? KATHERINE: I’m going to get biblical with it and say, “love one another as I have loved you.” We’re a very Christian family, and
Occupation: Director of Communications and Events for the Louisiana Auto Dealers Association Husband: Taylor Children: Charlotte, 6; Elizabeth, 4; and David, 2 Hobbies: Gardening and reading
CHILDREN WILL CARRY WITH THEM AS THEY GROW? KATHERINE: When everything seems like it’s falling apart, when you hit rock bottom, know that you can always turn to God and your family to get you through things. Never give up, never settle for anything that’s unsettling, and just stay true to yourself. You know who you are; God made you for a reason in this period of time, just stay true to that. And you can always go back to your roots, no matter what. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT RAISING A FAMILY IN BATON ROUGE? KATHERINE: Aside from being close to our family, we just love the community that we built with our church, school, and the people I work with. It’s an easy community to get plugged into. I’m not from here, my husband’s from here, and it’s a very warm and inviting community. HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE DEMANDS OF WORK, FAMILY, AND PERSONAL TIME? KATHERINE: Every day is different, and I give myself a lot of grace. Having a strong network of mom friends, who are in similar walks of life in terms of ages, but then also having moms who are a step ahead in the ages, that helps a lot. Centering myself, my faith, and my family is the key. When I do a self reflection of
we’re trying to instill the Scripture in our everyday life, giving them Bible verses or reminders throughout the day. We’re big about that right now with them. We treat everyone with respect, especially within our own family. IF YOU COULD TAKE YOUR KIDS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD FOR A FAMILY ADVENTURE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO AND WHY? KATHERINE: I really want to go on a cross-country road trip. There’s something about the idea of piling everyone in an RV or pulling a camper behind a truck and exploring what’s in the backyard of the United States. If we could take a year off life and drive across the country, that would be a dream adventure for our family.
WHAT’S THE ONE PARENTING HACK YOU SWEAR BY?
KATHERINE: A dance party never fails. If the mood’s down, if everyone’s fighting with each other, or if we just need to flip a switch, if you will, a dance party always works. We’re in the thick of it with a six-, four-, and two-year-old, but a dance party
always turns the mood around. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HOPE YOUR
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when I feel the most balanced is when those are my foundation. That’s my center. WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE FOR YOUR CHILDREN? KATHERINE: Instilling a strong foundation in faith and family, because that’s a constant force driving me through life. It’s very important that they have that. HOW HAS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON WORK AND LIFE SHIFTED SINCE BECOMING A MOM? KATHERINE: I remember going back to the office after my first maternity leave, and trivial things that would bother me before didn’t anymore. At the end of the day, I just want to get home to my kids. I just want to be a mom. That's first and foremost. I’m much more guarded about how I let things affect me, and I don’t get bothered by all the noise. WHAT IS A TRADITION OR ACTIVITY YOU HAD GROWING UP THAT YOU’RE EXCITED TO PASS ON TO YOUR KIDS? KATHERINE: Being from Lafayette, I have very strong Cajun roots on both sides of my family, and we would go to the dance
hall, and there would be a Cajun band. I feel like I will fail as a Cajun mother if they don’t know how to dance two step. And so it started. We’re going to more festivals, and there’s a dance hall in Lafayette by the airport, and we took them there this past weekend. I’m like, alright, we’re doing this more, because they just love the music, and it was so fun to see them, listening to the music and dancing. WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR ROLE AT THE LOUISIANA DEALERS ASSOCIATION? KATHERINE: Working for the dealers and representing the auto dealers of Louisiana, it was so much more than I expected. I didn’t come from an automotive industry background, so getting to tell the stories of what the dealers do for our communities, for their employees, and just the vast community, it’s so inspiring to know that they’re so selfless, they’re so giving. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS? KATHERINE: Don’t sweat the small stuff. When new moms come to me with questions, I tell them to trust their gut, because we really do have this maternal-
paternal instinct deep in us. And, you know your kid, and every kid’s going to be different, so give them the grace and the space to grow and explore. Find what works for your family and be flexible, because it’s going to change. Give yourself all the grace, and just trust your instinct, because you’ve got it.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Favorite local spot for family day… We love all of the BREC parks. One word that best describes your family… fun. Favorite TV show
and movie to watch… Parks and Recreation and The Holiday . Favorite food…
crawfish étouffée. Hidden talent… dancing.
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LIVE thrive
BY AMANDA MILLER Sweet Lane: Paving Positivity Forward W ith sprinkles, Skittles, Twizzlers, and taffy, Sweet Lane is spreading positivity and creativity to tweens and teens. The Baton Rouge-based B2B lifestyle brand—created by longtime best friends and artists Jeanne McCollister and Lauren Haddox—offers sticker bars, handmade jewelry, creative kits, and a soon-to-be- released clothing line. The color palettes are bright and bold, with all pieces encouraging positive self-expression through affirmations and At the heart of it all is candy art (yes, real candy forms the base of their designs!) and a mission to change the negative messages young girls are receiving through marketing. McCollister says, “We really wanted to create a business that made an impact on these girls, so that’s when we started to do the affirmations. Naturally, you’ll [see affirmations] say, ‘you,’ and we were like, ‘We’re going to do it in a way where it’s empowering them to speak, so we’re going to create [them] in first person.” And they did. The affirmations girls will see in the pieces include: “I can do this,” “I am a problem solver,” “I can do hard things,” “I am enough,” and “I am blessed,” among others. A CREATIVE TOUCH McCollister and Haddox wanted to create an interactive experience for girls that gives them space to be themselves and express their creativity. McCollister says, “You’re going to find an array of accessories, from our Sticker Bar Bundle, that allows them to go into a boutique like Tangerine, where we sell, and customize, creative opportunities. A SWEET START
just like Build-A-Bear or the Kendra Scott Color Bar does. It gives you an interactive experience, which is big among this upcoming generation of girls. They want to customize. They want to express [themselves]. So we wanted to create an experience that way.” Additionally, the brand is researching partnerships with fitness studios and developing a “digital media membership,” which includes marketing resources and event kits. These two avenues will help build community connections and provide opportunities for the girls to attend classes and discover solutions on how to navigate anxiety and stress. A BRIGHT FUTURE Sweet Lane’s signature tiger glitter sticker remains both McCollister’s and Haddox’s favorite piece to date, and the future of
the business is looking just as bright as the tiger’s starry eyes. “I really am proud of the work that we’ve put into this. It’s been a lot of hours and a lot of sacrifice, but we truly have some exciting things we’re doing,” says McCollister. Their hard work and sacrifice will soon pay off, as the business officially launches this year. With McCollister and Haddox at the helm, future generations of girls will have the opportunity to express themselves and build their confidence, potentially inspiring future entrepreneurs just like them. For aspiring young entrepreneurs, McCollister says to find a mentor, talk to people who are in similar businesses, ask questions, and be ready to listen and learn. For more information about Sweet Lane, follow them on social media @sweetlanecollections.
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LIVE faith
Creating a Prayerful Parenting Partnership - Part 1
BY SHERI WOHLFERT, CATHOLIC WIFE, MOM, GRANDMA, SPEAKER, AND WRITER PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
D uring our dating days, I remember talking about babies and how many kids we imagined having, but I don’t remember talking about how we would actually parent them. There were times when it was clear that we were not on the same parenting page and even a few where I wasn’t sure we were even in the same book! We learned quickly that the way we parent has deep roots in both our personalities and our life experiences. Many of the actions we take as parents are steeped in our own childhood. Sometimes we want to do things just the way our own parents did them and sometimes we want to do the opposite. Parents bring different ideas and opinions to the parenting equation, but might not realize how different their approaches are until they are knee-deep in a parenting conflict. Our vocation as parents is constantly evolving, so here are some ideas about growing as a prayerful, powerful parenting partnership.
different perspectives with your parenting, talk about it. Honestly and lovingly talk about what’s working and what’s not, but do it in a time and place away from the kids and the heat of a conflict. Choose a parenting scenario such as: “What if our son misses curfew?” or “What if our daughter takes something that doesn’t belong to her and then lies about it?” and talk about how each of you would handle it. Ask the important questions such as, “What would you do and say?,” “Why that approach?,” “How do you think our child would respond?” And the really big question if your ideas differ: “What do you think would happen if we tried X instead of Y?” Scenario discussions give us perspective and understanding that lead to meaningful compromise to work for the good of our kids. Compromise has the power to create circumstances that are strong and beautiful, pulling from the best each parent has to offer.
PRAYER Pray with and for your spouse and your children. Ask God which gifts and abilities you need to incorporate into your parenting. Pray specifically that God will form you into exactly the parent he needs you to be for your children. PATIENCE Our parenting grows and changes, as do our kids. We won’t have all the right answers and do all the right things. Great parents evolve when they communicate with each other about how to parent according to the needs of their children. It’s not about “winning” or being the favorite parent; it’s about working together and building on each other’s strengths for the benefit of the kids. SCENARIO WISDOM If you realize you are coming from
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ADVERTORIAL
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What is Co-op & What are the Benefits? BY JULIANNA STEEN PHOTO BY SENIVPETRO ON FREEPIK.COM
“What is a co-op?” is a pretty standard question for anyone who didn’t grow up in the homeschooling community. In fact, to many, “co-op” and “homeschool” are synonymous terms. Let’s explore what a co-op entails, its many benefits, and the differences between co-ops and homeschooling. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do it—but make sure to educate yourself before making a decision. WHAT IS CO-OP? Technically speaking, “co-op” is short for “cooperative.” Practically speaking, a co-op looks like a structured combination of classroom-based education with hands-on (home)work experience. Co-ops are formalized groups of families that regularly meet together to facilitate group academic teaching. HOMESCHOOLING & CO-OP: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? According to high school senior Rhema Creel who has been homeschooled her entire life, the terms “homeschool” and “co- op” can go together, but the terms do not mean the same thing. To her, the difference between homeschool and co-op is that “homeschooling is the broader term, and there are other things—like co-op—you can do within that.” She goes on to explain that when you homeschool, there are different ways to go about it. “Some people can take classes
online and others work through a textbook with their mom at their house. Then as you get older, it’s more independent study,” she says. Meanwhile, “Co-op is when you take classes outside your house.” However, there are multiple types of co-ops. Let’s break them down. TYPES OF CO-OPS The “standard” type of academic co-op offers lecture classes 1–2 times per week and then supplements the time students are not in class with homework. You could have one class, or you could have six— the number of classes is determined by whatever fits your schedule, the number of credits you need, or what is offered in your area. Typically, you pay a flat fee per class that covers the expense of the teacher. Students can also often earn college credits once they reach high school. The classes are based on an academic curriculum and the subjects typically include math, science, literature, history, and foreign languages. Some co-op groups, however, specialize in a certain area or learning philosophy. For example, the Classical Conversations co-op approach is different because the curriculum is more heavily focused on Christian theology and it offers classical subjects like cursive, critical thinking, Latin, and rhetoric. Moreover, the co- op is parent-led, which means that the families are much more involved than
in a traditional co-op. Other co-ops that specialize their curriculum include Montessori, Waldorf (nature-oriented), and special education for those with learning challenges and disabilities. There are also enrichment programs that provide supplemental classes to children who homeschool. These co-op programs allow them to socialize; participate in fun, educational activities; and explore areas outside of their homeschool curriculum. According to Rhema, if she had to choose, “I prefer co-op classes. It’s fun because I've basically had a college class schedule since eighth grade and it gives me more time to do things outside of school and gives me flexibility to choose the classes I’m interested in, which makes me more engaged.” If you are considering joining a co-op, here’s a list of contacts and websites to reach out to for more information. RESOURCES FOR BATON ROUGE AREA Berean Co-op Baton Rouge, LA admin@bereanco-op.com
bereanco-op.com Buckles Academy Gonzales, LA (225) 623-7598 bucklesacademy.wixsite.com/ bucklesacademy
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Classical Conversations Baton Rouge, LA Josie Iverson: (225) 394-5218 or jiverson@classicalconversations.com classicalconversations.com Classic Conversations Denham Springs, LA Leigh Slack: (225) 288-6145 or lslack@classicalconversations.com classicalconversations.com Classic Conversations Baton Rouge, LA Josie Iverson: (225) 394-5218 or jiverson@classicalconversations.com classicalconversations.com Classic Conversations Gonzales, LA Christy Anthony: (985) 320-4595 or christy.anthony@ classicalconversations.com classicalconversations.com Classic Conversations Prairieville, LA Allyson Richardson: (225) 247-1042 or allysonrichardson.cc@gmail.com classicalconversations.com Cornerstone Homeschool Co-op
Central, LA cornerstoneacademic2019@gmail.com cornerstonehomeschoolcoop.org First New Testament Academy Baton Rouge, LA schooladministrator@fntchurch.org fntchurch.org/ministry/fnt-academy Homeschool Gumbo 2.0 Co-op Livingston, LA homeschoolgumboLP@gmail.com Jefferson Baptist Church School of Music Baton Rouge, LA alexander_ae@yahoo.com or (225) 923-0358 Lighthouse Co-op Homeschool Group Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, LA lhc.coop.1@gmail.com facebook.com/lighthousehomeschoolcoop Mighty Arrows Co-op Livingston, LA mightyarrows23@gmail.com Regina Caeli Academy Denham Springs, LA
(225) 257-9165 rcahybrid.org/baton-rouge-louisiana Sequitur Classical Academy Baton Rouge, LA
(225) 242-9737 sequiturbr.com St. Agnes Homeschool Co-Op Baton Rouge, LA (225) 383-4127 stagnesbr.com/coop St. John Bosco Co-op Gonzales, LA homeschool-life.com Sweet Potato Academy St. Amant, LA swtpotatokids@gmail.com swtpotatoacademy.com Trinity Co-op Central, LA info@trinityhomeschool.org trinityhomeschool.org Unschool Clubhouse Co-op Denham Springs, LA unschoolclubhouse.com
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ADVERTORIAL
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ADVERTORIAL
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All About ESAs BY AMANDA CIANI PHOTO BY STOCKKING ON FREEPIK.COM
P arents have 18 whole years to get it together when it comes to creating and saving for college funds. But what about when expenses arise for education needs before “Pomp and Circumstance” plays during senior graduation? As young children become scholars, those primary school tuition, tutoring, textbook and even therapy
expenses may come as a surprise. A little research and effort can go a long way, and an Education Savings Account (ESA) may be the way to go. WHAT IS AN ESA? These state-funded, state-sponsored programs have been created to allow
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spending flexibility for families with school-aged children. Families are granted access to public per-pupil funds to use them for eligible education expenses. School choice advocates can utilize these finances for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, special needs therapy, and more. WHO PAYS FOR ESAS? Every year, tax dollars are set aside by the government for every child's education within the state. ESAs are funded through public taxes. Instead of the funding going to a school directly, the money follows the educational path of an individual child chosen for them by their guardians. WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM AN ESA? Any student not thriving in the public school system setting may benefit from utilizing an ESA. ESAs can be used to fund a Catholic school education program, special needs school, nature-based education, learning pods, homeschooling, etc. Knowing an individual child helps make educational choices for the individual student’s needs. HOW DOES IT WORK? Families looking for educational options outside of public schooling can visit edchoice.org for a comprehensive list of scholarship programs, tax credit information, and more information on ESAs based on the state in which students reside. Families can opt to have students attend educational institutions with built-in curriculum, explore individualized education plans through homeschooling, employ tutors, etc. WHY CHOOSE AN ESA? The educational choice system focuses on the student as an individual, not a category of people. Families may have a child who fits well in a traditional public school setting, a child who excels in a trade school, a child with special needs who thrives in a private school setting, and a child who does best with a virtual program at home. The emphasis is on choice and being able to spend tax dollars on the individual student rather than making the choice of public school for all students as a whole. The main goal is producing students who love learning!
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2025 Private School Listing
BY BRPM PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2024-25 COVER KID RHYS J.
Choosing the right private school for your child doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide offers comprehensive listings, detailed profiles, and valuable insights to help simplify the selection process and find the perfect fit.
SCHOOL NAME PRINCIPAL/HEADMASTER ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/ SCHOLAR- SHIPS
TOTAL ENROLL- MENT
IEP ASSIS- TANCE
TEACHER/ STUDENT RATIO
GRADES TAUGHT
TUITION RANGE
TOTAL FACULTY
REGISTRA- TION FEE
FAMILY DISCOUNT
EXTENDED DAY
Agape School of Baton Rouge Kelly Gonzales 17170 Perkins Rd. (225) 605-3055 agapeschoolofbr.com
$6,000- 7,500
PreK-8
210
35
$350
1:15
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Amite Christian Academy Lisa Perkins 7100 Amite Church Rd. (225) 665-2060 amiteacademy.com
$2,700- 4,200
PreK-8
235
33
$350-820 1:13
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Apogee Baton Rouge Chase Poche 5526 Galeria Dr. (225) 400-4925 apogeebatonrouge.com
$7.500- 8,000
K-12
4
2
$500
1:2
Yes
No
No
No
Bethany Christian School Sherry Wilson 11107 Honore Ln. (225) 412-5335 bethanychristianschool.com
K4-11
113
16
$7,400
$300
1:12
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Catholic High School Dr. Tom Eldringhoff 855 Hearthstone Dr. (225) 383-0397 catholichigh.org
$13,000- 14,000
8-12
1,102
140
$550
1:15
No
Yes
No
Yes
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SCHOOL NAME PRINCIPAL/HEADMASTER ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/ SCHOLAR- SHIPS
TOTAL ENROLL- MENT
IEP ASSIS- TANCE
TEACHER/ STUDENT RATIO
GRADES TAUGHT
TUITION RANGE
TOTAL FACULTY
REGISTRA- TION FEE
FAMILY DISCOUNT
EXTENDED DAY
Central Private School Tessie Chambers/Dana Russell 12650 Gurney Rd. (225) 261-3341 centralprivate.org
$7,100- 7,800
PreK3-12
704
55
$150-850 1:20
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Diocese of Baton Rouge Special Education St. Margaret of Castello REACH Program Becky Green 1800 S. Acadian Thwy. (225) 336-8735 diobr.org/special-education
$13,925- 14,650
K-8
60
13
$315
1:5
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge Dr. Carrie Steakley 3200 Woodland Ridge Blvd.
$11,898- 21,383
PreK3-12
951
101
$756
1:10
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
(225) 753-3180 episcopalbr.org
Family Christian Academy Christopher Steele/ Carolyn Richards 8919 World Ministry Ave.
$6,500- 7,500
K4-12
166
50
$450
1:15
Yes
No
Yes
No
(225) 768-3026 fcacademy.net
Gardere Community Christian School Lauren Darden 8538 GSRI Ave. (225) 387-5082 gardereschool.com/admissions
PK3-5
165
22
$0-11,500 N/A
1:13
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Holy Family School Paul M. Varnado, II, M.Ed. 335 N. Jefferson Ave. (225) 344-4100 holyfamilyschool.com
$5,885- 6,710
PreK3-8
445
52
$200
1:8
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Hosanna Christian Academy Christin Anderson 8850 Goodwood Blvd.
$5,580- 8325
PreK3-8
491
40
$500
1:20
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
(225) 926-4885 hcablazers.org
La Printaniere Montessori School Erin Reynolds 5064 Perkins Rd. (225) 769-2255 laprintaniere.com
$6,300- 7,650
PreK 3-5
75
8
$395-495
1:12
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
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SCHOOL NAME PRINCIPAL/HEADMASTER ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/ SCHOLAR- SHIPS
TOTAL ENROLL- MENT
IEP ASSIS- TANCE
TEACHER/ STUDENT RATIO
GRADES TAUGHT
TUITION RANGE
TOTAL FACULTY
REGISTRA- TION FEE
FAMILY DISCOUNT
EXTENDED DAY
Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School Cheri Gioe 8033 Baringer Rd. (225) 751-0273 mbsbr.org
$5,600- 7,300
PK-8
523
62
$250
1:10
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Our Lady of Mercy School Allyson LaBorde 400 Marquette Ave.
$6,470- 8,370
PK3-8
981
83
$275
Varies
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(225) 924-1054 olomschool.org
Parkview Baptist School Phillip Parker, Interim 5750 Parkview Church Rd. (225) 291-2500 parkviewbaptist.com
6 weeks- 12th Grade
$10,219- 17,079
1,253
280
$350
1:15
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Sacred Heart of Jesus School Michael Miller
$6,975- 7,800
2251 Main St. (225) 383-7481 sacredheartbr.com
Pre-K3-8
215
35
$420
1:15
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sequitur Classical Academy Erika Price
$4,510- 5,700
2037 Quail Dr. (225) 242-9737 sequiturbr.com
Pre-K-12
142
30
$400
1:12
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
St. Alphonsus Catholic School Kristy Monsour 13940 Greenwell Springs Rd. (225) 261-5299 stalphonsusbr.org
$5,700- 7,125
PK3-8
460
45
$325-750 1:18
Yes
No
Yes
No
St. George Catholic School Angele Fontenot 7880 St. George Dr. (225) 293-1298 st-georgeschool.com
$6,150- 8,060
PreK4-8
1,105
100
$520
1:17
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
St. James Episcopal Day School Bridget Henderson 445 Convention St.
$11,700- 13,600
PK-5
300
55
$525
1:7
No
Yes
Yes
No
(225) 344-0805 stjameseds.org
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