St. Thérèse Academy for kids with learning differences

By Shannon BLAND, GUEST COLUMN
ST. THÉRÈSE ACADEMY

I am so proud and honored to have been chosen to be the new head of school at St. Thérèse Academy in Metairie. We are excited and already hard at work developing a school that will educate children with exceptional needs and learning differences.

St. Thérèse Academy is rooted in Catholic values and has focused its attention on serving a diverse student body with a variety of learning differences. Students will receive an individualized education that addresses their particular needs in an environment that focuses on the spiritual, personal, physical, social and emotional aspects of each student.

We are creating an innovative approach to learning that will meet the students where they are and use best practices and the latest research to ensure that they will be successful.

As I reflect on my educational and professional journey, I can see God’s hand in every aspect of my life. The vision and mission of this school are unique and are things I have embraced personally. I am passionate about this opportunity.

I am excited about developing St. Thérèse Academy into a premier school for exceptional learners. Our commitment is to create a nurturing, loving and faith-filled community in which all members are driven to put Jesus’ words into practice and to “teach as Jesus did.”

I continue to be inspired by our faculty interviews and have enjoyed meeting the families who have registered during their interviews. I look forward to meeting more families as we continue the registration process. We are very excited about the future St. Thérèse Academy and look forward to its opening in August.

May we go forth with “faith, service and friendship to live by love.” St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us!

Shannon Bland is the new head of school at St. Thérèse Academy, a school for exceptional learners that will open in August at the site of the former Our Lady of Divine Providence School, 917 N. Atlanta St. in Metairie. The school will serve grades kindergarten through 12th grade. All students at St. Thérèse Academy will require an individual evaluation and/or a diagnosis of an educational exceptionality. Applications are now open, and open houses are scheduled for July 13, 20 and 27.

For more information or to apply, call 513-4400, email [email protected], or visit https://sttheresenola.org/.