Room to Grow
Mission:
In 2015, Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans purchased the historic Alfred C. Priestley Junior High School building at 1619 Leonidas Street. Lycée Français offers a unique, first-class education, in a public school setting to a diverse student body who will become New Orleans’ future leaders. We envision a permanent home that our students deserve, by providing a state-of-the-art high school that will bear witness to their accomplishments for years to come.
Lycée’s supporting foundation, Amis du Lycée Français, officially launched the Room to Grow capital campaign in the spring of 2019. The Room to Grow Campaign will help renovate and restore the Alfred C. Priestley Junior high school building, the gymnasium and add a digital media center. The total cost of the project is $14.5 million, which will be broken down the following way: $2 million anticipated in philanthropic support, $3 million anticipated in tax credits, and the remainder of the funds will be financed.
Donations can be made online here. Checks may also be sent by mail to:
Amis du Lycée Français
Attn: Office of Development
5951 Patton Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the goal of the Room to Grow Campaign?
The Room to Grow Campaign will help renovate and restore the Alfred C. Priestley Junior high school building, the gymnasium and add a digital media center. The total cost of the project is $14 million, which will be broken down the following way: $2 million anticipated in philanthropic support, $3 million anticipated in tax credits, and the remainder of the funds will be financed.
Why is a public school seeking private gifts?
Lycée Français de la Nouvelle Orléans is a free-of -charge type-2 public charter school open to students from across the state of Louisiana. The school is financed by the state, governed by an independent board of directors and authorized by a charter issued by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Private gifts, grants and contributions must provide the remaining funds.
Why should private donors support the Room to Grow Campaign?
Private support over and above basic government funding is absolutely necessary if Lycée Français is to fulfill its mission while strengthening the excellence of its programs and facilities. The Room to Grow Campaign targets our need for facility expansion in order to support our successful and growing program. Our high school will offer a specialized, quality addition to the educational landscape of New Orleans.
May I restrict my gift to a particular project or program?
If you want to restrict your gift to a certain project or program, please indicate the restriction on the pledge form or gift agreement you receive when making your gift commitment. This will ensure that your contribution is properly credited and used. If the purpose of your gift is unusual, we suggest you discuss it with the Executive Director before putting any restriction in writing.
In what ways can I make my gift?
Your gift to the Room to Grow Campaign can take one or more of the following forms:
1. A pledge of three to five years
2. A one time cash payment
3. Named gift opportunities
4. Appreciated, marketable stocks or securities
5. Closely held securities
6. Gifts-in-kind
7. Life income plans such as charitable remainder unitrusts, charitable remainder annuity trusts, a pooled income funds, and gift annuities
8. Charitable lead trusts
9. Remainder interest in residence or farm
10. Corporate or foundation matching gifts
May I make my gift to a project other than the stated objectives of the Room to Grow Campaign?
Yes. Your own preferences and guidelines will be respected. Undoubtedly, your particular interests will coincide with some of the other vital needs of the school.
Why should I make an additional pledge to the Room to Grow Campaign if I am already contributing to ongoing programs on an annual basis?
Your additional pledge will be used for special projects and programs that the Room to Grow Campaign will make possible. While supporting the Campaign, however, your contributions to annual programs are needed as much as ever. We urge you to make a pledge to the Campaign and to continue or increase your annual giving.
If I want to make an anonymous gift, will my wish be respected?
Lycée Français will accept anonymous gifts with gratitude and will, of course, protect anonymity. All such gifts will be counted in the Campaign total and are tax-deductible.
May gifts be used for commemorative purposes?
The Room to Grow Campaign offers a variety of possibilities to memorialize or honor a special person. Naming of buildings or endowments is a thoughtful way for benefactors to honor their relatives, friends, or institutions and is a visible and active way for a donor to express his or her own interest in the advancement of Lycée Français and its programs.
Why do we need to raise money for a campaign?
As a type-2 charter school, we are not provided with facilities by the state or the school district, therefore, we are responsible for procuring our own buildings. Although the state equitably distributes funds under the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), these funds are not enough to cover rent and other facility costs.
LFNO Board Officers
Dr. Lisa Tropez – Arceneaux, Chair
David Amos, Vice-Chairman
Carson Strickland, Treasurer
Graham Bosworth, Secretary
Luke Clary, Board Member
Michael Williams, Board Member
Dr. David Robinson-Morris, Board Member
Read more about our board | HERE
Amis du Lycée Foundation: Board of Trustees
Anne Normann, Executive Director
Michael Williams, Chair
Kathleen Ramsey, Secretary
Sam Guidry, Treasurer
Odette Ieyoub
Kim Reyher
Jennifer Teague
Ex-Officio: Marina Schoen
Amis du Lycée Français is a 501(c)3 non-profit, EIN number 82-3375306.
School Leadership
Marina Schoen, Chief Executive Officer
Jethro Celestin, Chief Operating Officer
Chana Benenson, Upper School Principal
Danielle Dufauchard, Lower School Principal
Jessica Aris, Director of Human Resources
Sophie Capmartin, Director of Academics
Daniel Henry, Director of Technology
Mandi Lehnherr, Director of Exceptional Student Services
Elaine Guillot, Director of Communications
John-Henry Trant, Coordinator of Transportation & Meal Services
Diane Duhesme, Director of High School
Yann Colin, Director of Middle School
Mary-Devon Dupuy, Director of Extended Day Programs
Read more about our leadership team | HERE
Campaign Committee
Jim and Catherine MacPhaille,
Honorary Chaircouple
Jeff and Jennifer Teague,
Co-Chaircouple
Josh and Kim Reyher,
Co-Chaircouple
Tim Gray
Tim and Odette Ieyoub
Andrew and Kathleen Ramsey
Tara Richard
Michael Williams
WAYS TO GIVE:
HONOR/MEMORIAL GIVING
Honoring or memorializing a loved one, friend, educator or colleague is a very meaningful way to make a gift while also making a difference for the children of Lycée Français. Honor gifts may be made in honor of special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. An acknowledgment of the contribution is sent to the designated recipient but the amount of the gift will not be disclosed.
NAMED GIFT OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to contribute to this exciting project and receive naming recognition. Contact the Executive Director at anormann@lfno.org to discuss opportunities and make a meaningful impact. CLICK HERE to download the Named Gift Availability.
PLANNED GIVING
Make a lasting impact and leave a legacy to secure French immersion education in the future. Some examples include: bequests, retirement plan beneficiary designations, life insurance, charitable trusts, or charitable gift annuities. A legacy gift will significantly impact the future of the school and the children educated here for generations to come.
ENDOWMENT
Lycée Français endowment can be established to ensure the future of the school and to assist with the community for years to come. A gift to the endowment fund is a long-term investment in the future of Lycée Français.
MATCHING GIFTS
Your gift may be able to double or triple if your company offers a Corporate Matching Gift Program. Please check with your, or your partner’s, human resources office to see if this is offered. Retired employees may also be eligible.
STOCK
A gift of appreciated stock can be an excellent way to support Lycée Français and simultaneously avoid a capital gains tax and take a charitable deduction. Outright gifts of marketable securities for current operations or endowments can be made in several ways. Please consult your tax professional for advice related to your particular financial situation. If you have questions about making a gift of stock, please contact the Executive Director.
GRANTS
Both private and corporate foundations support vital programs and services through grant funding. Grants provide support for capital expansions, professional development, and special programs such as Thinking Outside the Classroom, which creates educational opportunities that are immersive, hands-on, and unforgettable.
ANNUAL GIVING
Annual Fund gifts provide vital, ongoing support that allows Lycée Français to grow and offer unique, exceptional programs such as Thinking Outside the Classroom. This program allows us to educate our students through exceptional, hands-on, site-based, and project-based learning throughout New Orleans.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
• Special Events
• Athletics
• Study Abroad
• Community Garden
• Field Experiences
ORGANIZE YOUR OWN FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR LFNO
Lycée Français receives numerous requests from businesses, restaurants, individuals and families who wish to support Lycée Français by staging their own fundraising events. These events are planned, organized and executed by interested volunteers independently from the school, but in a manner that is consistent with our mission and public image.
If you are interested in ways to participate, please reach out to one of our campaign chairs:
by email:
Kimberly Davis Reyher at kstudavis@gmail.com
Jennifer Teague at jennrj73@gmail.com
Thermometer updated monthly
As a public charter school, we rely on the support of community members and friends to ensure that we can continue to grow and offer the exceptional programs that enrich our students’ education.
There are several ways you can show your support to Lycée. From volunteering to making a gift, every contribution makes an impact. Whether it’s a monthly pledge to the Annual Fund or a gift contribution, we are grateful for your support.
To learn more or for questions, contact our Executive Director Anne Normann at anormann@lfno.org or 504.620.5500 ext. 1708.
*Amis du Lycée Français is a 501(c)(3) supporting foundation, EIN: 82-3375306
Resources
1 sheet (reduced Case for Support)
FAQ + Opportunities for Giving
Named Gift Opportunities (updated 12.18.19)
CEO + Committee ‘Kick Off’ Letter
Building renderings |one|two|current building
DONATE NOW
Un grand merci for your contribution to our Room to Grow campaign! Your support is grately appreciated!
Named Gift Opportunities are available – click here to view!
Donors interested in reserving a Named Gift Opportunity, additional recurring donation options or questions, please contact Anne Normann, Executive Director, at anormann@lfno.org with any questions.
Updated: May 5, 2021