Mission and History

We are Kids of Excellence and through our advanced curriculum, professional teaching staff, and passion for the success of our children, we prepare students to thrive. Since opening our doors in 1999, we have been driven by our dedication to the families of our community. Kids of Excellence was founded by our executive director Kristi Givens, a native New Orleanian with 20 years of experience in early child care development. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of education to young children in the neighborhood we serve, to ensure readiness for school for all children by using developmentally appropriate practices established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and promoted by the Louisiana Quality Rating System. 

Kids of Excellence invest in the development of the whole child, through cooperation of the school, family, staff, and community to be most effective. We believe in the value and uniqueness of each child we serve. We plan to promote optimal development of all children in our neighborhood. 

Currently, Kids of Excellence has a 4 star rating by Quality Rated System administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. As of March 2019, Kids of Excellence is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)—the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children. 

 
Testimonials
Every day we knew he would be well-taken care of
Every day we knew he would be well-taken care of

“Our son spent three years at Kids of Excellence, and we were sad to move on. Every day we knew he would be well-taken care of, would learn a ton, and most important of all, would have a great time with his friends. From the infant room to the pre-K class, all his teachers were loving and nurturing. We have been particularly impressed with KoE’s commitment to teachers’ continuing education and with the opportunities given to parents to further develop their parenting skills.”

This is a place that truly upholds the well-being of all children
This is a place that truly upholds the well-being of all children

“My child has attended Kids of Excellence since he was one year of age. Over the last 2 years, he has received stellar support in all areas of development from the staff. This is a place that truly upholds the well-being of all children and is a refreshingly caring and qualified facility. Ms. Kristi has created a culture of excellence among her staff which transfers to the children. I am so glad that I discovered this place and will miss this community when my son matriculates to PreK-4 next year at a different school.”

They make learning fun
They make learning fun

“The teachers and staff are really nice people. They make learning fun and make the kids and parents feel like family.”

We’ve seen his early literacy skills develop and he loves the field trips!
We’ve seen his early literacy skills develop and he loves the field trips!

“I’d like to give all my gratitude to the teachers at KOE! My son has been cherished and encouraged every day. We’ve seen his early literacy skills develop and he loves the field trips! Thank you to the teachers who work hard every day to support our boy!”

The teachers are very patient and caring
The teachers are very patient and caring

“KOE has been great for my son. He’s almost 3 years old and since starting school, his behavior and speech have improved. The teachers are very patient and caring.”

The teachers had great communication with all parents
The teachers had great communication with all parents

“I love KOE! I will recommend them to everyone. My oldest son went for 1 year. I hated to see him move on. The teachers had great communication with all parents.”

Her teachers were like family to us!
Her teachers were like family to us!

“My daughter thrived at KOE and her teachers, her teachers were like family to us!”