Why choose Kehoe-France Northshore?

Kehoe-France is founded in 1949 as a day camp for boys and girls under the direction of Patricia Kehoe and Frank A. France.

From the beginning, the camp offers a caring, family-centered environment where children are known, encouraged, and inspired to grow. This strong, values-led foundation will shape Kehoe-France as it evolves into a leading school community.

In 1952, Patricia Kehoe and Frank A. France married, turning their professional partnership into a true family endeavor.

Their combined strengths and shared values shaped the daily life of Kehoe-France, where families were greeted by name and children were treated as individuals. This family-led spirit became a defining feature of the growing camp community.

In February 1958, Kehoe-France relocated to 720 Elise Avenue in Metairie, transforming open land into a dedicated campus.

The two-story main building and new swimming pool, completed that Mother’s Day, allowed camp to open on schedule. The move provided a permanent home and room to grow, anchoring Kehoe-France in the community for decades.

In September 1962, Kehoe-France opened its first school program, welcoming 42 preschool students taught by two dedicated teachers.

Classrooms were nurturing, structured, and playful, building early skills while supporting social and emotional growth. Families quickly embraced this approach, setting the stage for rapid expansion in the following years.

In 1966, Kehoe-France launched two 1st grade classes, marking an important step beyond its early childhood program.

Children who began in preschool could now continue their education on the same campus, with a stronger emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and core academic skills, supported by teachers who already understood their needs. The school expanded with intention, ensuring that each new grade level honored the same warm, relationship-centered philosophy that defined its early years.

In 1970, Kehoe-France undertook a significant campus upgrade, completing a new gymnasium and seven freshly built classrooms. The gym provided a dedicated venue for PE lessons, competitive sports, and large school gatherings, while the new classrooms allowed the school to welcome more students and broaden its grade offerings and programs.

This expansion reflected the school’s ongoing commitment to pairing rigorous academics with a dynamic, well-rounded student experience that values both learning and active, healthy living.

Just a year after the gym complex opened, Kehoe-France continued its steady expansion. In 1971, the school extended the gym wing with seven new classrooms, a response to strong community interest and consistently rising enrollment.

These additional learning spaces made it possible for the school to introduce more courses and sections, preserve intentionally small class sizes, and sustain the warm, close-knit atmosphere that families appreciated - even as the campus footprint and student body kept growing.

Kehoe-France advanced another stage of its campus development by adding eight new classrooms to the existing gym complex. With each expansion, the school deepened its capacity to provide a seamless educational pathway from early childhood through the middle school years.

These additional rooms made space for increasing enrollment, more specialized teaching, and the kind of rich, well-balanced program that has long characterized Kehoe-France Southshore - rooted in strong academics, meaningful relationships, and whole-child development.

1974 marked a historic moment for Kehoe-France: the school celebrated its first 8^th grade graduation. This class represented years of steady growth, as one grade had been added each year since 1966, when the first 1^st grades were introduced.

Many of the students walking across the stage had begun their journeys at Kehoe-France as young children and progressed through every division on the same campus. Their graduation confirmed the school’s transformation into a fully developed PK–8 program, offering strong academics, meaningful leadership roles, and a close-knit community that prepared them for the challenges of high school and life beyond.

In 1979, Kehoe-France completed the Student Activity Center, introducing a vibrant new focal point for campus life. This versatile facility quickly became the setting for school assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, student celebrations, and larger community events.

The Center enhanced the Kehoe-France experience beyond academic classes, giving students more opportunities to share their talents, gain stage and public-speaking confidence, and gather together as a school community - reflecting the school’s commitment to educating the whole child through academics, arts, and activities.

By 1981, Kehoe-France was actively preparing students for the future of education. That year, the school added four new classrooms, one of which became its first computer lab. This pioneering investment in educational technology introduced students to emerging digital tools and skills, underscoring the school’s forward-thinking approach to learning.

The additional classrooms also created more room for expanding programs and maintaining small, student-centered classes, ensuring that innovation in technology was matched by the school’s ongoing focus on personal attention and a supportive learning environment.

In 1982, Kehoe-France launched a significant renovation of its swimming complex. The campus introduced a 25-yard competition pool alongside a dedicated teaching pool, creating distinct spaces where new swimmers could build confidence and experienced swimmers could train at a higher level.

These enhancements strengthened both the school-year and summer camp experiences, reinforcing Kehoe-France’s long-standing tradition of aquatic activities. The updated pools supported water safety instruction, competitive swim opportunities, and a strong sense of school spirit centered around life at the pool.

In 1985, Kehoe-France reached a special milestone in its family story: all four France brothers had joined the faculty. Their presence on campus deepened the school’s roots as a family-led institution and reinforced the values on which it was founded.

With multiple generations involved in daily school life, Kehoe-France continued to feel like an extension of home for many families, blending professional excellence with a warm, personal touch.

By the late 1980s, demand for Kehoe-France’s warm, personalized early education had grown significantly. In 1988, the school opened the Children’s Center at 717 Elise Avenue, creating a dedicated home for its youngest learners.

The Children’s Center provided classrooms and spaces designed specifically for early childhood, with small groups, caring teachers, and a focus on social-emotional growth. This expansion strengthened the school’s ability to support children from their earliest years, while maintaining the close community and camp-inspired spirit that families cherished.

On March 15, 1996, Kehoe-France acquired River Forest Academy in Covington, creating Kehoe-France Northshore. The new campus brought the same whole-child focus, strong academics, and family-centered culture to the Northshore community.

Together, the two campuses shared a common mission while developing distinct traditions that served their local families.

This was a transformative milestone for Kehoe-France Northshore school as they became a proud member of International Schools Partnership - ISP.

Becoming an ISP school was Kehoe-France Northshore's gateway to a dynamic global network of world-class schools. It provided access to unparalleled opportunities for our students to collaborate across continents, engage in innovative learning projects, and develop the skills to thrive as true global citizens. The world just became our classroom.

Over the years, Kehoe-France educated over 1,000 students across its Metairie and Northshore campuses. While facilities and programs expanded, the school remained true to its roots - a nurturing, values-driven environment that prioritized both academic excellence and personal growth.

Funded by tuition and community support, Kehoe-France continued to honor the founders’ vision for every child.

For more than 75 years, Kehoe-France has been a trusted name in education. Since 1962, our school has grown and evolved, but our core purpose has remained the same - to provide a strong academic foundation while nurturing the character, confidence, and wellbeing of every child.

Across generations, families have chosen Kehoe-France because of its close-knit community, dedicated teachers, and commitment to timeless values. Alumni return as parents, grandparents, and community partners, keeping traditions alive and strengthening the sense of continuity that makes our campus feel like home.

Today, as an IB World School and a proud member of the International Schools Partnership, Kehoe-France blends a rich heritage with innovative teaching and global opportunities, offering students an education in an independent, non-denominational, coeducational school accredited by Louisiana, Cognia, and NIPSA.

Our inquiry-driven IB curriculum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), helps your child grow as a curious, confident learner, ready to thrive in any school setting.

Continuous assessment and reflection support measurable growth, while inquiry-based learning nurtures curiosity, perseverance and confidence. Teachers personalize learning through small-group guidance, MAP testing and goal-setting, ensuring every student is challenged and supported.

Students build strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science and the arts, alongside communication, research and self-management skills. With language learning, global awareness and real-world projects, Kehoe-France Northshore students are prepared for high school and beyond.

At our private school in Northshore, students move on to their next school with confidence and clarity about their strengths.

MAP Growth testing in Reading, Language, Mathematics, and Science takes place twice per year. These adaptive assessments show how each student is progressing over time, often beyond national averages. Teachers use the results to personalize instruction, set clear goals, and ensure that every learner is appropriately challenged and supported.

Together, strong academic foundations, MAP data, and one-on-one support create a clear pathway to high school success - and help students feel ready for the opportunities ahead.

At Kehoe-France Northshore, technology is an integral part of how students learn, create, and connect. Students use age-appropriate devices and digital platforms daily to enhance collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Teachers integrate technology across lessons, supporting reading, writing, math, creative projects, research, coding, and digital storytelling. Various platforms help students practice skills, manage learning, and build responsible technology habits.

Responsible digital citizenship and balance are central, ensuring students use technology safely, thoughtfully, and with purpose - developing the confidence and digital literacy they need for the future.

Multilingualism is woven into daily life at Kehoe-France Northshore, giving students a head start in language learning and global awareness.

Beginning at age two, all students attend Spanish classes twice weekly, taking advantage of their natural capacity to acquire language. Through interactive games, storytelling, art, and songs, children develop listening and speaking skills that form the foundation for reading and writing.

As students move into the elementary years, the Spanish curriculum - aligned with Louisiana state standards - emphasizes communication and comprehension in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Step by step, learners build vocabulary, confidence, and cultural understanding so they can engage in simple conversations.

At Kehoe-France Northshore, skills are integrated across lessons, projects, and relationships. Students develop essential ISP life competencies alongside the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, preparing them for high school and beyond.

Guided by the IB Learner Profile, they grow as inquirers, thinkers, communicators, caring and principled learners, open-minded citizens, and reflective individuals. They learn to ask questions, solve problems, communicate respectfully, act with integrity, and appreciate diverse perspectives.

Through ATL skills, students think critically and creatively, manage time and emotions, research and evaluate information, and collaborate effectively. By combining ISP competencies with IB learning, Kehoe-France shapes confident, compassionate, and adaptable learners ready to thrive in any future setting.

Student and staff wellbeing are essential for a positive, caring school culture where learning can truly thrive.

At Kehoe-France Northshore, Komodo Wellbeing measures student wellbeing across several themes and gives a dedicated space to reflect and share how they feel. This platform empowers students with agency in their own wellbeing and flags those who might otherwise fly below the radar, while also showing broader trends so the school can step in with extra support when needed.

Wellbeing is central to focus, motivation, and engagement in the classroom. By creating an atmosphere where students feel safe, supported, and valued, we make it possible for amazing learning to take place.

Staff wellbeing is just as crucial. When staff wellbeing is prioritised, teachers can model positive coping strategies and healthy behaviours. Feeling supported themselves, they are more engaged and better able to respond to student needs, strengthening the whole school community

Athletics are an essential part of student life at Kehoe-France Northshore, helping students grow as teammates, leaders and balanced individuals. On the field, in the gym, in the pool and during daily play, children learn discipline, resilience and respect-skills that matter just as much as academic achievement.

From the earliest years, PE lessons and active recess encourage students to move with confidence, play fairly and support one another. As they grow, many choose to represent Kehoe-France in N.I.A.L. competitions, or in developmental leagues where they can try new sports in a supportive setting.

In cross country, swimming, volleyball, flag football, basketball, soccer, cheer, track and field, Eagles learn to train safely, set goals and handle both wins and losses with grace. Every practice and game is a chance to build character, strengthen friendships and represent their school community with pride and integrity.

At Kehoe-France Northshore, student life offers countless opportunities to create, lead, and connect. Beyond academics, extracurriculars, leadership programs, and community events help students build confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging.

Leadership is woven into daily life and formal roles. Through Junior Beta Club, Student Council, and community projects, students develop initiative, organize events, and contribute meaningfully to school and community.

From performances and showcases to family celebrations, these experiences bring students, staff, and families together—reinforcing a supportive, values-driven environment where every contribution matters.

At Kehoe-France Northshore, the classroom extends into the world. Through ILOS programs, students deepen learning, broaden horizons, and see themselves as active global citizens.

ISP programs such as ISP Artists, Scientists, Chess Masters, and the Virtual Exchange connect students with peers worldwide. They collaborate on art, science challenges, chess tournaments, and live virtual sessions, strengthening communication, creativity, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding.

Local, regional, and international trips enrich the curriculum. Visits to museums, historic sites, and the State Capitol connect learning to real-world history, civics, and science, while international travel provides opportunities for language practice and building cross-cultural friendships.

At Kehoe-France Northshore, the campus feels warm, safe and set up for active learning. Engaging, flexible classrooms and specialist spaces invite students to move, talk, question and collaborate as they grow in confidence.

From early years to middle school, age-appropriate learning areas support curiosity and independence. Younger students learn in calm, nurturing spaces with easy access to outdoor play, while older students use dedicated enrichment areas, arts spaces and digital tools to dig deeper into their interests.

Across the day, students use the campus to work in small groups, share ideas and apply their learning to real situations. Classrooms, arts and athletic spaces all act as extensions of learning, helping students build the skills, friendships and self-belief they need for their next school and beyond.

ISP schools are a shared ecosystem of innovation and ambition. Students embark on a dynamic and personalised learning journey, guided by the transformative Learning.First™ approach, unique only to the ISP family of schools. They learn through 5 pillars enriched by worldwide collaborations, solving real-world problems with peers across continents.

This powerful combination of academic achievement, multilingual learning and international opportunities creates unparalleled future pathways, preparing students for top universities and global careers.