Why choose Kehoe-France Southshore?

In 1949, Holy Name Camp officially became Kehoe-France Day Camp, located in Audubon Park in uptown New Orleans. Under the leadership of Patricia Kehoe and Frank A. France, the camp quickly became a beloved place where children could learn, explore, and grow in a safe, supportive environment. 

This foundational moment planted the seeds of Kehoe-France Southshore's enduring whole-child approach, our close-knit community, and the cherished summer camp traditions that remain vibrant on campus to this day. 

In 1952, the partnership between founders Patricia Kehoe and Frank A. France was cemented when Patricia Kehoe became Mrs. Frank France. Their shared commitment to the development of children and to the Kehoe-France community provided consistent, values-driven leadership. 

Together, they provided the stable foundation needed to grow the camp’s programs, deepen bonds with families, and lay the cornerstone for what would become Kehoe-France Southshore’s distinguished legacy of excellence in academics and character. 

In February 1958, Kehoe-France transitioned from operating in Audubon Park and other rented facilities to its permanent home at 720 Elise Avenue in Metairie. 

Securing a dedicated campus created a strong foundation for future growth, allowing the school to expand its programs, invest in facilities, and offer children a consistent, nurturing environment. 

In September 1962, Kehoe-France expanded to include an academic school program, beginning with 42 preschool students and two teachers.  

This important milestone transformed Kehoe-France Southshore from a beloved summer camp into a year-round school, allowing children to experience consistent, high-quality learning within the same caring community.  

The launch of the preschool program marked the start of the school’s long tradition of nurturing the whole child and setting the stage for the steady growth and reputation for excellence that the campus enjoys today. 

In 1966, Kehoe-France opened two 1st grade classrooms, extending the school’s reach beyond early childhood. 

Children who had started in preschool could now continue with a stronger academic focus in reading, writing, and math, surrounded by teachers who already knew them well. The school grew thoughtfully, ensuring that new grades built on the same caring, relationship-based approach. 

In 1970, Kehoe-France completed a major campus expansion with the construction of a new gymnasium and seven classrooms. The gym gave students a dedicated space for physical education, team sports, and school-wide events, while the added classrooms created room for more grade levels and programs.  

This project signaled the school’s commitment to balancing strong academics with a vibrant, active student life. 

Just one year after the gym complex opened, Kehoe-France continued to grow. In 1971, seven more classrooms were added to the gym wing, reflecting strong community demand and steady enrollment growth.  

These new learning spaces allowed the school to broaden its academic offerings, keep class sizes small, and maintain the close, family feel that families valued even as the campus expanded. 

Kehoe-France completed another phase of campus expansion by adding eight more classrooms to the gym complex. With each addition, the school strengthened its ability to offer a continuous educational journey from early childhood through the middle school years.  

These new classrooms supported growing enrollment, more specialized instruction, and the rich, well-rounded program that has long defined Kehoe-France Southshore. 

1974 was a landmark year for Kehoe-France: the school held its first 8th grade graduation. Many students in this class had grown up at Kehoe-France, moving from the early years through the upper grades on the same campus.  

This milestone confirmed the school’s transformation into a complete PK–8 program, offering strong academics, leadership opportunities, and a deep sense of belonging that prepared graduates for success in high school and beyond. 

In 1979, Kehoe-France completed construction of the Student Activity Center, adding a dynamic new gathering place to campus. This multi-purpose space became home to assemblies, performances, student events, and community gatherings.  

The Center enriched school life beyond the classroom, giving students more opportunities to showcase their talents, build confidence, and come together as a community. 

By 1981, Kehoe-France was looking ahead to the future of learning. That year, the school added four new classrooms, one of which housed its first computer lab. This early move into educational technology gave students access to emerging tools and skills, while reinforcing the school’s commitment to innovation. 

The new classrooms also provided additional space for growing programs and small, student-centered classes. 

In 1982, Kehoe-France undertook a major renovation of its swimming facilities. The campus added a 25-yard competition pool alongside a dedicated teaching pool, creating spaces where both new swimmers and competitive athletes could thrive.  

These upgrades elevated the summer camp and school programs alike, deepening Kehoe-France’s tradition of aquatic activities, water safety, and school spirit around 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.

In 1993, the Wheat Family Library opened its doors at Kehoe-France, quickly becoming a favorite space for students and teachers.  

The library offered a rich collection of books and resources, supporting research, independent reading, and a love of stories across all grade levels. As a quiet hub of curiosity and learning, the Wheat Family Library reinforced the school’s commitment to literacy, inquiry, and lifelong learning. 

On 15 March 1996, Kehoe-France Southshore purchased River Forest Academy in Covington, establishing Kehoe-France Northshore. 

The new campus brought the same whole-child focus, strong academics, and family-centered ethos to the Northshore, while the original Southshore campus continued to thrive. Together, the two campuses shared a common heritage and mission and began to develop traditions unique to each side of the lake.

In 2016, Kehoe-France took an important step toward international best practice by beginning implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. The move aligned teaching and learning with IB’s inquiry-based, globally focused framework, encouraging students to think critically, act with integrity, and engage with the world around them.

This shift strengthened Kehoe-France’s commitment to developing lifelong learners and thoughtful global citizens, and paved the way for deeper connections with ISP’s worldwide community. 

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

Becoming an ISP school was Kehoe-France Southshore'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. 

As an IB World School since 2019, Kehoe-France delivers a rigorous, inquiry-led curriculum built around real-world questions and reflection. Guided by the IB Learner Profile, students develop as thinkers, communicators, and principled young people ready for the challenges of high school and a global future. 

At Kehoe-France Southshore, students grow into confident, compassionate learners through a rigorous, inquiry-driven IB education rooted in care, integrity, and community. Since 1962, our Metairie campus on the Southshore has combined strong academics with personal attention, helping every child build a solid foundation for high school and life.

Many families stay with us for generations, drawn to a close-knit environment where teachers know each student well and traditions make school feel like home. 

Kehoe-France Southshore is an independent, non-denominational, coeducational school accredited by the State of Louisiana, Cognia and NIPSA, giving families confidence in both our heritage and our standards of excellence. 

At Kehoe-France Southshore, the IB World curriculum turns curiosity into meaningful learning. Students investigate real-world questions, make connections across subjects and learn to think deeply rather than simply memorize facts. 

From early years through middle school, concept-based units encourage learners to explore big ideas, ask their own questions, and reflect on what they discover.  

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing three times per year enables teachers to track growth beyond grade-level expectations. These adaptive assessments, combined with ongoing feedback in class, give a detailed picture of each child’s strengths, next steps and long-term progress. 

Teachers use this insight to design purposeful learning journeys that stretch every learner, support different learning styles and promote international mindedness.

At Kehoe-France Southshore, students leave Grade 7 ready to thrive in rigorous, college-preparatory high school programs. They build strong foundations in reading, writing, mathematics, science and research, alongside IB-inspired skills in inquiry, reflection, and problem-solving, so they can handle advanced coursework with confidence. 

100% Kehoe-France Southshore graduate earn a place at their high school of choice, supported by personalized guidance and strong academic preparation. From early planning conversations to application support, teachers, and leaders work closely with families to understand each student’s strengths, goals, and preferred pathways.

At Kehoe-France Southshore, students use digital tools to inquire, create and collaborate, developing confident digital skills for a connected world. At Kehoe-France Southshore, digital learning gives students powerful tools to think, create, and collaborate. Devices and platforms extend learning beyond the classroom walls, helping students research, design, code, and present their ideas with confidence.

Students use iPads, Chromebooks, and online tools to bring projects to life - from multimedia storytelling and research to coding, robotics, and 3D design in our STEM Room and Design Lab. Technology supports inquiry-based learning, so students question, experiment and solve real-world problems rather than simply consuming information. 

Digital citizenship and online safety are woven into everyday learning. Students learn how to communicate respectfully, protect their privacy, balance screen time, and make thoughtful choices about what they share.

Multilingual learning at Kehoe-France Southshore begins early and grows with each child. From age three, students attend Spanish classes twice a week, building strong listening and speaking skills through play, stories, songs, and art. 

The curriculum, aligned with Louisiana state standards, focuses on real communication across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. As students progress, they expand vocabulary and use Spanish naturally in classroom routines and projects. By elementary school, students can engage in simple conversations and understand short texts, developing confidence in language learning and an appreciation of other cultures.

Life skills are not an “extra” at Kehoe-France Southshore - they sit at the heart of every lesson, project, and conversation. Guided by the IB Learner Profile, ISP’s Big 5 competencies and our Portrait of a Graduate, students develop curiosity, confidence, collaboration and ownership of their learning. 

Through inquiry-based learning and the IB Approaches to Learning, students think critically, communicate clearly, and manage their time and goals. They research responsibly, use digital tools with purpose and apply these skills across subjects and real-world contexts. 

The IB Learner Profile and our Portrait of a Graduate shape students into caring, principled and reflective individuals who lead with empathy, learn from challenges, and understand their role in a global community. 

Athletics are a vibrant part of life at Kehoe-France Southshore. Students participate in more than 10 sports - from basketball and soccer to swimming and track - building confidence, teamwork, and school pride. 

All students find their place in KFSS athletics. Our athletic programs are  competitive teams participating in the New Orleans Athletic League (NOAL), and inclusive intramurals focus on fun and collaboration. Skilled coaches guide every activity with a focus on safety, growth, and sportsmanship. 

Training takes place indoor and outdoor athletic areas, including our 25-yard swimming pool, and in 2024–2025 KFSS athletes earned seven championships across multiple sports. Beyond trophies, students develop goal-setting, leadership, and teamwork skills that last far beyond the field. 

At Kehoe-France Southshore, life beyond the classroom is busy, joyful, and purposeful. Students join extracurriculars such as Choir, Band, Chess Club, and Arts-a-Go-Go, where they explore interests, practice new skills, and connect with friends who share their passions. 

Leadership is part of everyday life. Through Student Council, the IB 4th Grade Exhibition, and Middle School Community Projects, students plan spirit days and socials, support charitable drives like “Chuck It in the Bucket” and lead initiatives that make a real difference on campus and beyond. 

Community events bring everyone together. Back to School Family Night, Trunk or Treat, Grandparents Day, and many more, including performances featuring our Choir and Band create moments where students shine, families connect, and school spirit feels tangible. These experiences help students build confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging at Kehoe-France Southshore. 

At Kehoe-France Southshore, students turn curiosity into real-world understanding through international experiences and field trips. They take part in ISP's International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS) programs, collaborating globally and strengthening their IB Learner Profile traits such as open-mindedness, communication, and care. 

Annual field trip experiences to places such as the Whitney Plantation, the State Capitol and science museums bring history, civics, and inquiry-based science to life, while outdoor education camping trips in the upper grades build independence, teamwork, and resilience. 

A capstone international travel opportunity in Grade 7 allows students to visit ISP partner schools in many countries, experiencing new cultures firsthand and applying their Approaches to Learning skills in authentic, cross-cultural contexts. Together, these global connections and local field trips help students see themselves as thoughtful global citizens, ready to ask questions, reflect, and act in a connected world. 

At Kehoe-France Southshore, campus spaces are designed to grow curiosity and confidence. Students move through environments that invite them to inquire, create, and collaborate - feeling that every corner of the school is built for hands-on discovery. 

In the STEM Room and Design Lab, learners experiment with coding, robotics, and engineering challenges using tools like Dash & Dot, Sphero, LEGO Spike, and Prime and 3D printers. 

Reggio-inspired classrooms and shared areas are bright, welcoming, and intentional. Materials are at children’s fingertips, displays celebrate student thinking, and flexible layouts support small-group inquiry, quiet reflection, and peer collaboration. Outdoor fields, playgrounds, and shaded spaces extend learning beyond the classroom, giving students room to investigate nature, enjoy P.E., and build teamwork through games. 

The gymnasium and athletic fields bring the community together for sports, performances, and events, nurturing school spirit alongside physical well-being. Across campus, every space is a learning space - supporting the IB focus on inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and balanced, joyful learning. 

At Kehoe-France Southshore, summer camp is a tradition more than 75 years in the making. Since 1949, campers have come together for weeks of swimming, spirited tribe competitions, and hands-on activities that spark joy and confidence. Each day blends classic games, creative projects, and outdoor adventures that keep campers active, curious, and connected. 

Cherished traditions like the Dominic Yu Relay Race, Frog Races, watermelon days, and the end-of-season Swim Meet bring the whole camp community together to cheer, celebrate, and create shared memories. With caring counselors, a strong sense of belonging, and a focus on character, the Legacy of Summer Camp at Southshore continues to grow - one unforgettable summer at a time. 

ISP schools are a shared ecosystem of innovation and ambition. Students embark on a dynamic and personalized 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.