Community School Ammenities

• Indoor and Outdoor Playgrounds
• Indoor and Outdoor Pools
• SNOEZELEN Room
• Learning Labs
• Classrooms
• Bike and Walking Trails

Community School FAQs

The Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows always taught by example, advocated for classroom learning, and promoted job training. Today, we emulate the Sisters’ training and teaching methods through the Community School. Their passion, like ours, was to provide opportunities for those we serve to reach their maximum level of achievement. We seek to honor the legacy of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows by continuing their work of impacting the lives of those we serve through innovative programming and improvements made to our campus.

Does Education remain a priority for Holy Angels?

Holy Angels continues to focus on passing that legacy of education to our committed staff and to all we serve. In 2011, the Holy Angels Strategic Planning Committee renewed our educational focus and committed to building enhanced programs for residents, renovating all homes and buildings, upgrading walkways and roadways, and focusing on training, retaining, and recruiting mission-focused staff. The committee planned to build a Charter School for Autism on our campus after completing the abovementioned items.

How was the Community School funded?

Rather than expending capital for a new building, we placed funds in programmatic enhancements focused on education and training. We elected to repurpose an existing campus building to expand our educational focus without utilizing additional capital. The Community School opened on September 1, 2022, in the building initially built as the Nursery that later housed the Autism Center.

Who can attend the Community School? 

The Community School is a non-residential program that serves individuals with developmental delays or learning difficulties and their families. Children ages 2 – 21 receive therapeutic and educational services from specially trained educators, adapted to each student’s needs and unique goals. 

How are referrals made to the Community School? 

Families may call 797-8500 directly. Also, we accept referrals from physicians, clinicians, daycare centers, Pre-K providers, and public and private schools. Holy Angels has developed partnerships with private and public schools in the area to serve those who need one-on-one instruction and therapy.  

What type of financial investment is required to attend the Community School?

For most students, Medicaid and commercial insurance cover therapeutic services. Tuition for academic instruction is not covered by insurance. For more information on tuition, please call 318-797-8500 or email slogan@laholyangels.org.

How does this school differ from others? 

The Community School serves individuals with a broad range of issues, ages 2 through 21. We also provide extra support for older students who may come after their school day. Many schools and programs can only offer these services through age five and cannot address each student’s unique needs. Additionally, our amenities set the Community School apart from most schools nationwide. 

What amenities are offered by the Community School?

In addition to our state-of-the-art facility, featuring learning labs, classrooms, and more, we are excited to offer these incredible amenities:

• Walking & Bike Trails
• SNOEZELEN Room
  • The SNOZELEN Room provides sensory exploration and relaxation using aroma therapy, music therapy, and ergonomically designed chairs and mats. This room is made possible by generous grants from the Noel Foundation, the Community Foundation of North Louisiana, the Wolfe Foundation, and other local foundations.
• Customized Indoor & Outdoor Playgrounds
  • Our playgrounds are designed for individuals of all ages and customized to accommodate various needs, including wheelchairs and walkers.
• *NEW* Swim Instruction
  • We offer critically needed swim instruction and socialization in our beautiful indoor therapy pool and the newly upgraded outdoor pool. Certified swim instructors will be available to instruct residents, day program participants, and Community School students.

What are common challenges faced by students of the Community School?

Common classroom challenges include the following:

• Social phobia
• Excessive worry/rumination
• Obsessive-compulsive behavior
• Hyper-vigilance or seeming “shell-shocked” phobias
• Avoidance behaviors
• Rigid routines and resistance to change
• Stimming or self-injurious behavior

How do you address these challenges?  

We use cutting-edge communication devices and Enhanced Learning Labs to build on successes. Thanks to the family of Jane Gotlieb, a longtime and beloved resident, and Microsoft, the Community School offers a state-of-the-art computer lab. We promote advanced biometric technology, white noise soothing technology, communication devices, and other advancements in communication strategies. Our specially trained educators and therapists will work with students to ensure they reach their maximum level of achievement.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please call Toni Black, Community School Administrative Assistant, at 318-797-8500 ext. 159 or email tblack@laholyangels.org.