LOCAL RESOURCES
There are many amazing opportunities for New Orleans Metro Area residents. Some programs are specifically families who reside in Orleans Parish or for a particular demographic. While some programs are open to children younger than the intended audience, others are not. Feel free to call and verify your ability to participate. If you know of others, email us at connect@nolahomeschoolers.com so we can add them to our list of resources. These programs are free, very low cost, or have a sliding fee scale.
Orleans & Jefferson Parish Appreciation Days
On the first Thursday of the month this year, Orleans Parish residents with one proof of residency will get free admission with up to four guests to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. On the third Wednesday of the month this year, Orleans Parish residents with one proof of residency will get free admission with up to four guests to Audubon Zoo.
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Thanks to a generous grant from Jefferson Parish, residents and Jefferson Parish government employees (regardless of residency) can visit Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas for half the regular ticket price (adult or child) on November 13.
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Culture Pass Program
The Library has partnered with several cultural institutions throughout New Orleans to offer daily passes for free entry for New Orleans Public Library cardholders who live in Orleans Parish and are 18 and older.
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Institutions you can visit include the Audubon Nature Institute (Zoo or Aquarium), the National WWII Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the New Canal Lighthouse, and more.
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Youth Program
At the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (the "Center") we believe in music's power to transform young lives. We see music lessons and arts education as tools that help young people learn discipline and dedication, and allows them to explore their creativity. Plus, research shows that music education correlates to higher proficiency in reading and math as well as improved engagement with school.
In the Fall and Spring, we operate an after-school and Saturday program that focuses on teaching the fundamentals of instrumental music, dance, and music theory, in addition to computer instruction and homework help.
Youth Assistance
FREE online tutoring and academic resources from Tutor.com for Louisianans. Kindergarten students through adult learners can get help in math, science, social studies, or English from a live tutor. The service also includes one-on-one, real-time assistance with your job search.
Academic Tutoring 7 Days a Week
2 p.m. - Midnight
Test Preparation Self-Study Tools
Available 24/7
Job Search Assistance 7 Days a Week
10 a.m. - Midnight
Aquatics Center
All pools are fully accessible and staffed with friendly, professional lifeguards. For everyone’s enjoyment, health, safety, and protection, please take a few moments to review the pool rules which include requirements for bathing attire and flotation devices. To view pool rules click here.
All indoor pools are closed from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for mandatory maintenance and cleaning.
Pools may become temporarily closed in any case of bad weather.
Programming is available at no cost. Age restrictions may apply. Reservations are required for all aquatic programming.
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Youth Programming
Crew to Captain
A mission of Community Sailing New Orleans is to empower the youth through sailing. Crew to Captain is a Maritime Career Development Program that is designed for high school students to find potential pathways to careers in the local maritime industry.
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Girls Rock the Boat
Sailing isn’t just a sport; it’s a life-changing experience that builds self-confidence, leadership skills, and strength. In an all-female identifying environment, girls experience empowerment with progressive skill-building.
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Family Support
Raising a child with a disability or living with a disability can be overwhelming for many. Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans is here to help you not be so overwhelmed.
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Our trained, experienced staff are parents or family members of individuals with disabilities or individuals with disabilities themselves.
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They have walked in your shoes and dedicated to helping you navigate the service delivery systems we all often depend on in order to get the services and supports our loved ones need.
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NEW ORLEANS BALLET ASSOCIATION (NOBA)
Ballet Classes & Programs
NOBA offers classes for students age 4 and up, including adult classes. They offer early education classes for 4 to 5-year-olds, and preparatory classes for those 6 and up.
Nationally recognized instruction is available in ballet, modern, jazz and conditioning, and hip hop styles.
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The classes are free and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Classes are held at NORDC facilities throughout the city.
Youth Program
Designed by professionals working in the industry, our curriculum focuses on providing soft and software skills through engaging and relevant coursework. Our courses not only prepare students to earn a basic statewide credential in an Adobe software program, but also use project-based learning to foster problem-solving, collaborative working, original thinking, cultural awareness, and project management skills.
COURSE OFFERINGS
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Digital Photography w/ Adobe Photoshop
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Video Editing + Animation w/ Premiere Pro
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Digital Media Studio for the Visual Design Specialist pathway
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Project Pipeline
Our mission is to empower young people to affect change in their community through design. Using the city as the classroom and connecting young people to real-world architects and planners, we foster the next generation of design professionals, civic leaders, and changemakers. We advocate for increased inclusiveness, diversity, fellowship, equity, and excellence in design.
NOMA’s local summer camps provide 6th-12th grade students of color with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of architecture and design.
Youth Program
Jefferson Parish Department of Parks & Recreation, often referred to as JPRD, offers a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional recreational activities for adults, teens and children. This includes athletic programs, senior citizen activities and clubs, alternative programs, community enrichment programs, camps and a wide variety of classes and special events. In addition, JPRD offers a number of options for rentals of rooms, fields, shelters, etc. Your feedback helps us to improve. Please contact us in writing, by phone, in person, or by e-mail at JPRecreation@JeffParish.net.
NORDC Music
Piano and Guitar Lessons
NORD offers individual and group piano lessons for ages 6. Learn how to read music, proper playing technique, and elementary music theory. Must have access to a piano or keyboard.
NORD also offers beginning guitar skills. Learn how to hold the instrument properly, place fingers, and strike the strings. Ages 10 and up welcome.
No previous experience is necessary for either class.
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Classes are held at NORDC facilities throughout the city.