OUR MISSION, VALUES, & COMMUNITY
Growing Confident Learners
Rooted in love, guided by learning, and driven by leadership, our campuses provide safe, enriching environments where children are encouraged to grow, explore, and thrive.
Our Story
Founded with a vision to create meaningful early learning experiences for children and families, Wilcox Academy has grown into a trusted presence within the New Orleans community. What began as a passion for nurturing young learners has evolved into a network of campuses dedicated to helping children build confidence, curiosity, and strong foundations for lifelong growth.
Over the years, our work has expanded beyond the classroom through community partnerships, family-centered support, and initiatives designed to increase access to high-quality early education across the city. Every space we create is guided by compassion, intentionality, and a deep belief in the potential of every child.
At Wilcox Academy, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and become confident in who they are. We strive to create environments where families feel supported, relationships feel genuine, and every child is empowered to learn, grow, and thrive in their own unique way.
Love. Learn. Lead.
At Wilcox Academy, our philosophy begins with a simple belief:
“The child who is loved has the confidence to love others, the child who learns to love learning will thirst for knowledge, and the child who has been loved and educated will lead their peers and the world.”
These principles shape every classroom, every relationship, and every experience we create for children and families.
The Wilcox Way
At Wilcox Academy, our values shape the way we teach, lead, and care for every child. Through respect, partnership, and meaningful connection, we create nurturing environments where children feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow.
We believe academic excellence and social-emotional development go hand in hand. By recognizing each child’s unique strengths and potential, we help build confident learners, compassionate leaders, and a strong sense of community.
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence, helping children develop the skills they need not only for school readiness, but for lifelong success. Every experience is guided by our commitment to excellence, care, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Values That Shape Every Experience
From the classroom to the community, our values guide the way we teach, support, and care for every child and family at Wilcox Academy.
COMMUNITY
We build supportive relationships rooted in respect, collaboration, and care for children, families, and one another.
EXCELLENCE
We maintain high standards for education, development, protection, and care while continuously striving to grow and improve.
LEARNING
We create engaging, research-based learning environments that recognize every child’s strengths and individual potential.
DIVERSITY
We embrace diverse experiences, perspectives, and cultures to create inclusive spaces where every child and family feels valued.
BALANCE
We believe strong social-emotional development and academic rigor work hand in hand to support the whole child.
Explore the programs where learning, leadership, and community come together every day.
Meet Our Leadership
The executive team behind Wilcox Academy brings together decades of experience, advocacy, and dedication to children, families, and community-centered early learning.
Rochelle Wilcox is a visionary educator, transformational leader, and passionate advocate who has dedicated more than 26 years to ensuring every child has access to exceptional early learning experiences. Guided by her faith and an unwavering belief that every child is born with limitless potential, Rochelle has devoted her life to building schools, strengthening families, developing educators, and transforming communities.
As Founder, CEO, and Executive Director of Wilcox Academy of Early Learning, Rochelle leads a growing network of campuses that serve children from infancy through early childhood with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and whole-family support. Under her leadership, Wilcox Academy has become recognized for providing high-quality early education while creating opportunities that empower educators and strengthen neighborhoods for generations to come.
Rochelle's journey began in the classroom as an early childhood teacher. That experience ignited a lifelong calling to not only teach children but to transform the systems that serve them. Today, she is recognized throughout Louisiana and nationally as one of the state's leading voices for early childhood education, championing policies and partnerships that expand access, elevate quality, and invest in the professionals who care for young children.
She earned an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Education in Urban Society. Her leadership extends far beyond Wilcox Academy. Rochelle continues to serve on numerous local, statewide and National boards and leadership initiatives dedicated to improving educational outcomes and expanding opportunities for children and families. She is also the co-founder of For Providers by Providers, a statewide nonprofit that equips early learning providers through advocacy, leadership development, workforce initiatives, business support, and economic empowerment.
Among her many honors, Rochelle was named the 2023 Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year, recognizing her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in early education. Throughout her career, she has positively impacted thousands of children, families, educators, and early learning professionals, leaving a legacy that continues to grow with every life she touches.
For Rochelle, leadership is more than a profession; it is a calling. She believes that early childhood education is one of the greatest investments a community can make and that when children are nurtured, families are supported, educators are valued, and communities work together, entire generations are transformed.
Above every title and accomplishment, Rochelle treasures being a wife, a proud mother of three sons, and a joyful grandmother. Those roles continually remind her why this work matters and inspire her daily to build a brighter future for every child who walks through the doors of Wilcox Academy.
“To whom much is given, much is required.”
— Luke 12:48
This scripture serves as the foundation of Rochelle's leadership. She believes that every blessing carries a responsibility to serve others with excellence, humility, and purpose.
ROCHELLE'S PHILOSOPHY: "Every child deserves to be seen, known, loved, and challenged to reach their God-given potential. When we invest in children, support families, and empower educators, we don't simply change individual lives—we transform communities and create a legacy that will impact generations to come."
As Co-Founder and Director of Operations, Whitman Wilcox IV plays a central role in the growth, sustainability, and day-to-day excellence of Wilcox Academy. He oversees operations and facilities across all campuses, helping create environments that are safe, welcoming, and designed to support children, families, and staff alike.
Whitman has helped shape the organization’s operational framework and long-term vision through a leadership style rooted in accountability, collaboration, and community connection. From campus development to ongoing facility improvements, his work ensures each location continues to reflect the care and quality at the heart of the Wilcox mission.
Deeply invested in the communities Wilcox Academy serves, Whitman works closely with staff and families to help foster a culture grounded in trust, consistency, and support. His hands-on leadership and commitment to operational excellence continue to strengthen the foundation of the organization as it grows.
With more than 20 years of experience in education and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Michelle Spriggins serves as the operational backbone of Wilcox Academy. As Chief of Staff, she supports the systems, people, and day-to-day functions that help the organization operate with excellence.
Michelle oversees key areas including recruitment, staff retention, operations, and organizational support, helping ensure teams have the tools and resources needed to serve children and families effectively. Known for her proactive and solutions-focused leadership style, she plays an essential role in strengthening culture and supporting both leadership and staff across campuses.
Her leadership is rooted in service, collaboration, and a deep commitment to creating environments where both children and educators can thrive. Through thoughtful leadership and steady support, Michelle helps ensure the philosophy of Love. Learn. Lead. is reflected throughout every aspect of the organization.
Become a part of the team helping shape the future of early learning.
A Foundation Families Trust
★ 4-Star Early Learning Center
🕮 Research-Based Tier 1 Curriculum
✎ Experienced & Credentialed Educators
❤ Low Child-to-Teacher Ratios
✔ Safe & Secure Learning Environments
𖤓 Summer & Extended Learning Programs
★ 4-Star Early Learning Center 🕮 Research-Based Tier 1 Curriculum ✎ Experienced & Credentialed Educators ❤ Low Child-to-Teacher Ratios ✔ Safe & Secure Learning Environments 𖤓 Summer & Extended Learning Programs
Community & Educational Partners
Wilcox Academy’s work is strengthened through partnerships with organizations committed to supporting children, families, education, and community growth throughout New Orleans.
Consider joining us on our mission to build brighter futures for the children we serve every day.
Be Part of the Wilcox Academy Story
Whether you’re searching for high-quality early learning, meaningful career opportunities, or ways to support children and families in New Orleans, we invite you to become part of the Wilcox Academy community.