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 an early childhood educator, advocate, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience in early learning. What began in the classroom as a passion for teaching grew into a mission to create nurturing, high-quality educational environments where children and families can thrive.
As Founder & CEO of Wilcox Academy, Rochelle has helped shape a model rooted in equity, community investment, and educational excellence. Under her leadership, Wilcox Academy has grown into a trusted presence serving families across New Orleans while helping advance conversations around access, affordability, and quality in early childhood education.
A respected voice in the field, Rochelle has advocated for children and families at both the local and national level, including within the halls of the U.S. Capitol alongside educators, policymakers, and community leaders. She also played a role in advocacy efforts supporting increased investment in early childhood education for New Orleans families through Yes for Kids NOLA.
In recognition of her leadership and impact, Rochelle received the inaugural 2023 Early Childhood Leader of the Year Award presented by Dream Teachers and the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). She is also a conference speaker and longtime advocate for strengthening support systems for children, families, and educators across Louisiana.
She holds an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Education in Urban Society. In 2013, she became the first childcare provider appointed to the board of Agenda for Children.
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.