WELCOME TO THE BIG BLUE HOUSE
WAEL Mid-City, Our Headquarters
Where our story continues to grow through imagination, exploration, and purposeful early learning.
Our Historic 7th Ward Home
Welcome to Wilcox Academy of Early Learning's Mid-City campus, our headquarters and the heart of our organization.
Recognizable by its signature Blue's Clues blue exterior, our historic 7th Ward location has become a place where children are encouraged to imagine, explore, and grow. Since opening in 2009, the Mid-City campus has welcomed generations of families into an environment built on love, learning, and leadership.
Here, every classroom, every playground, and every interaction is intentionally designed to help children develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Where Leo's Jungle Comes to Life
The Mid-City campus is proudly home to our beloved mascot, Leo the Lion.
Inspired by Leo's jungle, each classroom is thoughtfully named after an animal, creating an environment where learning feels like adventure. From the moment children arrive, they're welcomed into a space that encourages exploration, imagination, and a strong sense of belonging.
Our two-story campus offers bright, engaging classrooms designed to support every stage of early childhood development—from infants discovering the world around them to preschoolers preparing confidently for kindergarten.
A Place Built on Legacy
The Mid-City campus represents an important chapter in the Wilcox Academy story.
Following Hurricane Katrina, Wilcox Academy partnered with the Greater New Orleans Rebuild Collaborative to establish this location as its second campus in 2009. Since then, it has grown into the organization's headquarters, a place where innovation, resilience, and community continue to shape the future of early childhood education.
The campus is also home to Wilcox Academy's central kitchen, where nutritious meals are thoughtfully prepared each day to support children's healthy growth and development.
Today, the Mid-City campus continues that legacy by providing a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow from their earliest years.
Meet the Mid-City Campus Leadership Team
Our dedicated leadership team works alongside teachers, families, and children to create a nurturing environment where every learner is supported to grow, explore, and thrive.
Tharassa Foster Solomon serves as Wilcox Academy's Mid-City Center Director, bringing eight years of dedicated service to the organization. She partners closely with educators to strengthen instructional practices, support curriculum implementation, and foster engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for every child.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Tharassa builds strong relationships with teachers while creating a culture of trust, encouragement, and continuous growth. Her leadership has contributed to measurable improvements in classroom quality and CLASS performance, helping ensure children receive exceptional early learning experiences every day.
Mr. Whitman is a dedicated early childhood education professional with six years of experience, bringing consistency, care, and a strong sense of purpose to his work each day. As a positive male role model in early childhood education, he demonstrates the importance of diverse representation in nurturing and teaching roles.
After earning his Child Development Associate credential, Mr. Whitman continued to grow his skills and commitment to providing high-quality care for children. Known for his calm demeanor, patience, and steady presence, he creates a supportive environment where children feel valued, encouraged, and inspired to learn.
Now serving as Assistant Director of the Mid-City location, Mr. Whitman brings his leadership, reliability, and passion for early childhood education to support teachers, families, and the continued success of Wilcox Academy.
Join a community of educators dedicated to helping children love, learn, and lead.
Visit Our Mid-City Campus
ADDRESS
1678 N. Broad Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
HOURS
Monday thru Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
PHONE
(504) 948-1827
PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
Infant Care
Toddler Care
Preschool
Pre-K
Before & After Care