Jerry Riggs, Head of Schools (left), Karla McKnight, Administrative Assistant (center), Dan Pritchett, Senior Pastor (right)
504.887.0533 | mbsmetairie.org
5701 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie
ABOUT
Memorial Baptist is a unique Christian private school located in the heart of Metairie. The school, which has grown exponentially over the past five years, currently serves 340 students by providing them with a personalized, tailored education grounded in faith, personal interaction and student investment. Test scores, which are, on average 2 grade levels above the national average, are kept high thanks to their certified teachers and advanced curriculum, which is supplemented by forward-thinking technology coupled with old-fashioned personal attention. Their tuition is kept affordable to allow students from all backgrounds access to high-quality education to further their prospects and make their futures bright.
EVENTS
The school’s draw on philanthropic endeavors has been lighter than others in the past; they currently have no philanthropic fundraisers or events scheduled, instead focusing on specific projects that might require larger sponsorship. One such focus is on securing funding for their outdoor basketball court, so that even in rainy weather the students will still be able to get outside and stay active. The school is working towards these larger improvements so they can continue to focus on the small, day to day features that make the school a unique, almost boutique experience—the principal knows every student by name; parents stop in for their first morning coffee at the coffee station; and individualism is encouraged. Individual donors or corporate sponsors can rest assured that any donation they make is going to improve the day to day lives of the students the school serves.
DONATIONS
The money the school has garnered through donations over the past five years has primarily gone to improving the technological offerings the school provides to students. One specific development has been the acquisition of personal laptops for middle schoolers (fifth to seventh graders) to use for the entire year. While many schools charge a “technology fee” for laptop use, at Memorial Baptist, thanks to philanthropy, the laptops are free of charge for the year, allowing all students to have the same technological access regardless of the ability to pay.
MISSION
Memorial Baptist’s mission is to provide a high-quality, comprehensive academic program in a loving Christian environment. They guide their students educationally and spiritually to grow into adults who will contribute a positive influence to the world. Mr. Riggs, the school’s principal, offers his own mission statement, drawn from scripture: King David, in the Old Testament said, “Joy comes in the morning. You just have to slow down long enough to find that joy. That’s what we desire for all of our students at Memorial.”
