Our beloved Kids of Excellence Franklin Center was destroyed in a devastating fire on October 22, 2025. We are beyond grateful that every child and staff member made it out safely. Yet our building, and decades of memories, learning, and love, were lost.

The loss of this center, a community pillar since 1999, is deeply felt by hundreds of families whose children have grown, learned, and been loved within these walls.

Founded in 1999 by lifelong New Orleanian Kristi Givens, Kids of Excellence was created to bring high-quality, affordable early education to the 8th Ward/Bywater community, where access to quality care was limited.

Over the last 26 years, Kristi and her team have grown Kids of Excellence from a single center into three NAEYC nationally accredited, 5-star early learning centers proudly serving families across the city. Through every challenge from Hurricane Katrina and COVID-19 to this unimaginable tragedy, Kids of Excellence has remained a symbol of hope, excellence, and community resilience.

Insurance will only cover a portion of the damage, leaving us with a $1.1 million gap to rebuild. We are calling on our community to help us rise again so we can continue providing high-quality early education and care to New Orleans families who depend on us.

Kids of Excellence is a registered nonprofit early childhood education organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law through our nonprofit entity, Kids of Excellence Higgins (EIN: 47-3524230). All funds raised will be used exclusively for the Franklin Center rebuilding effort.

Your donations will help us:

• Secure temporary classroom space for displaced children and staff

• Replace essential learning materials, furniture, and supplies

• Support teachers and staff during the transition period

• Rebuild the Franklin Center to continue serving future generations

Kids of Excellence is more than a school. It is a family, a safe haven, and a legacy of love and learning that has shaped generations of New Orleans children.

Your contribution will help us rebuild, restore, and continue the mission that began more than two decades ago — creating a world where every child has access to quality education, unending curiosity, and limitless opportunities.

Every dollar, every share, and every prayer brings us one step closer to home.

With gratitude,

The Kids of Excellence Family

Founded by Kristi Givens, 1999