Save Our Language Immersion Program

Parents Unify to Preserve and Continue The Region’s Only Tri-Lingual Immersion Education after the Closure of Baton Rouge International School

(Baton Rouge, La.) Following the sudden and unexpected news that the Baton Rouge International School (BRIS) would be permanently closing after 22 years, a group of passionate parents and community members have unified to save their beloved school.

A comprehensive plan is in the works to revive the region’s only multi-lingual education program by relocating the school to a new campus, under a new administration. The proposed Capital Renaissance International School (CRIS) is on track to open in August 2022 as a non-profit private school and early learning center for children ages 6 weeks through 5^th grade.

“From an excellent curriculum to extraordinary educators, what Baton Rouge had in BRIS was truly something special and something that we parents just couldn’t sit back and watch slip away,” said Brooke Barnett-Bernal who has spearheaded the CRIS opening efforts, with help from other parents and community members. “Nowhere else in Baton Rouge offers children the opportunity to learn English, French, Spanish, and Chinese while being exposed to such a wonderfully diverse group of classmates and teachers. It has become our obligation to do whatever it takes to preserve this exceptional education for our children, while supporting the outstanding teachers who have done so much for our families.”

In April 2022, BRIS parents were shocked and deeply saddened by the announcement the school would be officially closing May 26th after more than 22 years. Their initial shock and disappointment turned to positive action as parents reached out to other parents and interested parties in the community by phone, email and social media daily and organized regular meetings to create a plan of action to prevent the school from permanent closure.

“It was disappointing to receive no forewarning that our school was under distress and no opportunity to help right the ship,” says Kára Temple who has a son enrolled in BRIS’ early learning program (ELIC). “As parents, we were left with no other option but to mobilize and figure out a way to keep our school family together. We have made tremendous progress over the past four weeks and are confident that we have all the pieces in place build a truly remarkable learning environment for our children and this community.”

“These parents have impressively pulled together resources and contacts to ensure the success of this new school,” says Em Saunier, a community member who has joined the reopening efforts despite not having a child currently enrolled at the school. “We have a strong model in place that will provide parents in Baton Rouge with a high-quality educational option for many years to come. Our task now is to put the pedal to the metal and have this campus ready for students and teachers when school opens in August.”

The future new home for CRIS has been identified (10420 Baringer Foreman Rd.) and is a great property. A deposit for the vacant property was made possible through generous donations from parents and community members. The campus includes 15,000+ square feet of existing school building and sits on several acres of land allowing for future growth. The new school aims to enroll a minimum of 100 students in its inaugural 2022-2023 school year.

While the school is actively recruiting administrators and licensed educators, the goal is to offer the first employment opportunities to the excellent educators and team members who have taught and supported our children all these years and will be without jobs when BRIS officially closes its doors on May 26^th. A board of directors and esteemed educators in the community will actively assist in these recruitment efforts.

“In the end, it’s about the kids” says Emily Graham who is eager for CRIS to open for her 2-year-old and 10-month-old this fall. “As parents, we are going to do whatever it takes to make sure our children are set up for success.”

Fundraising efforts to help purchase and renovate the new CRIS campus are ongoing. As a non-profit organization, all donations will be tax deductible.

CRIS is currently enrolling for the 2022-2023 school year, accepting children (6 weeks – 5^th grade). For more information, or to make a tax deductible donation, please call (225) 922-5110, email us at CRISbatonrouge@gmail.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.