Educating tomorrow's leaders...


Desire Street Academy (DSA) provides an excellent education for junior and senior high African American urban males. Most of DSA's students come from underserved neighborhoods where poverty and crime are part of their everyday life. DSA's goal however is to empower these young men physically, academically, spiritually and socially, so they are equipped and motivated for a future that includes college, family, God and service to others. With a vision to pursue excellence in academics, athletics and the arts in a Christian context, the Academy is more than a school. It’s a family. Click here to read DSA's most recent E-Newsletter.

Current Needs

Shelving for library

Trailer for weight room

New security system

Call DSA Director at 225.355.5074 or email development@desirestreet.org

Currently Seeking

Teachers, coaches, dorm dads, development manager
click here for more info

Launched in 2002, DSA built a reputation within New Orleans’ Desire neighborhood teaching the basics, challenging students to think, helping them develop character and encouraging them to set goals for the future. Hurricane Katrina's devastation in August 2005 put the school under 8 feet of water. After spending the 2005-2006 year as a boarding school at a camp in Niceville, Florida, the school was relocated in the Fall of 2006 to its current home in Baton Rouge, LA. DSA continues to board students displaced by Katrina and others whose parents have entrusted them to our care. With a Christian environment, staff committed to student well-being, and an emphasis on excellence both inside and outside the classroom, students from the inner-city are proving that they are not predetermined to fail, but can and will overcome tremendous obstacles.

DSA is transforming lives. The DSA experience includes:

• Academics focused heavily on literacy development, hands-on learning, and individualized attention
• Athletics that build character through team sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and track and field
• Arts to provide exposure and
  build appreciation of literature, music, and drama

In addition, an education at Desire Street Academy includes a spiritual emphasis that encourages students to grow in a relationship with God and integrates biblical principles into every aspect of students’ educations. Interim Principal Leroy Scott says,"We use a team approach to spiritual leadership and development so there is a consistent and genuine development of unity and relationships through the practice of small group Bible studies."

Another important aspect of the students' education are programs preparing each student to go to college or trade school. For example, teachers are working to design tests using the same format as college entrance exams so students can become comfortable with this system. Tutoring is also a regular activity for the young men, and often involves volunteers from the community.

Academics

A new program in 2007 is the "Lions Read Great Literature" reading initiative. Students, parents and teachers read one classic every month, then meet to spend time discussing it and gather to watch a movie version of the book. This is just one of the ways DSA is "Aiming High: Moving Forward" in 2007.

Athletics

DSA believes in the tangible lessons learned through sports. DSA Lions are members of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and participate in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. We believe the football field, the basketball court and the weight room provide opportunities to build strong athletic discipline and healthy bodies, but also to shape character, develop teamwork and commitment – values that are important in athletics, but also in life. We have found that success in the athletic arena spills over into the classroom. Students learn discipline, perseverance, and how much staff genuinely care for them – lessons that improve their performance in the classroom.  More than 90 percent of DSA students participate in one or more of our sports programs. Click here to see photos of our sports programs.

Arts

During the school day and through extracurricular activities, DSA provides exposure and develops students’ appreciation for the arts including literature, music, and theater. All of DSA’s classes are literature-based and students have the opportunity to take visual arts, drama, and choir classes. DSA also provides opportunities for students to perform for their peers and the community at-large through school music and plays such as A Christmas Carol and To Kill a Mockingbird. DSA would like to expand its arts program by offering concert band classes and additional opportunities for students to experience arts and culture through field trips to museums, concerts, and drama presentations.

Please consider sponsoring a DSA student or volunteering in Baton Rouge. Thank you for getting involved.