Gilda's Preschool Academy

About Gilda’s Preschool Academy

For more than 40 years, Gilda’s Preschool Academy has been a place where children are nurtured, families are supported, and community is strengthened.

Located in New Orleans East, GPA serves infants and toddlers during the most critical years of brain development. These first three years shape language, emotional regulation, confidence, and lifelong learning. When children receive safe, responsive, high-quality early care, they don’t just grow. They thrive.

At GPA, we believe that to be nurtured is to be loved.

Founded in 1984 by Gilda Duplessis Toledano, our center has served generations of families. After Hurricane Katrina, when many institutions did not return, we rebuilt because New Orleans East deserved stability, excellence, and hope for its youngest residents. That commitment remains at the heart of our work.

Why Early Childhood Matters

The earliest years are powerful. A child’s brain forms more than one million neural connections every second in infancy. The quality of care they receive during this time directly influences their future success in school and in life.

At Gilda’s Preschool Academy, children benefit from:

• Small teacher-to-child ratios
• Highly trained, credentialed educators
• Research-based curriculum
• Daily developmental observations and support
• Safe indoor and outdoor learning environments
• Strong family partnerships

We specialize in Early Head Start and publicly funded seats that expand access to working families who need high-quality care in order to pursue employment and stability.

A Trusted Community Anchor

We are proud to be a 4-Star, High Proficient, non-profit center serving New Orleans East. Families return to us generation after generation.

"Gilda’s Academy has provided quality care for THREE generations of our family. And when a fourth one arrives, we’ll take them straight to Gilda’s."

"Gilda’s Preschool Academy is an institution in New Orleans East and I am so happy for its impact and consistency over the years."

These aren’t just testimonials. They are stories of trust, resilience, and love.

What Your Support Makes Possible

When you give to Gilda’s Preschool Academy, you are helping:

• Maintain small classroom ratios
• Support teacher training and retention
• Provide enriching materials and learning experiences
• Ensure safe, developmentally appropriate spaces
• Strengthen family engagement and community connection

Your generosity helps create a stable foundation for children during the most important years of their lives.

For four decades, we have stood with families in New Orleans East. With your support, we will continue to nurture the next generation with excellence, compassion, and love.