Renzi Education & Art Center, Inc

Our After School Program provides free-of-charge, four seven-week sessions of art and academic classes during the school year. Thirty to sixty students in grades K-12 attend classes daily, Monday through Thursday. Students are placed in academic classes in which they need extra assistance and in art classes according to their interests. They begin arriving at 3:00 pm, are given a free snack, and either enjoy supervised play on our playground or start on their homework until classes begin at 4:00 pm. The younger children in grades K-3 start in Renzi's Art House, taking their 50-minute academic classes while the older students, grades 4 - 12, go to their two 25-minute academic classes in the Academic House. They switch houses after 50 minutes of classes. The program ends at 5:45 pm. Academic classes include math and reading, homework assistance, library/reading time, gardening, science, character building, and more. Art classes include painting, short films, dancing, sewing, music, drawing, sculpture, creative writing, photography, and more.

Our After School Program benefits Caddo Parish residents in the following ways: 1) students improve their academic performance and emotional well-being, making them more confident in school and less vulnerable to the negative influences of the streets; 2) parents have a safe environment in which to place their children while they work and manage their homes; 3) local professional artists and teachers have steady, part-time employment and supplemental income.

Testimonials

2023 Parent Testimonials

• My children are new to the area and being in the program has helped them make friends and learn art in many different ways. Renzi has helped my sons with school work as well, both of my boys made the honor roll. I am alone here with my husband & children, Renzi has been the village I needed. 

• I chose Renzi to give my daughter the opportunity to explore creative avenues that directly support her S.T.E.A.M. learning. I am always impressed with the attention they pay to students' overall development, including techniques that support self-awareness, self-care, mindfulness, and socialization skills. Renzi makes her a better student and a better human being.

• All of our kiddos LOVE Renzi! They are always excited to share what they did and learned at the end of the day. It's so great to have another group of grown-ups who care for and encourage our children, and the increase in their confidence is evident. Renzi has expanded their horizons and reinforced their education and we're so grateful for that!

• Since coming to Renzi I have seen my daughters life improve both academically and emotionally. She looks forward to the array of classes Renzi has to offer. This is a place where my child can truly be herself!

Prior Years Testimonials

• I have a daughter and two sons that attend the Renzi Center. Their self-esteem, creativity, and confidence have improved 100%, along with their academic success. I am very satisfied with the programs and staff that the center offers. I will have my babies enrolled until they no longer can attend.

• Michael is more open to trying new activities since beginning at the Renzi center. He has brought the majority of his grades up. My kids thoroughly enjoy all of the activities they partake in.

• Tomas and Stephen both have improved their self-esteem. They are both willing to try new activities. My students love the activities offered at the Renzi, so they must be great!

• My child is less shy and has a variety of new interests since starting at Renzi Center. His handwriting and reading have improved. Renzi is absolutely wonderful! I wish I could have had a program when I was younger. Y'all are amazing!