Passion Profile – LaFontaine Preparatory School

I’ll be doing a blog series on people in our community with a passion for making Richmond, KY a better place for us all. These people may be local entrepreneurs, business professionals, church leaders, volunteers, children or just anyone with that fiery passion for our community. I believe it is important to showcase those who make Richmond what it is.

I would like to introduce you to Gus LaFontaine, Owner of LaFontaine Preparatory School.

Gus moved to Madison County at the tender age of 6 and has been a blessing to our community since.  From his soccer and basketball days at Madison Southern High School, he knew that he wanted to be a teacher.  Though out of high school Gus enrolled in the Kentucky Army National Guard.  He was enlisted for 11 years before being commissioned a lieutenant two years ago.   Meanwhile, Gus received his Undergraduate and Masters degrees at EKU in Elementary Education and Instructional Leadership respectively.  Gus says “In the Army I gave 110% and now that I’m out, I’m ready to give 110% to my community.”

Hosting a year-end cookout for his Kirksville Elementary class at his home in Richmond.

Gus, and his wife Kristin, are just a little over a month away from opening LaFontaine Preparatory School located across from Richmond Centre.  Their website reads “LaFontaine Preparatory School is completely focused on putting your child in the absolute best environment to promote academic growth, social development, cultural enlargement, and a rise in emotional awareness.”  To hear Gus talk about the goal and the purpose of the school, the passion he has to teach our children is undeniable.

Gus’s plan isn’t your traditional pre-K curriculum.  LPS will employ a part-time Art Instructor and Dance Instructor.  Gus and Kristin have toured a number of high end schools around the country and have seen the amazing impact of yoga in students.  You also won’t find 15 year old technology or teachers throwing down boxes of Crayola crayons and calling it art.  Gus has plans to have the facilities lined with iPads with modern graphic design software to teach the students modern trends in technology and art.  I’ve actually been in discussion with Gus to have Surge Promotions transport screen printing equipment to the school and allow students to print their own artwork onto t-shirts.

He also has a passion for diversity.  While Richmond isn’t the most diverse of places, a “55 inch flat screen TV with a Skype connection” offers a lot in the form of connecting with students across the globe.  LPS  believes strongly in our youth experiencing and meeting individuals with different backgrounds.  Through technology they will be able to experience things well beyond the borders of Madison County.

The thing that impresses me the most, however, is his focus on his passion.  His goal isn’t to create another daycare in Richmond.  This is why he purposefully only has offers half-day sessions.  His passion is to deliver the ABSOLUTE BEST curriculum to these students.  When you hear him talk about his purpose in this community, you see him light up with pride, passion and determination.  He knows that he’s been called to teach the children of Richmond and that’s exactly what he has his heart set on.

For more information please visit the LaFontaine Preparatory School website.