Idea Academy - Innovation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Idea Academy - Innovation","outOfStateSupporters":71.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10327133,"projectId":9882799,"letterContent":"STEM Exploration of Heat, Combustion, and Temperature Regulation through Gas Grill Assembly\r\n\r\nProject Description:\r\n\r\nThis project will provide students with a hands-on opportunity to explore the scientific principles of heat transfer, combustion, and temperature regulation by using a gas grill as a real-world learning tool.\r\n\r\nStudents will safely disassemble and reassemble the gas grill to understand how its components—such as the burners, ignition system, valves, and heat distribution plates—work together to produce and regulate heat. Through guided experiments, they will study the role of oxygen in combustion, how smoke forms, and how temperature can be controlled for different cooking applications.\r\n\r\nThis project supports STEM education by integrating engineering, physics, and chemistry concepts in a tangible, interactive way.\r\n\r\nStudents will connect classroom lessons on energy, heat transfer, and combustion reactions to practical, real-world applications","fullyFundedDate":1763496791372,"projectUrl":"project/stem-exploration/9882799/","projectTitle":"STEM Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uribe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10327133_orig.jpg?crop=823,824,x0,y396&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761568876037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10327133"},{"teacherId":10327133,"projectId":9867295,"letterContent":"Without proper goals, our players are limited in their ability to practice real-game scenarios and prepare for competition.\r\n\r\nWe are requesting soccer goals to support both practice sessions and official games. Having this equipment will allow our athletes to train effectively, improve accuracy and coordination, and simulate real match play. The soccer goals will also make it possible for our team to host home games, encouraging community involvement and school spirit.\r\n\r\nThis project will help our student-athletes continue to grow as competitors and leaders while promoting healthy physical activity and teamwork.","fullyFundedDate":1762267587712,"projectUrl":"project/soccer-team/9867295/","projectTitle":"Soccer Team","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uribe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10327133_orig.jpg?crop=823,824,x0,y396&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761568876037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10327133"},{"teacherId":10327122,"projectId":9854546,"letterContent":"Our school's volleyball team is seeking essential equipment to strengthen our athletic program and allow our student-athletes to compete at a higher level.\r\nWe are requesting a volleyball net system that will be used during both practices and competitive matches against other schools. Having a reliable and regulation-quality net will help us enhance skill development, foster teamwork, and prepare our players for official league competitions.\r\n\r\nCurrently, our volleyball team does not have a consistent, high-quality net available for regular use. This limits our ability to run full practices, host home games, or simulate real competition scenarios. A sturdy and regulation-sized volleyball net will make a major difference by:\r\n\r\nAllowing students to practice game-like situations safely and effectively.\r\n\r\nHelping the team prepare for inter-school competitions and build school pride.","fullyFundedDate":1762267662172,"projectUrl":"project/volleyball-net/9854546/","projectTitle":"Volleyball Net","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valladares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10327122_orig.png?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761416039497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10327122"},{"teacherId":10327122,"projectId":9867322,"letterContent":"Our school proposes the development of a hands-on Garden and Farm-to-School Program that will engage K–5 students in learning about where their food comes from, the basics of plant biology, and the importance of healthy eating. The project will involve creating a school garden with vegetables, fruits, and herbs, and integrating lessons about nutrition, science, and environmental stewardship into the classroom.\r\n\r\nGoals and Objectives:\r\n\r\nHands-On Learning: Provide students with experiential learning opportunities that support science, math, and social studies curriculum standards.\r\n\r\nNutrition Education: Teach students the benefits of eating fresh, locally grown produce and encourage healthy eating habits.","fullyFundedDate":1762267560881,"projectUrl":"project/school-garden/9867322/","projectTitle":"School Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valladares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10327122_orig.png?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761416039497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10327122"},{"teacherId":10327133,"projectId":9855143,"letterContent":"Our school soccer team is dedicated to building skills, teamwork, and school pride, but we currently lack one of the most essential pieces of equipment — soccer goals.\r\nWithout proper goals, our players are limited in their ability to practice real-game scenarios and prepare for competition.\r\n\r\nWe are requesting soccer goals to support both practice sessions and official games. Having this equipment will allow our athletes to train effectively, improve accuracy and coordination, and simulate real match play. The soccer goals will also make it possible for our team to host home games, encouraging community involvement and school spirit.\r\n\r\nThis project will help our student-athletes continue to grow as competitors and leaders while promoting healthy physical activity and teamwork.","fullyFundedDate":1762267662283,"projectUrl":"project/volleyball-team/9855143/","projectTitle":"Volleyball Team","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uribe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10327133_orig.jpg?crop=823,824,x0,y396&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761568876037","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10327133"},{"teacherId":10217422,"projectId":9731552,"letterContent":"Our school cheerleaders are athletes who train, practice, and perform just like any other sports team. They dedicate countless hours to learning routines, building stamina, and supporting our school community at games and competitions. Unfortunately, our team currently lacks the essential resources they need to perform.\r\n\r\nWithout these essentials, our athletes cannot represent our school properly during games or competitions.\r\nBy funding this project, you will help provide our team with:\r\n\r\nWhy This Matters:\r\n\r\nCheerleading is not just about school spirit—it's a physically demanding competitive sport. Providing proper uniforms and equipment will:\r\n\r\nBuild team confidence and cohesion\r\n\r\nAllow our athletes to compete at the same level as other schools\r\n\r\nStrengthen school spirit and community pride","fullyFundedDate":1761917269504,"projectUrl":"project/cheer-team/9731552/","projectTitle":"Cheer Team","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10217422_orig.png?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755885681717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10217422"},{"teacherId":10050240,"projectId":9796721,"letterContent":"Our school's esports and game design program provides students with opportunities to explore competitive gaming, creative design, and digital technology.\r\nThis project seeks PlayStation 5 controllers to enhance our esports tournaments, gaming clubs, and video game development courses. These tools will allow students to experience authentic gameplay, test their own game creations, and develop skills relevant to today's technology-driven careers.\r\n\r\nProject Purpose and Goals\r\n\r\nThe goal of this project is to increase student engagement in both competitive and creative learning environments. With updated gaming equipment, students will be able to:\r\n\r\nCompete in organized esports tournaments, building collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nApply game design and programming concepts, testing projects they create using industry platforms such as Unity and Unreal Engine.\r\n\r\nGain exposure to career pathways in technology, programming, and digital entertainment.\r\n\r\nThe PS5 controllers will serve as essential tools for both esports competition and classroom game testing, helping students connect theory to real-world application.","fullyFundedDate":1761917246602,"projectUrl":"project/esports-and-game-design-program/9796721/","projectTitle":"Esports and Game Design Program","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Stromile","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10050240_orig.png?crop=1017,1017,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751481915089","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050240"},{"teacherId":10217422,"projectId":9729773,"letterContent":"Our school cheerleaders are athletes who train, practice, and perform just like any other sports team. They dedicate countless hours to learning routines, building stamina, and supporting our school community at games and competitions. Unfortunately, our team currently lacks the essential resources they need to perform at their best—uniforms and pom poms.\r\n\r\nUniforms give our cheerleaders a sense of pride and unity, while pom-poms are vital performance equipment that help them lead the crowd and showcase their routines effectively.\r\nWithout the pom poms, our athletes cannot represent our school properly during games or competitions.\r\n\r\nBy funding this project, you will help provide our team with pom poms for performances and competitions.\r\n\r\nWhy This Matters:","fullyFundedDate":1761917279767,"projectUrl":"project/cheerleading-team/9729773/","projectTitle":"Cheerleading Team","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10217422_orig.png?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755885681717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10217422"},{"teacherId":10200843,"projectId":9748155,"letterContent":"To strengthen the volleyball team's skills, strategy, fitness, and team chemistry through structured practices, competitions, and community-building activities. This project will prepare athletes to compete successfully while also developing leadership, communication, and resilience.\r\n\r\nGoals:\r\n\r\nSkill Development – Improve consistency in serving, passing, setting, hitting, blocking, and defense.\r\n\r\nTeam Strategy – Learn and apply offensive and defensive systems (e.g., 5-1 or 6-2 formations).\r\n\r\nConditioning – Enhance stamina, agility, and reaction time through fitness drills.\r\n\r\nTeamwork & Communication – Build trust, collaboration, and on-court awareness.","fullyFundedDate":1761917253237,"projectUrl":"project/volleyball-team-development/9748155/","projectTitle":"Volleyball Team Development","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Popleon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10200843_orig.png?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755715722354","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10200843"},{"teacherId":10050240,"projectId":9811399,"letterContent":"Our school's volleyball team is growing in skill, teamwork, and spirit — but we currently lack the proper equipment to compete and practice effectively. To support our athletes, we are requesting a volleyball net that meets regulation standards for both practice and competitive play.\r\n\r\nThis net will be essential for our team's development, allowing players to build consistency, improve serving and spiking techniques, and prepare for upcoming competitions.\r\nBy providing the right equipment, we can ensure our student-athletes have the same opportunities for growth and excellence as other teams in our district.\r\n\r\nThe ABR Volleyball Team promotes leadership, collaboration, and fitness. With the right equipment, we can continue to encourage sportsmanship, resilience, and healthy competition among our students.","fullyFundedDate":1761276319094,"projectUrl":"project/volleyball-team/9811399/","projectTitle":"Volleyball Team","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Stromile","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10050240_orig.png?crop=1017,1017,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751481915089","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050240"},{"teacherId":10200843,"projectId":9651886,"letterContent":"Our school golf team is growing in both numbers and enthusiasm, but we currently lack the essential equipment needed to practice and refine one of the most important skills in golf—putting. Putting makes up nearly half of every round, and it is a skill that demands precision, patience, and consistent practice. Without proper golf clubs and practice balls, our student-athletes are unable to fully develop this critical area of the game.\r\n\r\nBy providing our team with putters and golf balls, you will be directly supporting their ability to practice with consistency and build the confidence they need to compete successfully.","fullyFundedDate":1758202745560,"projectUrl":"project/golf-team/9651886/","projectTitle":"Golf Team","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Popleon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10200843_orig.png?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755715722354","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10200843"},{"teacherId":10050240,"projectId":9540015,"letterContent":"Our students love to move, play, and work together—but we currently lack the basic sports equipment to help them develop core athletic skills across different team sports. We're launching a new after-school sports club that will introduce students to a variety of sports, including football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and even frisbee, in a fun and inclusive environment. This club is designed for students of all skill levels to learn the rules, practice drills, and build teamwork in a non-competitive environment.\r\n\r\nTo bring this vision to life, we need foundational materials: footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, volleyballs, and frisbees.","fullyFundedDate":1758202639966,"projectUrl":"project/building-team-skills-through-multi-sport/9540015/","projectTitle":"Building Team Skills Through Multi-Sport Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Stromile","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10050240_orig.png?crop=1017,1017,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751481915089","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050240"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_125242","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":797,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":57,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":47,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":28.6,"schoolId":125242,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Idea Academy - Innovation on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Idea Academy - Innovation","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/louisiana/east-baton-rouge-parish-public-schools/idea-academy-innovation/125242"}

About this school

Idea Academy - Innovation is a rural public school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that is part of East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools. It serves 797 students in grades K - 12. Its teachers have had 19 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 12

797 Students

# of teachers unavailable

7800 Innovation Park Dr

Baton Rouge, LA 70820 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Idea Academy - Innovation Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Idea Academy - Innovation Demographics

57%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

94%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Idea Academy - Innovation Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

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