On Friday, February 21, 2025, BASIS Baton Rouge Charter Schools celebrated Mardi Gras with their very own parades!
BASIS Baton Rouge Primary Mid City and BASIS Baton Rouge Materra each held parades on campus, with kindergarten students leading the celebrations. Both schools have been holding Mardi Gras parades since first opening in Baton Rouge.
This tradition creates lasting memories for our students and allows us to connect with parents and families. Check out the photos below for a look at the amazing floats created by our students!
Kindergarten students lead the parade
At both BASIS Mid City and BASIS Materra, kindergarten students are the stars of the show! The kindergarten students ride in brightly decorated floats, throwing beads at older students.
“Every year, our kindergarten students look forward to building creative floats and shining in the spotlight as the main participants in the parade,” says Marissa Carroll, Head of School at BASIS Baton Rouge Primary Mid City. “They get so excited to wave at their older siblings along the parade route!”
Older students add to the fun
In addition to kindergarten floats, the BASIS Mid City parade featured floats created by the Mardi Gras Kings and Queens from each grade level.
Leading up to the Mardi Gras parade, students from grades 1–5 campaigned to be voted King or Queen. During the first week of February, students made posters and wrote speeches to win over their classmates. “Our Mardi Gras Kings and Queens added an extra layer of excitement to the event,” says Ms. Carroll. “There was such a fun energy around campus during campaign week!”
At BASIS Materra, upper grade Band students played a key role by marching in the parade ahead of the kindergarten floats. Students of all grade levels join together to watch the parade, creating a school-wide celebration where everyone can embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras.
Families are welcome to join in the celebrations
Both BASIS Mid City and BASIS Materra encourage families to join in their Mardi Gras festivities. Parents and family members are welcome to spectate the parade and cheer on their students.
“This event brings our school community together to celebrate Louisiana culture in a fun and engaging way,” says Nely Ward, Auxiliary Program Director at BASIS Baton Rouge Materra. “It fosters a sense of unity and excitement among students as well as parents.”
Are you looking for a school that combines advanced academics with a vibrant community? BASIS Mid City and BASIS Materra are currently accepting applications for the 2025–26 school year. Don’t miss your chance to join the top-performing schools in Baton Rouge! Apply today.
