The Best Private Schools in Gretna, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gretna. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School
Archdiocese of New Orleans
St. Joseph Catholic School is a highly-regarded parochial school serving Gretna families for over seven decades. The school offers a comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service programs. The school maintains strong parent involvement and consistently achieves high academic performance metrics.
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St. Martin's Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
St. Martin's Episcopal School is a highly respected independent school serving families throughout the New Orleans metropolitan area, including Gretna. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with the prestigious International Baccalaureate program at the high school level. Features include a 20-acre campus with modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, dedicated performing arts center, and innovative STEM labs. The school emphasizes global citizenship, character development, and academic excellence with small class sizes and personalized attention. St. Martin's consistently ranks among the top private schools in Louisiana for college placements.
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Archbishop Rummel High School
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Archbishop Rummel High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school for young men serving the greater New Orleans area, including Gretna families. The school features a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and championship athletic programs. With a focus on character development and leadership, Rummel provides comprehensive college counseling and boasts nearly 100% college acceptance rates. The campus includes modern science labs, athletic facilities, and technology resources that support their mission of educating the whole person.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gretna, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Gretna, Louisiana, and what grade levels do they serve?
Gretna, part of the greater New Orleans metro area, offers several well-regarded private schools, though many are located in neighboring communities with easy access from Gretna. Key options include St. Joseph Catholic School in Gretna itself (Pre-K through 7th grade), Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie (all-boys, grades 8-12), and St. Martin's Episcopal School in Metairie (Pre-K through 12th grade). Families in Gretna also frequently consider other Jefferson Parish and Orleans Parish private institutions. Transportation and carpooling across the Greater New Orleans area are common considerations for Gretna residents.
How does Louisiana's School Choice Program, like the Louisiana Scholarship Program, affect private school tuition for Gretna families?
Louisiana's unique School Choice Program can significantly impact affordability for eligible Gretna families. The Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP) allows students from certain public schools or who meet income requirements to receive state-funded vouchers to attend participating private schools. Many Catholic and private schools in the area, including some serving Gretna, participate. Eligibility is based on family income and residency, and the voucher covers tuition and mandatory fees at the participating school. It's crucial to check with individual schools about their participation status and application deadlines, which are separate from the school's own admissions process.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools accessible from Gretna, LA?
Private schools in the Gretna area often leverage their connections to New Orleans' unique culture and industries. For example, Archbishop Rummel High School offers a strong engineering and robotics program. St. Martin's Episcopal School features a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with global studies and a renowned arts program. St. Joseph Catholic School integrates faith-based learning with technology. Many schools also emphasize Louisiana history, French language offerings, and music programs that connect to the region's jazz and cultural heritage, providing an education deeply rooted in the local context.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Gretna, Louisiana area?
The timeline for private school enrollment in the Gretna area is critical and often begins very early. Most schools, especially the more competitive ones like St. Martin's or Rummel, have application deadlines in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and attending an entrance exam or assessment (like the HSPT for high schools). Many schools also require family interviews. Open houses typically occur in the fall. It's highly advised to start research and visits a full year in advance, as waiting lists are common.
How do private schools in the Gretna area compare to the public schools in Jefferson Parish, particularly regarding class size and campus environment?
A primary distinction for Gretna families is class size and specialized focus. Jefferson Parish Public Schools have larger average class sizes, while private schools like St. Joseph or St. Martin's typically offer smaller student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized attention. Regarding environment, Gretna's private schools often provide a structured, values-based education (Catholic or Episcopal) with consistent discipline policies. Public schools in Jefferson Parish offer diverse magnet programs but must adhere to state testing and curriculum mandates. For families seeking a specific religious foundation or a smaller community feel, private schools are a compelling choice, though they come with a tuition cost that public schools do not have.
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