The Best Private Schools in Metairie, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Metairie. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Martin's Episcopal School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Martin's Episcopal School is a highly respected independent school serving students from 6 weeks through 12th grade. Founded in 1947, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for high school students. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service programs.
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Louise S. McGehee School
Independent All-Girls School
Located in nearby New Orleans, Louise S. McGehee School serves families throughout the Greater New Orleans area including Metairie. As Louisiana's oldest independent school for girls, McGehee provides a rigorous college preparatory education focused on developing confident, capable young women. The school offers advanced placement courses, robust arts programs, and competitive athletics. The historic Uptown campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, and performance spaces. McGehee is known for its strong community atmosphere and individualized attention, with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1.
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St. Mary's Dominican High School
Catholic Dominican School
St. Mary's Dominican High School is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women that serves students from Metairie and throughout the New Orleans metropolitan area. Founded by the Dominican Sisters in 1860, the school combines academic excellence with spiritual formation. The curriculum includes numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, a chapel, and athletic facilities. Dominican emphasizes leadership development and community service, preparing students for success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Metairie, Louisiana
What are the primary types of private schools available in Metairie, Louisiana, and how do they differ?
Metairie offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as independent college-preparatory schools and Catholic diocesan schools. Top institutions like St. Martin's Episcopal School and Louise S. McGehee School are independent, offering rigorous academic curricula with unique philosophies (Episcopal and all-girls education, respectively). St. Mary's Dominican High School is a prominent Catholic, all-girls school. Additionally, Metairie has many other parochial elementary schools affiliated with local Catholic parishes. The key differences lie in religious affiliation, single-gender vs. coeducational environments, specific curricular focuses (like STEM or arts), and governance structures. This variety allows parents in Jefferson Parish to find a school that closely aligns with their family's values and educational goals.
How does tuition for private schools in Metairie, LA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition at Metairie's top private schools is generally at or above the Louisiana state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition for schools like St. Martin's Episcopal can range from approximately $15,000 to $25,000 depending on the grade level. However, most leading schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust financial aid programs. These are typically need-based and require an application through a third-party service like FACTS. Additionally, Louisiana's unique School Choice Program, including the Louisiana Scholarship Program (vouchers) for eligible families, can be applied to participating private schools, potentially reducing the out-of-pocket cost. It's crucial to inquire directly with each Metairie school about their specific aid deadlines and participation in state programs.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for applying to competitive private schools in Metairie?
The application cycle for Metairie's most sought-after private schools begins early, often in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. For a September 2025 start, applications typically open in August or September 2024. Key deadlines for submission, along with required admissions testing (like the ISEE) and shadow day/visit scheduling, usually fall between December and February. Schools like McGehee and St. Martin's have firm deadlines, and late applications may only be considered if space remains. Notification of acceptance is commonly sent in March, with a contract and deposit due shortly thereafter to secure a spot. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like Pre-K4, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is highly recommended for Metairie families.
Beyond academics, what unique extracurricular or community-based programs are strengths of Metairie private schools?
Metairie private schools leverage their location in the Greater New Orleans area to offer distinctive programs. Many have strong community service requirements that connect students with local non-profits, reflecting the city's culture of resilience and volunteerism. Athletic programs often compete in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), with notable strengths in sports like soccer, swimming, and track. Culturally, schools integrate Louisiana history, and some offer specialized courses or clubs in areas like environmental science related to coastal restoration, jazz band, or culinary arts inspired by the local cuisine. Furthermore, schools like St. Mary's Dominican have deep historical roots in the community, fostering a strong alumnae network that benefits current students through mentorship and internship opportunities in the New Orleans metro area.
For families considering both, what are the practical differences between a top Metairie public school (in Jefferson Parish) and a leading private school?
The key differences involve class size, curricular flexibility, and resources. High-performing public schools in Jefferson Parish, like Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, are excellent but are magnet programs with competitive entrance exams. General attendance zone schools have less predictable class sizes and must adhere strictly to state standards and testing schedules. In contrast, private schools in Metairie like those listed offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), allowing for more individualized attention. They have the autonomy to design a curriculum that may exceed state standards, incorporate religious or philosophical education, and often have more robust arts, language, and advanced placement offerings. However, this comes at a significant financial cost, whereas public schools are tuition-free. The decision often hinges on a family's priority for a specific educational environment versus the financial investment required.
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