If you’re in the market for a new home, you have a detailed wish list — things like a large kitchen, a front porch, or proximity to amenities often highlight these lists. However, as families grow, one of the most important considerations parents make is proximity to a quality school. Living near a school has plenty of advantages: higher police presence; family-friendly neighbors; and access to playgrounds. Since most parents dread the crunch of the school drop-off and pick-up lines, living near a school often means you can skip the drive and walk—getting a little outdoor exercise as a bonus.
It often feels overwhelming to figure out the perfect school to send your children to. Especially in a city with unique and evolving education policies. In 2019 New Orleans became the first large American city without any traditional public schools. Taken over by the charter school system. Which offers the families of New Orleans the opportunity to enroll in their preferred school without being bound to traditional school districts. Simply put, you can choose to live in any neighborhood and still find a school that fits your child’s needs.
Families apply through OneApp, a computerized, annual, school enrollment application for Orleans Parish public schools. Families select up to eight participating schools, regardless of location, and the system pairs them with their new school. (Watch this video to further understand the OneApp process.) The OneApp is open to families new to New Orleans, students currently in public school, or students who would like to transfer to a new school. If you prefer your child attends a private school, there are a multitude of K-12 options located in some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. For these private schools, families would apply directly.
For new families looking to place their little ones in the right pre-school or lower school, never fear: New Orleans has some excellent early learning centers for your budding household. New Orleans also has its fair share of excellent grade schools and high schools, most offering specially curated curriculums for gifted students.
With so many educational options throughout the city, we’ve done some homework for you and crafted a brief list of outstanding public and private schools. For each school, we included a bit about what makes them special and highlighted one active listing nearby.
Located just minutes from the beautiful Audubon Park, Audubon Charter Lower School is a public charter school serving the families of New Orleans who are seeking unique curricular opportunities. With its Montessori and French Language Immersion curriculum and comprehensive arts curriculum, Audubon offers a world-class education producing well-rounded students. Only a three-minute drive away from this school is a 2,966 sqft beauty located at 7714 Dominican Street, which features a great floor plan and spacious rooms.
Hoffman Early Learning Center is a diverse-by-design preschool located in New Orleans’ Broadmoor neighborhood. Hoffman is intentionally diverse with respect to race and socioeconomic status and prides itself on serving students that are both low-income and tuition-paying. 3514 S Miro Street is located just three minutes away driving, features hardwood floors throughout, and a balcony overlooking the backyard for relaxing with the family.
Specializing in early childhood, lower school, and middle school education, St. Andrew’s Episcopal educates children in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment. The school located on South Carrollton boasts an intimate, attractive campus featuring seven classroom buildings and two playgrounds. This stunning, classic Carrollton home located at 7830 Freret St. is only five minutes walking distance to this excellent school, making it a perfect option for those who prefer to walk their little ones to class.
Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans is a free French immersion public type-2 charter school located just steps from bustling Magazine Street in the heart of Uptown. Lycée Français is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and follows the French National Curriculum while adhering to aspects of the Louisiana State Curriculum. The coveted Audubon cottage at 927 Arabella St. is located less than 10-minutes away driving and boasts both 11′ ceilings and a beautiful patio. (Listing provided courtesy of Logan D Macrae of Latter & Blum.)
Lusher Charter School is one of New Orleans’ most impressive charter schools and has two campuses: one in the Carrollton neighborhood for kindergarten through fifth grade and one in the Freret neighborhood for middle through high school. For families of those who are accepted, there is never a shortage of activities surrounding the Carrollton and Freret areas, both of which are known for their restaurants and nightlife. Just walking distance from Lusher’s middle school and high school campus – exactly 10 minutes away – lies this gorgeous, raised, sidehall, cottage located at 1682 Jefferson Avenue. This four-bedroom home would be the perfect option for a growing family looking to live in Uptown luxury.
On the other side of the city, Benjamin Franklin High School in Lake Shore offers not only one of the best educations in New Orleans but in the entire state of Louisiana. Known for its proximity to Lake Pontchartrain, the Lake Shore area hosts multiple family-friendly neighborhoods, including this property located on a wonderful corner lot with a majestic oak tree in the front yard. Featuring three bedrooms and three bathrooms, the property at 2248 New York Street is just 12 minutes away driving distance from the iconic Ben Franklin school.
The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, or NOCCA for short, is New Orleans’ premier performing arts high school. Located in the Bywater, best known as the de facto arts district in New Orleans, this school offers the perfect place for young artists to grow and develop. NOCCA boasts an impressive list of alumni, including Harry Connick Jr., Jon Batiste and Trombone Shorty, among others. Just four minutes away is 823 Mandeville Street, a beautiful three-bedroom home that has all the old-world charm this neighborhood is known for.
While New Orleans has received national recognition for its revolutionary charter school system, the city’s private schools, both religiously affiliated and non-denominational, offer some amazing opportunities as well.
The Academy of the Sacred Heart, located on historic St. Charles Avenue in the Uptown area, is a prestigious all-girls Catholic school. This picturesque building is less than a ten-minute walk from this newly listed property at 2019 Jena Street. A wonderful option for a small family looking to live just minutes away from both St. Charles and Sacred Heart.
For those searching for a place to send their boys, Jesuit High School in Mid-City is an all-boys Catholic high school on Banks Street with a history of great sports teams. For those looking to live in a prime Mid-City area, 4168 Iberville Street is just 5 minutes away driving, and 9 minutes away walking distance from Jesuit. This large, beautiful home also has a bonus basement apartment — perfect for long or short-term rental space, hosting visiting family and friends, or as additional storage space.
The non-denominational Isidore Newman High School, located just a few blocks away from Sacred Heart, is one of the most impressive schools in New Orleans. Hailed as one of the best schools in Louisiana by the New York Times, Newmans’ recognizable alumni include the Manning brothers, actor Bryan Batt and many more. Just a two-minute drive away lies the quintessential Uptown New Orleans home. Located at 1923 State St, this luxurious 100-year-old home boasts six bedrooms and is in phenomenal move-in-ready shape.
New Orleans offers some of the best educational opportunities in the state, and there is no shortage of choices whether you want to send your child to a public or private institution. As you choose which neighborhood works best for you and your family, rest assured that, regardless of where you live, access to quality New Orleans schools has never been greater.
Consider consulting a Satsuma agent for more information about moving to the city and what opportunities are available for you and your family.