Darn it, Jen. L! I thought I could get a "1st to review!"…read more But I guess I will be the 1st person to review this place that actually attended this school.. so here it goes! I started Ursuline as a freshman. When I got there, a few girls had attended the school since kindergarden. Those girls that had been there for a while were pretty smart because their curriculum allowed them the opportunity to get ahead. So by the time I got there, they were in advanced classes. Just being a high school student there was a great experience. Ursuline puts on this one huge event every year in October called Rally. It may seem like a bunch of crazy girls screaming at the top of their lungs in costumes and face paint, but it is so much more than that. And you don't really understand until you are in the Ursuline family. Every class has a mascot that is passed on to the incoming freshmen by their big sister seniors. So it rotates every year. You have 2 and a half months to come together as a class and organize your theme, costumes, songs, cheers, and a lot more to put on a performance. The first prize winners get their mascot name and year on a plaque on the wall... winning rally not only gives you bragging rights, but also respect. When your class wins rally, the other classes respect you and look up to you because it means that your class' organizational and leadership skills surpassed theirs. The concept of rally prepares young ladies to develop leadership and teamwork skills. No one can will rally alone or by doing everything individually... it requires a lot of communication. I can proudly say that my class - the Sioux class of 2008 won rally for 3 years in a row and the one year we did not win, we got runner up. Ursuline also teaches young women the importance of "serviam" to serve others, in addition to Courtesy, Loyalty, and Courage. These are the 4 critical elements of an Ursuline education. I'm proud to say I attended Ursuline Academy and that the education I received here led me to become a better leader, an active member of my community with courtesy, courage and loyalty.

I have three daughters at Ursuline and it has been so great for all three girls. The early…read morechildhood education building is fantastic. They do such a great job of making school a fun and engaging environment. The elementary school is a wonderful environment with low student-teacher ratios, a beautiful blend of the traditional classroom with art and music built into the day. The middle school is wonderful. Small classes, personal attention, a great mix of fun, academics, and art. I have seen incredible personal growth for all three of my daughters. I am so thankful my girls get to attend Ursuline and join their incredible rich history of educating catholic young women.

We just moved to New Orleans from Salt Lake City and I was immediately drawn to this school. The…read moregirls are happy, and the staff and parents are all so proud to be a part of the school. My daughter is THRIVING here and is so excited to come to school that she runs down the street, through the gates, down the hall, and immediately to her classroom. Joining this school was like joining a Hogwarts house - we didn't join a school, we joined a vibrant community. Many of my daughters classmates have had all their relatives go to school here, the ties run deep! They have so many ways to get involved, socialize, and fun events that it feels like I joined a club or sorority. I run into parents from my daughters class outside of school often and I no longer feel like a stranger to New Orleans, but a welcomed member of my new community. Being a part of this school has been my favorite thing about New Orleans so far. Also, I love the outfits, the logo, and the breathtakingly beautiful grounds. The best schools in Salt Lake City (and the competing schools in the area) can't hold a candle to this place. Worth every penny. P.S. Of the Hogwarts Houses, this school would be Gryffindor. ;)

From the owner: Our Girls Change The World…read more You see a girl. We see the future. Academy of the Sacred Heart, founded in 1867 in New Orleans, is a Catholic, independent, college-prep school for girls. We have an enrollment of more than 750 students ages 1 through grade 12. Our school curriculum includes fine arts, religious and Bible studies, english, mathematics, social science, computers, foreign languages, physical education, digital technologies and many Advanced Placement courses - even online. Extracurricular activities offered include visual and performing arts, drama/theater, digital photography, yearbook, National Honor Society, National Forensic League, quiz bowl and Spanish club. We offer a variety of sports for students from cross country, golf, volleyball, swimming, track and field, basketball, tennis and cheerleading.

An elementary/ jr. high school is a tough thing to review, but I am sticking with a high four-star…read morereview of ISL, specifically the Camp St campus, based on my admittedly limited experience therewith. The price (free!) can't be beat for an immersion education, and any kid in the state can apply for K or grade 1. Language requirements take effect for admission to grade 2 and above. ISL offers a Spanish and a French program, and my child's knowledge of Spanish, based on just a year and a half, is astouding. She can speak and understand conversational Spanish (and delights in eavesdropping on people speaking Spanish!), when nobody in our families have even so much as studied it in school. It is obvious what a child learns in just a year here. Moreover, there are regular reports sent home to parents to inform how a child is progressing, both academically and behaviorally. For K classes, there are two recesses, music, computers, art, P.E., and circus arts, on top of traditional classroom time. In first grade they don't get circus arts, but it resumes in later years, and they don't get the second recess. The library is coded by dots as to whether a book is in English, Spanish, and/or French, and the librarian speaks all the languages and is amazing with the kids. The kids go to the library once a week to check out new books, and it's open after school too so parents can go check out extra books with their kids. Regular reading time is heavily promoted at ISL. The school lunches are mostly healthy, and children are encouraged to bring healthy foods for snack times too. When my daughter trades her pineapple juice for another child's apple juice, so be it. I'm glad she's got healthy choices for the swap. :) There is a before care program and are two different after care programs, along with track clubs and an off-campus rugby group. The buidling may not be the most state of the art, but the lessons are truly fantastic.

After posting my review, I was contacted by the school and some points of clarity demonstrated…read morebelow (shows you how I much I know!): "At this time, ISL does not have a high school component. The International High School of New Orleans is not affiliated with ISL, so the reference to the "newly formed high school" is misleading. Also, for admission, perspective students go through a developmental observation, after they place in the lottery...I don't want people to be intimidated by the phrase "test in" since we do not do intelligence or IQ based testing for admission."

When in town we stop in and swim at the pool with other adult swimmers. The swim group is known as…read moreNu Wave Swim Club. Coach Marshal has been there for 22 years and welcomes drop in swimmers for a small fee. The entry is via the sliding glass door - which may not be apparent. The pool Is mature but the water is good. The locker rooms are marginal. I am told by Jamie that the girls locker room does not have operable showers. The boys room does.

From the owner: Isidore Newman School, established in 1903, offers a range of academic and enrichment programs. It…read moreis a coeducational, independent school that enrolls more than 950 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school employs a staff of over 130 people and spreads across an area of nearly 10 acres. It features a swimming pool, athletic complex and science laboratories. Isidore Newman School offers guidance counseling and student support services. The school provides classes in English, science, mathematics and finer arts. It operates early childhood and adult education programs, as well as the Dads Club. Isidore Newman School provides opportunities for sports activities that include basketball and football.

So far My son and I are loving this school. I'm going to start off with the Cons because I honestly…read moredon't have many. The neighborhood that the school is in has terrible roads. Most of the houses in the immediate area are French Style New Orleans homes so it's really cute. Just be aware that if you drive a couple blocks down in the wrong direction the roads will start tearing apart and scenery will change. I've told a few people my son will be attending this school and most ppl applaud the news. I hear great feedback from other parents of a mix of different races and I've only heard good things about them. During orientation they stressed about how they are a school who welcomes families of different cultures and students who have differences. And I feel like they mean it. During orientation one of the teachers was giving a story about how much they care about their students and how racism is around us so much and the students who attend this school will learn how to accept one another and learn and understand the different cultures of different races and learn to love one another. The lady was in tears at the end of her speech and I just knew she meant every word of it. We did apply for a scholarship to attend the school, we applied rather early and we got in. They have an online system to pay for lunch, field trips, donations etc.. which I think is very organized. They do have a bus service for New Orleans parish residence, for Jefferson Parish, parents have to pay for bus service. Inside the school is very clean, everything looks fairly new, colorful, bright, and organized. I'm really picky so yes I looked around. The equipment in the cafeteria also looked fairly new and clean. They stress the importance of music, art, and physical education. Which most schools do not. Also they have a speech therapist at the school. Some people tried to discourage me from bringing my son to a language school when he has some catching up to do with his speech. It's amazing to see that he's not the only child who struggles with speech and they have professionals there to help regardless if he's learning one language or two. They also have after school programs like home work help if they stay in after school care, science club, and Soccer Shots. My son just started attending, we find out who our teacher is on Monday but I'm really excited, some say it may be challenging but we are ready for it.

A new Orleans school that can have classes, federal and local voting and open house day - all on…read moreNovember 4th is a rarity that deserves all the praise!

Our daughter started in the 2 year old program at Little Gate, entered McGehee in Pre-K and is now…read morea sophomore. I have been nothing but impressed at the terrific growth I've witnessed firsthand in my girl. The confidence building and leadership skills she has gained as well as the camaraderie among classmates is inspirational. I have watched the Honor Code and student government in play and am witnessing this become part of my daughter's moral compass. McGehee is so much more than a place to get an education. It's an experience and it's been great to watch my daughter grow into a confident, intelligent young woman. McGehee is as good as it gets!

Both my children go here and I wish I could have attended a school like this. I can't say enough…read moreabout both the lower school and Little Gate the preschool. Both the level of education and the care for the kids is unbelievable. The faculty and staff are first rate. In fact I can't believe some of them are not at Tulane teaching. I look forward to the years Murphy kids have ahead of them here.

St George's is uptown in a great location. My grandchildren, age 7 and 8(girl and boy) have…read moreattended since pre-K and I have never been so impressed with a pre-K and school. The education in every subject, the teacher-child ratio, and the pleasant but no nonsense teachers. In addition they offer aftercare which adds play time and/or additional educational time (cooking, etc). I suggest going and checking out what this coed school has to offer. Best in the city...

From the owner: St. George's is a private, co-ed, independent school for students from nursery through eighth…read moregrade. Established in 1969, St. George's holds a unique position in the community based on its concept of "customized education," which builds upon the distinct talents and learning styles of each individual student. St. George's has the lowest student-to-teacher ratio (5:1) of any school in the area. Their small size and abundance of enrichment programs enable faculty, students and parents to work together using a proven model of educating each child to his or her fullest potential. Students gain the confidence needed to achieve success in academics, social development and emotional well-being.

My daughter has gone here since the baby room (is in middle school now). SAES is far more than a…read moreschool, it's a community and family. SAES really sees and loves the child and through that whole brain interaction there is learning and trust at such a deep and permanent level. I'm so grateful our family is at SAES!

My child has gone to SAES since pre-K. He is now in 8th grade. Over the years, St. Andrew's has…read morebeen a touchstone in our lives. With small classes, loving faculty and staff PLUS daily recess & PE, I know my son has had a wonderful lower & middle school experience.