Picking the Right Fit for You
Selecting a high school can be a challenging (and daunting!) task. It can also be exciting and promising. To help you find the school that fits you best, ask yourself the following questions:
What size school do I want?
Think about it. You're going to spend the next 4-5 years in the same environment, day in, day out. What are you most comfortable with? In which environment would you thrive the most? Perhaps you're coming from a small school and want more of the same. Or maybe you're up for something different. Perhaps you've had enough of the large school crowd and desire more one-on-one attention. Whatever your preference, there is often a trade-off. Usually, the bigger the school, the more extracurricular activities are available (though that's not always the case). At smaller schools, teachers and students tend to know you by name, and there's more of a "family" atmosphere. While on this topic, think about class size. You can easily find out the average number of students per classroom (just ask someone at the school when you visit or check out their website, if they have one). If the average class size is 29 students, would you feel at home or be able to focus? Or do you need something a bit smaller? Something to think about.
Think about it. You're going to spend the next 4-5 years in the same environment, day in, day out. What are you most comfortable with? In which environment would you thrive the most? Perhaps you're coming from a small school and want more of the same. Or maybe you're up for something different. Perhaps you've had enough of the large school crowd and desire more one-on-one attention. Whatever your preference, there is often a trade-off. Usually, the bigger the school, the more extracurricular activities are available (though that's not always the case). At smaller schools, teachers and students tend to know you by name, and there's more of a "family" atmosphere. While on this topic, think about class size. You can easily find out the average number of students per classroom (just ask someone at the school when you visit or check out their website, if they have one). If the average class size is 29 students, would you feel at home or be able to focus? Or do you need something a bit smaller? Something to think about.
What do I want from a school?
The answer to this question may seem pretty obvious: A good education, of course. However, here in New Orleans, we have something that many cities across America do not have, as far as education is concerned: Options. Instead of simply attending the closest school to your house, you can pick and choose which one(s) appeal to you most, based on what you want. For example, you might select a school with an emphasis on math and science, because that is the area of learning you want to pursue in college. Or maybe music or art is your thing, and you've discovered two schools that specialize in those subject areas. To answer this question, then, you'll need to do some "soul-searching" and self-evaluation. If a Christian environment is important to you, then you'll obviously lean towards private, religious institutions. If it's joining the band, you can seek out schools with a great music and marching band program. Most schools have sports and clubs of some kind, so, in your quest, be sure to visit the school websites or call the school itself to find out what is offered. Oh, and don't forget about the "college prep" label - the vast majority of schools are geared to prepare you for college, but err on the side of caution and confirm that before you apply. Ultimately, if you don't do your research, you could wind up regretting your decision.. Remember: This is your future, and a lot is riding on the choices you make NOW, including where you get your education.
The answer to this question may seem pretty obvious: A good education, of course. However, here in New Orleans, we have something that many cities across America do not have, as far as education is concerned: Options. Instead of simply attending the closest school to your house, you can pick and choose which one(s) appeal to you most, based on what you want. For example, you might select a school with an emphasis on math and science, because that is the area of learning you want to pursue in college. Or maybe music or art is your thing, and you've discovered two schools that specialize in those subject areas. To answer this question, then, you'll need to do some "soul-searching" and self-evaluation. If a Christian environment is important to you, then you'll obviously lean towards private, religious institutions. If it's joining the band, you can seek out schools with a great music and marching band program. Most schools have sports and clubs of some kind, so, in your quest, be sure to visit the school websites or call the school itself to find out what is offered. Oh, and don't forget about the "college prep" label - the vast majority of schools are geared to prepare you for college, but err on the side of caution and confirm that before you apply. Ultimately, if you don't do your research, you could wind up regretting your decision.. Remember: This is your future, and a lot is riding on the choices you make NOW, including where you get your education.
How will I get there?
This question may seem a bit trite, but the question remains: How will you get to the school of your choice? If you live on the West Bank, and you want to attend a school in Metairie, what mode of transportation will you rely on to get you there? While distance should certainly not be a main factor in selecting a school, it is nonetheless something to consider, as it can limit your options. Be sure to contact your top choices and ask if they have bus service to your house or neighborhood. If they do not, you will obviously need to make arrangements, if possible. YOU CAN'T JUST ASSUME THIS WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF.
This question may seem a bit trite, but the question remains: How will you get to the school of your choice? If you live on the West Bank, and you want to attend a school in Metairie, what mode of transportation will you rely on to get you there? While distance should certainly not be a main factor in selecting a school, it is nonetheless something to consider, as it can limit your options. Be sure to contact your top choices and ask if they have bus service to your house or neighborhood. If they do not, you will obviously need to make arrangements, if possible. YOU CAN'T JUST ASSUME THIS WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF.
What will it cost?
If you wish to attend a public or charter school, cost is not nearly as prominent an issue as it is with private schools (although, certain extracurriculars can cost money: football uniforms, class trips, art supplies, etc.). Nearly every private school has tuition and/or fees of some kind., which vary from school to school. It is your responsibility to investigate those expenditures, and you can do so in a number of ways:
1. Examine a school's website and look for "Tuition" or "Tuition/Fees" (usually located under the "Admissions" section).
2. Call the school and ask to speak with someone in the finance department.
3. Check out helpful websites, like Gambit's Annual Guide to Schools: GAMBIT Annual Guide to Websites
Please be advised: The TOTAL cost to attend a school includes not just TUITION, but registration and fees, as well. Thus, when GAMBIT, for example, lists the tuition of a school at $6,000, that does not represent all that you will pay (only the base tuition amount).
Before you get "sticker shock" upon seeing the cost of a private education, understand that most schools offer some form of financial aid, including, but not limited to: needs-based aid, work study, and academic scholarships. It is important to recognize this and not automatically dismiss an option based on its price tag.. Simply contact the school to inquire about financial aid or peruse its website for information.
For a breakdown of local schools and their individual costs, click here.
If you wish to attend a public or charter school, cost is not nearly as prominent an issue as it is with private schools (although, certain extracurriculars can cost money: football uniforms, class trips, art supplies, etc.). Nearly every private school has tuition and/or fees of some kind., which vary from school to school. It is your responsibility to investigate those expenditures, and you can do so in a number of ways:
1. Examine a school's website and look for "Tuition" or "Tuition/Fees" (usually located under the "Admissions" section).
2. Call the school and ask to speak with someone in the finance department.
3. Check out helpful websites, like Gambit's Annual Guide to Schools: GAMBIT Annual Guide to Websites
Please be advised: The TOTAL cost to attend a school includes not just TUITION, but registration and fees, as well. Thus, when GAMBIT, for example, lists the tuition of a school at $6,000, that does not represent all that you will pay (only the base tuition amount).
Before you get "sticker shock" upon seeing the cost of a private education, understand that most schools offer some form of financial aid, including, but not limited to: needs-based aid, work study, and academic scholarships. It is important to recognize this and not automatically dismiss an option based on its price tag.. Simply contact the school to inquire about financial aid or peruse its website for information.
For a breakdown of local schools and their individual costs, click here.
GETTING TO KNOW THE SCHOOL:
Visits, Spend-A-Days, Open Houses
(and other tools you can use)
CLICK ARROWS BELOW TO ENTER
Visits, Spend-A-Days, Open Houses
(and other tools you can use)
CLICK ARROWS BELOW TO ENTER