News Summary
Private schools in New Orleans are garnering recognition for their outstanding academic achievements and innovative educational programs. Institutions like Isidore Newman School and Metairie Park Country Day School are leading the way with awards for student excellence and nominations for national honors. The Archdiocese of New Orleans is also enhancing education infrastructure and accessibility, ensuring a commitment to academic growth and community service. With a dedicated focus on a diverse student body, these schools are shaping the future of education in the region.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Private schools in New Orleans have earned recognition for their exemplary academic achievements and innovative educational programs in 2025. Notable institutions, such as Isidore Newman School and Metairie Park Country Day School, are setting high standards with their students’ exceptional performance and engagement in community service.
Isidore Newman School, an independent day school located in Uptown New Orleans, has awarded Seals of Biliteracy to its students who demonstrate proficiency in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish. This accolade reflects the school’s commitment to fostering linguistic diversity and preparing students for a globalized world.
This year, four students from Metairie Park Country Day School received nominations for the prestigious 2025 United States Presidential Scholars Program. This recognition from the U.S. Department of Education is based on exemplary academic performance, outstanding leadership, character, and contributions to community service. Nationwide, around 5,000 candidates are selected for the program, primarily based on their high SAT and ACT scores, marking a significant achievement for these students.
Students attending schools within the Archdiocese of New Orleans have also excelled academically, with average ACT scores exceeding state averages. The dedication of Catholic school students extends beyond academics; they contribute thousands of service hours annually, making a positive impact in their communities.
Highlighting personal success stories, Dalila Gulati, the valedictorian from Archbishop Chapelle High School, is on her way to Stanford University, having received a full scholarship through QuestBridge. This achievement underscores the level of academic support and opportunities available to students in New Orleans’ private school system.
In response to the growing need for educational facilities that cater to a diverse student body, the Archdiocese of New Orleans is enhancing its infrastructure. St. Therese Academy for Exceptional Learners will relocate to a new campus in Gentilly, sharing facilities with St. Martin de Porres Church Parish. This move aims to provide more comprehensive educational resources for students with unique learning requirements.
Furthermore, Archbishop Chapelle High School is also investing in its facilities by developing a new Collaboration Room at the St. Joan of Arc Center. This innovative space features a flexible layout with movable furniture and glass boards designed for group projects and collaborative problem-solving activities, promoting creative and interactive learning experiences.
St. Michael Special School is hitting a notable milestone, celebrating 60 years of successfully providing a faith-based education tailored to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This institution emphasizes overall student growth and the importance of fostering meaningful friendships among its attendees.
To make private education more accessible, the newly established LA GATOR Scholarship Program will allow tax dollars to fund private school tuition, supporting families seeking educational alternatives. This initiative is part of the Archdiocese’s broader strategy to participate in school choice programs aimed at increasing enrollment in Catholic schools throughout the region.
With a focus on academic excellence, innovative growth, and community service, New Orleans’ private schools are not only preparing students for successful futures but also contributing to the development of a supportive and enriching educational environment. The commitment to enhancing student experiences through robust facilities and financial assistance programs positions these institutions as leaders in academic achievement and community engagement in the state.
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.