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BLACK NEW ORLEANS MOM
SCHOOL SELECTION RESOURCE GUIDE
Nearly all Orleans Parish Public Schools enroll via NOLA-PS Common Application Process (NCAP)
Jefferson Parish Public Schools enroll via the Jefferson Parish Registration System.
All private schools have their own enrollment process.
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PICK THE BEST SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD
Deciding on a school that fits your child can be extremely trying. Making a list of needs for your search will ensure your child gets the most out of the chosen school. Think of honor/AP class opportunities, extra-curricular activities such as arts, sports, chess, stem, etc., and college preparedness. Additionally, life skills maybe another thing your family may find important- networking opportunities and/or career preparedness. Then do your research on the schools in your area to find which one checks off most, if not all of your needs.
OPEN HOUSES/SCHOOL VISITS
Open House is a great opportunity to get more information on the schools you're interested in having your child attend. Many schools are offering virtual Open house/tour options due to COVID. Head to the school of your choice's website to find out their options. Also note, some schools make open-house a requirement to get into the school.
ENROLL/REGISTRATION
Enrollment and registration vary depending on the parish you reside. Most Orleans parish schools require that you enroll via NCAP you must also register at the school once you have been assigned in order to not lose the student's spot. Jefferson Parish schools require that you register via their online system. And all Private schools have their own enrollment process, head to the school of your choice's site for more information.
ADVANCED/SELECTIVE SCHOOL TESTING
There are a few advanced study schools and private schools in our city that require that your child take and pass an exam for entrance acceptance. These schools are very sought after so you may want to start reaching out to them early to find out all of the steps for enrollment. These schools also do no provide the name of the tests they use to examine your child's preparedness- Though a common practice test you can use to study is the ISEE.
SCHOOL LETTER GRADES
Paying attention to a school's letter grade is an important step in choosing the best schools for your child. The Louisiana Department of education annually reviews each school performance. Ratings are largely based on state standardized tests, students’ improvement year-to-year, and, for high schools, graduation rates and ACT scores.
SCHOOL ACT/SAT/LEAP SCORES
It should also be noted that if your student is headed to middle/high school, it is important that you check the ACT, SAT, and LEAP scores of the school of your choice, in order to determine how well the school is preparing students for college. This can quickly be done by a simple google search.
SCHOOL FEES
A few fees you may be required to pay for public school are registration fees, uniforms fees, and a PTA fee. In addition, if your child plans to participate in extra-curricular activities be prepared to pay. You may know that private schools require tuition and uniform fees, but many also offer the student the option to take additional courses, participate in clubs, sports, etc. at an additional cost.