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2020 Best High Schools in the New Orleans AreaAbout this List

Explore the best high schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education.  Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 111
Best Schools
111 results

  1. Metairie Park Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Metairie, LA
    • PK, K-12
    • 34 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Parent: Our son is at Country Day and my husband and I could not be happier. We looked at several other schools and selecting one was a very difficult decision. We live uptown and were worried about the commute each day--but it has not been an issue at all. We are so glad we chose Country Day! The teachers are amazing, the facilities are spectacular, and our son is so happy to go to school every day. You can't go wrong with Country Day.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 720 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Benjamin Franklin High School

    • Orleans Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 376 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Junior: Ben Franklin High School is by far one of the best schools in the New Orleans area. While it's necessary to invest a lot of time into studying and similar things, the takeaways from such a great education are worth it. Franklin has a ton of clubs and organizations to take your mind off of schoolwork, and it's truly a diverse school where people of all cultures are accepted. As with many other public schools though, the food isn't amazing and facilities could be better. Overall, I love going to Franklin!
    Read 376 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 945 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Lusher Charter School

    • Orleans Parish Public Schools, LA
    • K-12
    • 210 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: Diversity of student body made for creative and open environment. An excellent learning environment with resources and involved and invested teachers. There's an excellent balance of academic and creative with certificate programs available to students who'd like to pursue one area or both. Student participation is high because they feel connected to the school and supported by the staff and administration.

     I would not change schools if I had to do it all over again!
    Read 210 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,740 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Isidore Newman School

    • Private School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • PK, K-12
    • 41 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Niche User: We would choose this school again because of its academic excellence and the feeling to belong to a big family. Everybody is friendly and welcoming!
    Read 41 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 917 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies

    • Jefferson Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 6-12
    • 236 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: I’ve been at Haynes since I was a sixth grader. From coming into a bigger school scared to death not knowing anything I now feel like I’ve grown more as a person. I feel mature and ready for college and that’s all accredited to my amazing teachers. They bend over backwards for everyone and that’s something that has helped me tremendously along the way. I also love the diversity of my school I feel like it has allowed me to be more open to other people’s beliefs, religions, and overall perspectives. I also love my schools counselors and band. Go jackets!
    Read 236 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 810 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Jesuit High School

    • Private School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 8-12
    • 120 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Alum: I liked how the school focused on academics, discipline, and preparing their students for college. Jesuit prepares those enrolled for college better than any other school in the state of Louisiana. The school doesn't produce 30+ national merit semi-finalists each year out of sure luck. However, sometimes the discipline aspect can go too far and lead to exaggerated and unnecessary rules that are enforced unfairly or without good reason. Overall, I'd recommend any parent within the greater New Orleans area to send their son to Jesuit High School.
    Read 120 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,368 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy

    • Jefferson Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 6-12
    • 117 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: I've attended Patrick Taylor since my freshman year, and everyone has gone above and beyond to make me feel welcomed. Even though I am Deaf, no one here treats me differently or disrespectfully- not even my peers! The teachers are friendly and intelligent and the students are engaging and interesting. There is never a boring day with all the events on and off campus, especially if you're involved with any of the many extracurricular programs to choose from. Students are welcome and encouraged to break down the walls of prejudice and challenge the impossible to achieve their dreams each year.
    Read 117 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 595 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Louise S. McGehee School

    • Private School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • PK, K-12
    • 44 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Parent: McGehee has been a wonderful school for our daughter. The academics are strong and we are very impressed by what she is learning and the opportunities she has to explore deeply into areas of interest. But, we are even more impressed with the way that McGehee focuses so strongly on giving the girls confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. Before looking at McGehee, I was not open to the idea of an all-girls school, but I am so happy that we took the time to explore this school and what it offers because my daughter is thriving in this environment. I used to describe her as shy, but now she is one of the first ones to raise her hand to ask a question or volunteer to go up on stage. She loves going to school! McGehee is a community, not just a school, and we are so happy that we found it.
    Read 44 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 510 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. St. Martin's Episcopal School

    • Private School
    • Metairie, LA
    • PK, K-12
    • 42 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Parent: Best investment you could make! For our family, a private school education involves sacrifice, and is a huge investment, but we have found that St. Martin's is the best investment we could make. Our daughter thrives in this wonderful school with a tight-knit community. The teachers are incredible and work side-by-side with the students to help them learn in a way that is truly deep. Students are prepared and excel in some of the best colleges, but more than that, they are prepared to make an impact on their communities.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 600 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. St. Paul's School

    • Private School
    • Covington, LA
    • 8-12
    • 41 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Alum: The brotherhood created through academics, athletics, and extra curricular clubs at St. Paul's lasts a lifetime. I still keep in touch with classmates who have moved across the country for college and their future. The student/falculty relationships are excellent. Lasallian brothers still run and teach at SPS. The day I met Brother Ray (principal at the time) he knew my name and my birthday already! Most sport coaches are also teachers that interact with students on and off the field or court. The campus consists of multiple buildings with beautiful landscaping much like many college campuses. The facilities include a baseball field, a turf soccer/football field and track, basketball gym, wrestling gym, tennis courts, a large pond, and a theater. Since I have graduated, the school has established concentrated college prep courses such as pre-engineering, pre-med, and economics. Those course will definitely give graduating students a head start in their future academic endeavors.
    Read 41 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 879 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Academy of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • PK, K-12
    • 43 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Alum: Overall, I really like Sacred Heart. I like what it stands for. I like the small, Catholic school environment. I went for thirteen years. As a high school student, I have to admit, my life sucked. The administration, which they currently have, is some of the worst people in charge. When you tell the school about your problems, they definitely don't care. They talk down to you and treat you like it is your fault. They don't understand the amount of stress they put on students and they simply do not care about students.
    Read 43 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 768 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. St. Mary's Dominican High School

    • Private School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 8-12
    • 176 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Alum: I loved Dominican and miss it every single day! I made my best friends here and we had great experiences together. The teachers wanted us to succeed and it showed through their personality and work ethic. We valued religion and always stressed to listen and respect people's opinions even when they were different from our own. We valued culture and even had a day to celebrate different cultures from around the world with outfits, singing, and dancing. I had great relationships with my teachers and was able to be myself and feel comfortable asking questions. Teachers were available to answer questions after school and were willing to help as much as they could. I believe Dominican is even better than when I left. They have a brand new building that focuses on the important connection between science and religion. I truly believe that Dominican has shaped me into the young woman I am today and I am extremely grateful for having the opportunity to grow and learn there.
    Read 176 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 886 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Mount Carmel Academy

    • Private School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 8-12
    • 208 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Junior: Mount Carmel Academy is a great high school for anyone to send his or her daughter. Not only are the academics outstanding, but the environment is as well! I am currently a junior attending this high school, and when I was trying to figure out where to go to high school, I will admit that I was a bit hesitant to come here because it was completely different from what I was used to, and not to mention, I had no idea who anyone was coming into this school; nonetheless, I am very glad that I decided to come here and stay because of how welcoming everyone is, how helpful and understanding the teachers are, and the school's culture is so unique. The school also offers rigorous classes along with numerous fun clubs and activities to fit everyone's interests.
    Read 208 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,250 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Archbishop Hannan High School

    • Private School
    • Covington, LA
    • 8-12
    • 45 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Parent: We love the school. From the moment we walked in we felt like family. Lots of clubs and activities for all students. Lots of school spirit. Academically students are prepared for college. Hannan teaches about faith, they inspire academic excellence, and developing character in every student.
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 621 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Thomas Jefferson High School for Advanced Studies

    • Jefferson Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 9-12
    • 154 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: I like the friendly atmosphere with the students and most teachers. One thing I would like to see change about Thomas Jefferson is the campus. The campus is very small however, that doesn't stop its academic excellence!
    Read 154 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 400 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Christ Episcopal School

    • Private School
    • Covington, LA
    • PK, K-12
    • 14 reviews
    #11 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: I like the welcoming familial environment CES provides. Where this school has many flaws, the overall enforced atmosphere is amiable. CES cares about a students success and is more than willing to help their students overcome roadblocks. The CES teachers are passionate for what they teach as well as for their students achievements. They form a unique bond with each student and go above and beyond for their classes.
    However, this school could offer more elective choices. They lack a good, wide range selection of everything but the core subjects. CES doesn’t provide choices for students who have varying interests.
    Read 14 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 620 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Brother Martin High School

    • Private School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 8-12
    • 104 reviews
    #12 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: The teachers and staff are excellent examples of a Catholic, Christian life. They are very caring and will help a student achieve their personal best!
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,206 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Ursuline Academy of New Orleans

    • Private School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • PK, K-12
    • 85 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Alum: It was an experience I do not think could be replicated anywhere else. I was given the opportunity to cultivate close personal relationships with my peers and professors, and I felt personally cared for by both the professors and the administration. At the same time, the academics were rigorous, and I came to college fully prepared on topics like how to write a well-organized paper, how to deal with a lecture setting, etc. The AP classes were excellent preparation for the college class, and the overall experience molded me in so many ways. Ursuline is not a Jesuit school, but it is my belief that it excellently models the Jesuit mantra of "cura personalis": that is, care of the whole person.
    Read 85 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 588 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Cabrini High School

    • Private School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 8-12
    • 141 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: I am currently a high school senior at Cabrini. My overall high school experience has been one I will cherish forever because of everything Cabrini has given and taught me. I have grown extremely close to my class of 90 and virtually know almost all of my school's community! I am extremely grateful for the rigorous curriculum Cabrini has provided me to prepare me well for college. I am also in many clubs such as student council, ambassadors, and NHS which have helped me enhance my leadership skills. Cabrini has given me so much and I could not imagine myself going anywhere else. The teachers are always incredibly helpful when in need of extra assistance and they are always fair.
    Read 141 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. New Orleans Center for Creative Arts

    • Public School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 9-12
    • 46 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: I think overall, this school is amazing! People overestimate the academics and forget that this school is in fact a conservatory, so I do not recommend coming here unless you have a true passion for your art. There is also a lot of disconnect between the students and administration. I think this will improve with time. The only three words I can say for this school is VOICE YOUR OPINION.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 243 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. St. Scholastica Academy

    • Private School
    • Covington, LA
    • 8-12
    • 240 reviews
    #15 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: My five years at SSA have been the best of my life. I have made so many friendships here that will last forever, and I've especially loved going to an all girls school. I think this leads to more open character development and confidence found in the students. Also the academics and athletics here have impacted my life tremendously, I have always been on A honor roll and have played varsity soccer here for 5 years. During this time, I won 3 state championships for my school. Overall, I wouldn't change a thing about my high school experience and I would recommend it to any girl.
    Read 240 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 537 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Destrehan High School

    • St. Charles Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 8-12
    • 160 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: My experience with Destrehan High School was an extremely good one. The clubs and activities that I was able to be a part of made me enjoy high school even more. The sports are top notch. We have the best football coaches, baseball coaches, volleyball, wrestling, softball and soccer coaches as well. Although the sports in this school were very elite, I often noticed that the arts weren't very supported as much as I believed they could. Being part of the dance team, I didn't feel that we were shown enough recognition. If I could change one thing about my Destrehan High School experience, it would be to feel more supported as a dancer and rewarded for my accomplishments. The teachers were mostly wonderful and very concerned about every student at Destrehan. What I also hope for Destrehan in the future, is that they become more serious about preparing us for college so we can know what to expect and be ready.
    Read 160 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,376 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Northlake Christian School

    • Private School
    • Covington, LA
    • PK, K-12
    • 23 reviews
    #16 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Alum: Northlake is a special place. The teachers invest in their students academically and spiritually. Programs such as the soccer team, powerlifting team, and basketball have been repeatedly recognized in state championships and district championships. There are a wide variety of clubs and ways to get involved for students from all walks of life. College preparedness is crucial to the administration and it is evident due to the college counselors and help lended. I would highly recommend Northlake Christian to anyone who is looking for a school that prioritizes spiritual growth as well as social and academic excellence.
    Read 23 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 807 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. De La Salle High School

    • Private School
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 8-12
    • 124 reviews
    #17 Best Private High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Parent: We moved to New Orleans in July between my kid’s 10th and 11th grade years; my husband retired from the Army. I contacted De La Salle because we wanted a co-ed and racially, ethnically, and socially diverse school. Mr. Bonura (no longer at DLS), Ms. Atwood, and Mr. Kelly were wonderful. DLS accepted my daughter’s out-of-state classes as well as previous state Standardized Test Scores and assigned classes that fit her academic progression. When my daughter struggled with the Semester Schedule (this mimics college--classes are offered in an 18-week semester instead of across the whole school year), faculty helped her adjust. DLS is not without the usual teenage-related issues; when my daughter was having trouble with other students, the staff and faculty responded quickly and appropriately without me becoming involved. If you are moving to NOLA from out-of-town or out-of-state, I encourage you to consider De La Salle!
    Read 124 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 595 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Lakeshore High School

    • St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, LA
    • 8-12
    • 127 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in New Orleans Area

    Senior: My experience with Lakeshore high school overall is AMAZING. People always talk about how your high school years are your best years, and they were right. Lakeshore High has given me the best high school experience ever from the students to the staff. Everyone is so friendly and out going that you feel right at home although you’re at school. And the teachers are phenomenal! They prepare everyone for success in any field of work.
    Read 127 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,028 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    The Fessenden School

    • Private School
    • West Newton, MA
    • PK, K-9
    • 2 reviews

    Parent: I am blown away by the individualized attention that my sons get at Fessenden. The teachers really know how to motivate them and bring out their best academically, socially, and emotionally. Their hands-on/project-based learning approach not only keeps them engaged but is teaching them the critical skills they will need to succeed in high school and beyond. I couldn't be happier with the education my sons are getting at Fessenden.
    Read 2 Reviews

    • 511 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Commonwealth School

    • Private School
    • Boston, MA
    • 9-12
    • 19 reviews

    Parent: Commonwealth's faculty deliver a level of academic rigor that I've been unable to find at other schools. Just as amazing to me is the amount of nurturing and support the school is able to provide to students in attaining their full potential. Thanks to Commonwealth's small size, students are able to meet one on one with their advisors on a weekly basis. A good number of the faculty have university teaching experience, yet it's abundantly clear from the individual attention they give students both in and out of the classroom that they're at Commonwealth because they love teaching and working with teenagers. Another key ingredient in the quality of this school are the students it attracts: bright, curious, unpretentious, and not cliquish. My daughter, who tends toward quiet and reserved, has been at the school as a ninth grader for under a month, but has already made close friends. We're extremely fortunate to have found this school; I can't recommend it enough!
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 140 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Bard Academy at Simon's Rock

    • Private School
    • Great Barrington, MA
    • 9-10
    • 3 reviews

    Alum: I really enjoyed spending time as a student in Bard Academy at Simon's Rock. Overall, I have to say the academics of the school are incredibly strong, and the program most certainly accomplishes its goal of preparing individuals for college in two years. Bard Academy offers opportunities you can't find almost anywhere else: the chance to have all of your classes taught by incredible professors, the privilege of having the full resources of a college campus and being able to speak with any college professor in any field about anything on your mind, and being able to take (admittedly up to two) college classes while in high school. My greatest frustration during my time in the Academy was the limit on two college classes; however, the program is quite young and is still evolving. As a result, the staff and faculty who lead it love to hear your propositions, and enjoy working alongside students to make things work best both from an administrative and an individual student's perspective.
    Read 3 Reviews

    • 49 Students
    • 1:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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