School Types
It is important to know the most fundamental differences between school types
Choosing the best school is a highly personal decision based on the family's situation, values, and the special needs and interests of the student.
When considering which type of school to attend, it is important to know the most fundamental differences between public, private, and Catholic schools. Review the chart below to compare the differences between the three types of schools.
| Category | CATHOLIC | PRIVATE | PUBLIC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission Requirements |
May use any factors to select students including ability to pay, test scores, student GPA, parent involvement, etc. | May use any factors to select students including the ability to pay, test scores, student GPA, parent involvement, etc. | Most schools are open to all students and have no admission requirements. Selective admission NOLA Public Schools have GPA, testing, application, and/or other entrance requirements. |
| Application Process | Follows the timeline and application process set by the Archdiocese. | Timeline and process varies from school to school. | All NOLA public high schools with the exception of NOCCA follow the NOLA-PS Common Application process and timeline. |
| Cost | Tuition varies. Oftentimes Catholic schools are the most affordable private school choice. Some Catholic schools offer scholarships and other forms of financial aid. | Tuition varies. Sometimes scholarships and other forms of financial aid are available. | Tuition is free, but there may be some cost involved for uniforms, transportation, extracurricular activities, etc. |
| Curriculum | Schools have control over curriculum. Religious curriculum may be determined by the Archdiocese. All curricula meets state standards. | Schools have control over curriculum. | Direct-run schools have a district mandated standardized curriculum. Charter schools have much more freedom with their curriculum. |
| Governance | Guided by Catholic regulations set and monitored by the Archdiocese. Most Catholic high schools are owned by a religious order. | Independently governed. | Governed by OPSB and BESE. |
| Religion | Catholic | May have a religious focus, but may be secular. Most, but not all, private schools in New Orleans are Christian. | Public schools cannot, by law, have a religious focus. |
| Selection Process | Selective admission based on any number of criteria. | Selective admission based on any number of criteria. | Most have no selection criteria, but entrance may be first come-first served, lottery (most common), or selective admission based on any number of criteria. |
| Special Education | Schools may provide minor adjustments for individual student differences. | Do not have to accept children with special needs. | Must educate all children and provide any necessary programs to meet their needs. |
| Teachers | All teachers are qualified under non-public school standards, although they may or may not be state-certified. | All teachers are qualified under non-public school standards, although they may or may not be state- certified. | Public schools typically require their teachers to be certified or working towards certification. |
| Testing | Not required by the state. Schools use alternative methods to track progress. | Not required by the state. The school may use alternative methods to track progress. | All schools must participate in state mandated testing. |
