Frequently Asked Questions

What is an independent school?

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child and your family. Independent schools come in a many different shapes and sizes. An Independent school can be large or small, co-educational or offer single sex education, faith-based or non faith-based. Whatever distinct qualities each school may have they all offer an excellent education. Independent schools have a unique mission and are accredited with a rigorous and comprehensive accreditation process. Each independent school is governed by a board of trustees and are supported by tuition, donations, endowment or investment revenue.

What do independent schools offer? 

  • A special and safe environment
  • Challenging Curriculum
  • Enrichment Programs
  • Exceptional Faculty
  • Diverse Environment
  • Low teacher-student ratio
  • Hands-on learning
  • Project based activities
  • Critical Thinking

Why an Episcopal School?

One of the hallmarks of an Episcopal School is the holistic approach to education.  Educating the mind, body, and spirit is key to an Episcopal education. Episcopal Schools value diversity and maintain a comprehensive, inclusive community that calls for the respect of others and their beliefs.

Why a Co-ed School?

One of the greatest benefits of co-ed schools is that they provide a real-world learning environment.  Students share experiences, develop friendships, and learn to work together with students of the opposite sex at the beginning of their school experience.  Students learn to act appropriately and develop respect for their classmates regardless of their gender. A co-ed school provides the opportunity for students to learn and grow academically, socially and emotionally.

Why a Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade School?

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School understands the needs of children in Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade and specializes in the academic, social and emotional needs of children at those ages. Our School believes in “Cherishing the Decade of Childhood”. Students are here with us from the age of four through fourteen. We offer a decade of learning in a safe, nurturing, caring and loving environment. Our teachers specialize in Early Childhood, Lower School and Middle School education. Classrooms are arranged and the curriculum is presented at an age appropriate level. We have students in the formative years where they are cherished, known and loved. Children do need change and they are well prepared and ready for a change as they leave St. Andrew’s and go on to high school. They are well prepared and confident to move on to a new environment and develop new friendships.  However, students from St. Andrew’s do develop close friendships and maintain them long after graduation.

Life After St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

St. Andrew’s students have a solid academic foundation that opens doors for them at competitive independent, public, and parochial high schools and are typically accepted to the high school of their choice. Because of the quality of our program, our graduates are sought out by the top high schools in the Greater New Orleans area. Most importantly, we assist each student and family in the search for the best academic environment for his or her interests, abilities and extra-curricular pursuits.

The high school search is a collaborative effort between school and home. Our Head of School and Eighth Grade Advisor work closely with our families to educate and inform them of the high school options and help to determine what would be a “good fit” for the student.

As families apply to various high schools, our Head of School is in personal contact with the respective admissions offices discussing our students and offering support.  This personal approach is essential to the process. Our graduates leave St. Andrew’s with self-confidence knowing that they can accomplish whatever they set out to do.