When we talk about education, your mind may instantly go to college. But there’s a lot of school to go through before your child gets there, which makes school planning so important. And the path isn’t always straightforward. For families comparing Isidore Newman tuition and other New Orleans high-school costs, how to pay belongs in the discussion alongside where to apply.
Though most of the U.S attends high school at some point, admission to high school does not always look the same everywhere you go. It might go without saying, but high school is a big deal in New Orleans. Where your child attends school could impact their future (college, job, networking, etc.).
Many questions surround that decision.
- Will they attend a public, charter, or private school?
- How do they enroll?
- Can they just sign up, or do they have to take a test?
- How much money will high school cost?
Parents, here’s a guide to help you navigate the process of finding the right high school for your child.
How Families Actually Pay for Private K-12 Tuition in Louisiana
Choosing a school also means deciding how tuition fits with the rest of your financial life. Start with the school's current tuition and required fees, then consider when payments come due, how many years you expect to pay them, and what those payments mean for college savings and other family priorities. Even if a school offers financial aid, confirm its requirements and deadlines directly with the school rather than assuming an award. Coordinating these decisions is part of a broader Financial Planning service; the approach depends on your household's circumstances and tax situation.
Families may consider several ways to plan for K-12 tuition:
- Custodial accounts. UGMA and UTMA accounts can be flexible, but the child gains control at the age of majority in Louisiana. Because the account is in the child’s name, it may also affect future financial-aid calculations.
- Brokerage accounts. A taxable brokerage account can be used for education and other goals. It offers flexibility, but realized gains and dividends may create tax consequences. The value of investments can also fluctuate when a tuition payment is due.
- Louisiana START K12. This K-12 529 program can be used for tuition at eligible Louisiana schools, not every school expense. As of September 2026, the START K12 program's FAQ lists a Louisiana income-tax deduction for eligible deposits of up to $1,200 for single filers or $2,400 for joint filers; confirm the applicable tax-year rules before claiming a deduction. The state's Earnings Enhancement match is described for its separate college-focused START program, not START K12. See the Louisiana 529 and START college-savings guide for the college program's rules; do not assume the two programs have identical benefits.
These tools have different eligibility rules, tax treatment, and trade-offs. Compare them against the tuition timetable and other goals before deciding whether any belongs in your plan.
Understanding The Louisiana School System
There are 558 high schools in Louisiana—not a tiny number to consider. Of those 558 schools, 426 of them are public, and 132 are private. There are also several charter school options.
What is the difference between public, private, and charter schools?
Public, Private, or Charter?
The Federal minimum standard is that public schools are local, state and federally funded with free tuition to those who live in the school district or apply for school of choice. Private schools, however, traditionally come with a price tag.
Charter schools are seeing a rise number and attendees across Louisiana. While they may be public schools, they operate outside the public school system, and the state divides them into five types.
Each charter school may have its own admission standards, and if there aren’t any available seats, you can enter your child into a lottery system for admission. But most are simply open admission.
New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School is an example of a top-rated, open-admission charter school. Prospective students must fill out the NOLA-PS Common Application and submit all necessary documents to apply.
While there may be similarities in attaining entrance to these institutions, each school is different in terms of what they offer your student.
Once you narrow down your selection pool, you’ll need to determine if your child must take an entrance exam or pass specific tests for admission into the top-tier institutions.
Prepare For The Entrance Exam
While there may be a Federal minimum standard for public schools, the States also have the power to create their own appropriate measures for high school entrance.
In New Orleans, the school you attend isn’t always the luck of the draw or the district you live in. If your child is hoping to attend a top public or private institution, they will likely have to sit for an entrance exam.
For example, Benjamin Franklin High School is a top public high school in NOLA that requires kids to take a test, and they combine that score with their GPA to make their entrance decision. You can calculate your score using this document provided by the High School.
Since private schools are not bound to state funding, they can determine their own admission rules without a Federal minimum to worry about. You will most likely find your child has to take the entrance exam to attend some of the top private institutions as well.
For example, the following private schools have a similar standard for admissions:
- Jesuit High School
- Metairie Park (admission test/standardized test)
- Isidore Newman
Depending on your kid’s comfort level—and desire to get into a particular school—you might consider hiring a tutor to help prepare them. According to Care.com, if you hire a tutor through their services in the NOLA area, it could cost “an average of $16.75 per hour as of August 2022.”
Keep in mind that this rate can fluctuate depending on the tutor’s experience level and the subject. For example, Wyzant tutoring agency says the average cost of their English tutors is between $30 to $50 dollars an hour.
With professional help, your child can practice the knowledge component and develop test-taking skills and strategies needed to pass the entrance exam.
Breaking Down Tuition Costs
If you think college tuition is expensive, you may be surprised to see the hefty price tags of some of the elite charter and private schools in New Orleans and greater Louisiana.
Tuition schedules change each year, and tuition is only one part of a school's overall cost. For the 2026-27 school year, Jesuit lists $12,950 in tuition, plus registration and estimated book costs. Metairie Park Country Day and Isidore Newman publish current tuition information for prospective families. Before making a decision, confirm the current schedule, included fees, and any financial-aid requirements directly with each school.
The cost of high school can sit alongside college savings and other family priorities. Building those decisions into a financial plan early may help families understand the trade-offs involved.
When Selecting A School, Identify What’s Most Important
So, how do you know which school is right for your child?
Consider the following factors:
- Cost. What can you reasonably afford? Are there scholarships available?
- Location. What will the commute be like? Can you drive them? Is there a bus or carpool system? If you’re moving, check out the local school district you might want your child to be part of.
- Goals. What are your and your child’s goals? Are they aiming for the Ivy League? If so, they’ll need an institution to help them get there. Do they want a school with strong arts or sports programs? Are small class sizes important?
Find an institution that helps meet your goals and top priorities to set themselves up for success in the future.
Make a “Wish List”
This process is about a school being the right fit for you and your child, not the other way around! So make a wish list of what is essential for you to have in a school. Then take that list and compare it to the schools you’re considering.
If you don’t have a list, use the Louisiana Department of Education School finder tool to find schools in your area. If the school you have in mind isn’t listed, contact them to inquire about their open enrollment policy.
Once you have some school options, take a tour!
Visiting your prospective school to meet the administration, faculty, coaches, students, etc., is critical to achieving your children’s goals. Things can look great on paper, but getting a feel for the school and administration in person can offer a critical perspective.
This way, your student will get a feeling for how comfortable they may feel in that specific school community and environment.
Finding the right fit is critical. Whether your child excels in the “military-type structure” of Jesuit or the “study at your own pace” of Country Day, the right fit is out there; you just need to dig in.
Decision Time
At this point, you’ve considered all the options.
What kind of school your child is interested in, entrance exam prep, cost factoring and preparation, checking your wish list, and taking a tour. Now you have to decide the right path for you and your child.
Do you still have questions? Call us today; we are ready to help!