good elementary school - PLEASE HELP! (New Orleans, Metairie: homes, magnet schools, live in)

[Mocal]

We live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and my husband just got a job as Visiting Assistant Professor at Tulane. I have three children, one entering 2nd grade, one entering Pre-K, and one 6 months old, so schools are VERY important. I've done a lot of research in the past week and have found this forum very helpful, but still have a couple of questions. I was told by Lusher that there is no way we will get our second grader in for this year even if we move into the area and if we're family of Tulane faculty. There's hope for the next year, but that means we have to send him to a private school for this year. Does anyone know a good Catholic School with tuition around $5,000.00 or less, preferably around Tulane? We've looked at Holy Name of Jesus, but we don't know if we can swing the tuition.

Our other choice is to move to Metairie, although my husband is not excited about the drive every day. I can't get my son tested for the Magnet schools because I was told it is too late. So, luckily I found Rudolph Matas elementary, which seems to be a pretty good public school. Does anyone have children there or know someone who sent their kids there who can speak for its quality? Approx how long would it take to get to Tulane from there? Does anyone know any other good public schools in New Orleans or Metairie that aren't magnet charter (because it's too late to test)?

I'm excited to come to New Orleans, but I'm pulling my hair out trying to find good quality school on our budget. They don't test for giftedness until 3rd grade here, so he hasn't been tested, but my son's reading at a fourth grade level. I would really like him to be challenged, but I don't think I'm up for homeschooling. PLEASE HELP!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

You can research schools on ww.GreatSchools.net to compare schools within Louisiana. I can't remember where Matas is, but my grand-daughter just tested for the Metairie Magent K. If she doesn't get in, they are going to send her to St. Catherine of Sienna. Also, St. Francis on Metairie Rd. has a good rep.

And the drive from those schools in Metairie to Tulane should be about 25-30 min.

[rgreenkrb]

Matas is past (west) of Clearview, which is deep in Metairie. If you’re concerned about traffic, consider looking closer to the parish line.

Paying extra for Holy Name may be worth it considering the convenience of the location. Otherwise, I second the other poster’s suggestions of St. Catherine or St. Francis. The percentage of students in non-public schools here is one of the highest in the country.

[domino]

Definite cough up the money for Holy Name. Very convenient to Tulane, very active parents group, etc.

[Ebeard]

My sons (3) attended Bissonett Elementary in Metaire from there they went to Miesler Middle School and then to Grace King HS.

Bissonett was ranked high in the Nation and on PTA night you will find about 100+ Parents in attendance.

The others schools where clean modern safe and had curriculum to challenge any student.

This school district is N of Veterans Blvd east of Powers Blvd and to Causeway Blvd.

Louisiana has a site you can check your schools score card regarding performance etc.

Welcome to New Orleans you will enjoy the people and culture.

The public schools along Metaire Road are ok also Metairie Grammar and Haynes middle school.

[rgreenkrb]

There is a notice in today’s (2/22/09) paper that applications are now being accepted for JP magnet schools. Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies covers PreK thru grade 5.

Jefferson Parish Public School System