Also possibly moving to New Orleans- from Memphis (Metairie, Jefferson: renting, magnet school)

[khat]

I have been reading the postings and replies from different individuals regarding people moving to NO from other places, mostly the northwest. Since I am from Memphis, do you think the culture shock will be such an issue for our family? Memphis is southern and it is pretty seedy (I hate to say it, but its true) Also, are there any affordable private schools uptown that are decent? We really want to live uptown, near the park. I am ok with public schools too- if they are good quality (like a magnet school, etc). We have the same problems with public schools in Memphis. Thanks!

I would LOVE for someone to respond that has moved from Memphis to NO with young children. I would love to hear their thoughts. Thanks!

[LSU Tiger Z71]

I really think you want have too much culture shock since you're from Memphis. I'd look into Metairie and Uptown. Always research your hood. There are many nice private schools but be careful of public ones. I think living in Memphis is better than moving from say, Seattle.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

As an adult, I went to grad school at Ole Miss and spent almost every weekend in Memphis. Lived in Metairie most of my adult life. Both cities have a similar feel to them although I think Memphis has more people with a lot of money. Good luck on the move. Private schools are expensive, BTW, except for Catholic elementary ones. HS used to be around $15K maybe? Check out St. Martin's, McGehee's, and Metairie Park Country Day for non-catholic ones.

[LSU Tiger Z71]

Depending on your children's gender, academic achievement, and interests.. Jesuit, MPCD, and Newman are the best HS hands down imo.

[Huckleberry3911948]

if you dig memphis you will love new orleans.
real men dont need kevlar.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

St. Martin's Episcopal School, Metairie, K-12, co-ed
McGehee, N.O. K-12 girls only
Metairie Park Country Day, Metairie, K-12, co-ed
Newman, N.O., K-12, co-ed
Jesuit, N.O. 9-12?, boys only
Scared Heart, N.O., K-12, girls only
all roughly $15K/yr, up to $16K for senior year, all competitive admission based on testing and other factors

[khat]

Ok- What about public elementary schools in metairie, or other surrounding areas? Just to make it easier on us financially, we are now thinking about moving to metairie to start and renting for a couple of years, until we get our bearings. What public elementary schools would you recommend in metairie or other surrounding areas that are not too far from downtown (my husband will work downtown). We would especially like a good elementary school that we do NOT have to apply for, ie. we just go and register and my kid can go with no hassle. What I am getting at is, that we would just make sure we rented in the right elementary school district. Thanks!

[khat]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

St. Martin's Episcopal School, Metairie, K-12, co-ed
McGehee, N.O. K-12 girls only
Metairie Park Country Day, Metairie, K-12, co-ed
Newman, N.O., K-12, co-ed
Jesuit, N.O. 9-12?, boys only
Scared Heart, N.O., K-12, girls only
all roughly $15K/yr, up to $16K for senior year, all competitive admission based on testing and other factors

BTW...thanks for your input! This is very helpful!

[Drouzin]

If you are looking at Metairie schools check out the Parish's educational website: Welcome To Jefferson Parish Public Schools. I didn't navigate it, but look for school report cards. If they are not posted on the site you can call the school board's number and ask for them. School report cards are issued every year for every public school and are supposed to be available to the public. Best wishes!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

The nearest part to Metairie Rd will be safe and have a reasonab ly good school. There is a charter school, Metairie Academy, but enrollment is closed for next year. I think you apply in Oct-Nov for testing for the following school year. Drouzin's suggestion is good - there are good schools, I've been gone too long to know all of them.

I lived in Metairie for 34 years but have been gone for 12 yrs - I still have family there and visit every 2 months. Send me a DM if you have a specific question!