Avondale area--need advice on good neighborhood/special needs schools (New Orleans: Home Depot, neighborhoods)

[Twintastic]

My husband will be going to work in Avondale. With 3 children ages 7 and twins that are 4 I am in need of some advice as to where would be a good place to live in the area. My twins are special needs children. I am looking for a nice area with good schools. I am willing to commute some as I will be on the lookout for a college with a Nursing program.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Micktooth]

We used to live in River Ridge, on the other side of the River and we have a daughter with special needs. Honestly, the schools and the programs in the area are terrible as far as we're concerned. What type of needs do your children have, if you don't mind me asking. You can private message me if you'd like.

[Twintastic]

My girls have Cerebral Palsy and are developmentally delayed, many sensory issues and are in need of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy. One of the twins has Epilepsy as well.

[MetroBTR]

I googled and this was the first thing I found with a little bit of info and some phone numbers:

Jefferson Parish : Special Education Department/Jefferson Parish Public School System

[Twintastic]

Thanks a bunch. How horrible of a commute is it from Slidell to Avondale? Does anyone know?

[Twintastic]

Or would the drive from Mandeville be better? I heard St. Tammany was a good choice as well. I am only going by hearsay though from some of their physical therapists around here so I am not sure.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Neitrher of those would be good - probably 1 hr or more. He would be in traffic all the way to the river from Slidell or Mandeville.

[MetroBTR]

Originally Posted by Twintastic

Or would the drive from Mandeville be better? I heard St. Tammany was a good choice as well. I am only going by hearsay though from some of their physical therapists around here so I am not sure.

Have you looked in to St. Charles Parish (Destrehan, Luling, etc.)? The schools are way better than Jefferson Parish and the commute to Avondale would be a piece of cake.

[imminest]

Harahan is on the other side of the river and from Avondale going through Huey P Long Bridge about 10-15 mins. It is convenient there. There are Walmart, Home Depot, Cinema, Starbucks, restaurants, churches, hospital, and I think the schools are pretty good too comparing to some areas in New Orleans.

Cost of housing is higher than Avondale but the neighborhoods are considerablly safe.

Elevation is 7 ft (I looked at another report earlier). So in case of heavy rain or flooding, you won't have too much hassel than if you were in a lower area.

[Micktooth]

The drive from Mandeville or anywhere on the North Shore is really not practical. You will hear that some Parishes (Counties) have better schools but it's all relative. NONE of the school districts in the area have adequate special services. When my daughter was in elementary school, we did go to Rudolph Matas in Metairie and Hazel Park in River Ridge. Both of these schools were ok for special ed but the Parish and State services are terrible. How long do you plan on living in the New Orleans area? If it's just for a few years while the kids are young, then look into one of the schools I mentioned esp. Matas. Middle School and High School you might as well forget about. I know this from first hand experience as a parent. I'm just trying to tell you the truth. Is it absolutely necessary for you to move to the area? Are there other areas in the country your husband can find work?
PS I didn't realize when I wrote this that you are already living in Louisiana. Have you considered other States? There are much better special services outside of LA.