Start by reviewing official performance data from the Louisiana Department of Education, which publishes school performance scores, letter grades, and accountability reports for New Orleans schools. Compare metrics such as academic growth, graduation rates, college readiness indicators, and subgroup performance. Supplement this data with independent sources like GreatSchools, Niche, and SchoolDigger, which provide parent reviews, test score summaries, and rankings. Finally, visit school websites to review curricula, advanced course offerings, extracurricular programs, and student support services, and schedule campus tours to assess school culture and classroom environments firsthand.

Consider academic quality, including test scores, growth measures, and graduation or promotion rates, but also look at whether the curriculum aligns with your child’s learning style and long-term goals. Evaluate school climate by asking about class sizes, discipline policies, safety procedures, and student support services such as counseling, special education, and English language learner programs. Examine extracurricular activities, including arts, sports, clubs, and enrichment opportunities, as these can significantly impact your child’s overall development. In New Orleans specifically, review how each school participates in the OneApp enrollment system, transportation options, and proximity to your home or workplace to ensure daily logistics are manageable.

New Orleans operates largely through a network of charter schools, which means most public schools are independently managed but publicly funded. This structure gives families access to a wider range of school models, such as college-preparatory programs, arts-focused schools, language immersion options, and STEM-focused campuses. However, it also means you must pay close attention to each school’s charter organization, mission, performance record, and admission priorities. Many schools participate in the centralized enrollment system, so you will need to rank your preferences and adhere to application deadlines. Reviewing each charter network’s reputation, governance, and stability will help you make more informed decisions about long-term fit and consistency for your child.

Reliable performance information is available through the Louisiana Department of Education website, which publishes school report cards, accountability scores, and detailed data dashboards. The NOLA Public Schools website provides enrollment guides, OneApp instructions, school directories, and annual school choice resources specific to New Orleans. Third-party platforms, such as GreatSchools, Niche, and local education advocacy organizations, offer additional context, including community feedback and qualitative assessments. For the most current and nuanced perspective, attend school open houses, speak directly with administrators and teachers, and connect with local parent groups or neighborhood associations who have recent, firsthand experience with specific campuses.

Begin by creating a shortlist of schools based on performance data, program offerings, and location. Contact each school’s main office or enrollment coordinator to schedule a tour, ensuring you visit during regular school hours to observe typical classroom activities. During your visit, pay attention to student engagement, teacher interactions, cleanliness, safety measures, and available learning resources such as technology, libraries, and laboratories. Ask questions about teacher qualifications, staff turnover, academic support, discipline approaches, and communication methods with families. After touring multiple schools, compare your notes with objective data and your child’s specific needs, and use this combined information to prioritize your ranked choices in the New Orleans enrollment system.