New Orleans Guide to High School and Beyond 2018

individualized attention to students, and the ability to teach and
spend time on complex subject areas. While it does not indicate better
learning, a low staff to student ratio may be beneficial for a student
who needs extra attention; however, it may not matter as much to a
more independent student. Consider not only the student to teacher
ratio, but also the ratio of students to counselors, librarians, etc.
TEACHING MODEL
Home School: Home schooling is the education of students typically
by parents but sometimes by tutors, outside of the traditional public
or private school. There are two methods to which a child can be
home schooled. The first method is categorized as a home study
program where parents must apply to the Board of Education and
present information on the course content. Progress is measured by
the state through evaluations of copies of student’s work and letters
from outside sources (certified teacher or another “qualified” person)
stating the student’s progress and standardized testing scores. The
second method requires much less state intervention and reporting
on the part of the parents. This method involves sending a letter to
the Board of Education stating that you are running your homeschool
as a private school, not seeking accreditation. The Board of
Education requires that you report the number of students and the
number days of operation.
The biggest difference between the two methods occurs for high
school students. To qualify for TOPS (state supplemented scholarships
to universities), a student must be a graduate of an accredited high
school. The private home school option does not allow students to
qualify for TOPS, but the home study program does. The switch
from non-accredited private school (home-school) and home study
program for the purpose of qualifying for TOPS must be made by
the beginning of 10th grade.
STAFF TO STUDENT RATIO
Staff-student ratio refers to the number of staff in a school with
respect to the number of students who attend the school. For example,
a teacher-student ratio of 1:10 indicates that there is one teacher
for every 10 students. There is a belief that a low staff to student
ratio can result in more effective classroom management, more
Not all schools follow the same methods when it comes to teaching.
Schools that follow college preparatory curriculum even differ in
degrees of rigor or in the methods in which they present information
to students. Some schools encourage active participation or group
work while others use a more lecture-based approach. Ask each
school you consider about their specific teaching model and think
about how your child will fit into this system.
YOU KNOW BEST:
A MINI SELF-ASSESSMENT
QUESTIONNAIRE
What things interest you most?
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Are there any programs at your choice schools related to
those interests?
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Do your choice schools have a facility that can adequately
meet your academic and extracurricular expectations?
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