Academy of Our Lady: Tuition, Academics, and Community
The Academy of Our Lady is a private, all-girls high school located at 5501 Westbank Expressway in Marrero, Louisiana. Situated on the west bank of Jefferson Parish, the academy stands adjacent to Archbishop Shaw High School, a location it has occupied since its relocation to a new, state-of-the-art campus in mid-2014. The school's patron saint is St. Mary Mazzarello.
A Legacy of Catholic Education
Established in August 2007, the Academy of Our Lady was formed through the consolidation of Archbishop Blenk High School, which had opened in 1962, and Immaculata High School, which began in 1956 as part of Immaculate Conception Parish. Immaculata was served by the School Sisters of Notre Dame until 1979. Today, the academy is operated by the Salesian Sisters and implements a curriculum rooted in St. John Bosco's educational philosophy, adapted with a feminine perspective based on the teachings of St. Mary Mazzarello.
Tuition and Financial Information
The tuition at the Academy of Our Lady is $8,450, exclusive of additional fees. While this figure provides a baseline understanding of the cost, it's essential to consider the complete financial picture, including potential fees and other expenses.
At Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Victory, the tuition is $9,700 per year for 2026-27. The average tuition after financial aid for 2025-26 was $5,450 per year (the 2025-26 tuition was $9,400/year). Additional fees include a $300 enrollment fee, a $450 book fee (covering books, labs, fine arts supplies, etc.), and a $400 activity fee (covering Formation Fridays, House programming, and other schoolwide activities). All tuition and fees are non-refundable once paid.
Academic Excellence and Opportunities
The Academy of Our Lady provides a comprehensive academic program with over 100 courses and 74 electives. A significant 98% of its students meet the eligibility criteria for TOPS, Louisiana's Taylor Opportunity Program for Students. The academy distinguishes itself by offering five pre-professional programs and institutes:
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- Culinary Arts: Equipping students with practical culinary skills and knowledge. The school features a commercial-style kitchen, offering a restaurant-like learning environment that moves beyond traditional home economics.
- Health Care Connections: Providing a pathway for students interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare field.
- Civil Law: Introducing students to the principles and practices of civil law.
- Engineering Design: Fostering creativity and problem-solving skills through engineering-focused projects.
- Fine Arts: Allowing students to specialize in choir, piano, theater, or art.
The academy maintains a classroom size ratio of 13:1, which promotes a more personalized learning environment. The block schedule, with four classes per day, allows for more in-depth study. Each student receives an updated iPad, and laptops are also available in the library, reflecting the school's commitment to integrating technology into education. The school also features a technology hub where students can learn to troubleshoot computer network problems and fix computers.
Campus and Facilities
The Academy of Our Lady boasts a range of facilities designed to enhance the learning experience. These include:
- Cafeteria: A dedicated cafeteria with a hot lunch line and salad bar.
- Private Faculty Dining Room: A separate dining area for faculty members.
- Technology Hub: A space for students to develop technology skills.
A Faith-Filled Community
The Academy of Our Lady emphasizes its commitment to Gospel values and fostering a faith-filled community. The school aims to educate and guide students spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially. The academy strives to create an atmosphere where every person is encouraged to reach their full potential within their family, church, school, and community, recognizing that all are "sisters and brothers in Jesus' love."
Location and Context
The Academy of Our Lady is located at 5501 Westbank Expressway, Marrero, Louisiana 70072, United States. The coordinates are 29°54′6″N 90°5′48″W.
Private School Costs in Perspective
It's important to consider the broader context of private school costs. In Bergen County, NJ, for example, the average private school tuition in 2026 is $16,810 for elementary schools and $20,306 for high schools. The average acceptance rate in Bergen County, NJ is 78%. In comparison, the tuition at the Academy of Our Lady may be more accessible for some families.
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