Education

Empowering Minds: Education and Schools in Our Community

Academic Excellence in a Supportive Community Environment

Your children will thrive in Slidell's educational landscape, where they'll experience the perfect balance of academic rigor and personal attention often lost in metropolitan school systems. St. Tammany Parish Public Schools consistently ranks among Louisiana's top districts, with an average ACT score of 21.2 in 2018-2019, leading the state. Unlike overcrowded schools, Slidell’s campuses are manageable in size, with accessible administrators and teachers who know students by name.

Serving over 39,000 students across 55 schools, over 50% of teachers hold advanced degrees. In 2018-2019, more than 2,370 students graduated with $100 million in scholarships, a testament to strong college preparation. Slidell specifically features 3 public high schools, 14 public elementary/middle schools, and 7 private schools, with Louisiana's highest-rated school board ensuring consistent investment in education.

  • Math proficiency: 43% vs. 32% LA average; Reading: 54% vs. 43%
  • Highly qualified teachers: over 50% with advanced degrees
  • Top ACT scores and $100M+ in scholarships
  • Financial stability through the state's top bond-rated school board
  • Diverse education options: public, magnet, and private schools

High-Performing Public High Schools

Northshore High School, ranked 30th statewide and #2,991 nationally, offers Advanced Placement coursework (30% participation) and boasts 85% math and 84% reading proficiency. Slidell High School and Salmen High School also offer AP courses and personalized academic support, aligning with Slidell's culture of care and excellence. Northshore’s motto: "A Challenging and Caring Community Encouraging Lifelong Learning for All Students."

  • Northshore High: top-ranked with outstanding academic metrics
  • Comprehensive AP programs in all three high schools
  • Community-centered culture promoting student development
  • Diverse extracurriculars: arts, sports, leadership programs
  • College prep focus: counseling and university partnerships

Elementary and Middle School Excellence

Schools like Pontchartrain Elementary, Lake Harbor Middle, and Tchefuncte Middle lead the way in foundational education. Reading proficiency for elementary is at 53% and math at 46%, while middle school students average 52% and 42% respectively—surpassing state benchmarks. Slidell Junior High (grades 7-8, 19.4:1 ratio) and St. Tammany Junior High offer strong transitions into high school success.

  • Top-rated elementary and middle schools with above-average scores
  • Balanced student-teacher ratios ensuring individual attention
  • Character education alongside academic instruction
  • Community-based school culture fostering neighborhood ties
  • STEM and arts enrichment from early grades onward

Private School Alternatives and Specialized Programs

Families may choose from seven private schools including First Baptist School, Lakeside Christian Academy, and Slidell Christian Academy. Catholic schools such as Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Margaret Mary offer faith-based education with small class sizes and individualized attention.

St. Tammany Parish Virtual School provides K-12 online options, ideal for families requiring flexible schedules or students excelling in virtual settings.

  • Private school diversity: Christian, Catholic, non-denominational
  • Faith-based values: integrated with academic excellence
  • Smaller classes offering tailored mentorship
  • Public virtual school for flexible, remote education
  • Options that align with family values and learning styles

Higher Education and Career Preparation

Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) offers associate degrees, diplomas, and industry certificates in high-demand fields. Serving 6,000 students, NTCC also offers dual enrollment for high schoolers and DirectConnect to Southeastern—a seamless transfer to Southeastern Louisiana University.

Healthcare career preparation is strong, with NTCC maintaining partnerships with Ochsner, Slidell Memorial, and other local systems to ensure students transition smoothly into healthcare employment.

  • NTCC’s regional campuses offering job-aligned training
  • Dual enrollment: earn college credit during high school
  • Healthcare pipelines: linking education with local job placement
  • Transfer pathways to regional four-year universities
  • Career development focus matching regional economic trends

Slidell’s educational landscape represents a strong investment in the academic and personal success of its youth, ensuring that physician families find both opportunity and confidence in their children's schooling from kindergarten through career.

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