
Especially as the world is adjusting to a “new normal,” choosing a school in Lafayette, LA is a BIG decision and not one that comes easily. The normally HUGE decision of navigating the school admissions process in Lafayette, Louisiana has become even more of a daunting task with new items to consider such as a school’s plans for safety and COVID-19 related policies. It is our hope that this guide to Lafayette, LA schools and open houses will make it easier for you to navigate open house season, as well as these new waters of education, during and after a pandemic.
***Please contact each school directly to confirm any programing or options.***
Whatever you choose for your family, from an educational standpoint this fall and spring, please know that we wish you safety, happiness, connection and confidence. We stand by all of you, our readers, and the choices that you make for your families regarding education.
Would you like to have your school added to this guide?
Please email karen{@}thelafayettemom{dot}com.
A Guide to Lafayette Schools, Admissions Tours and Open Houses
Ascension Episcopal School

When it comes to our children, one of the most important gifts we can provide for them is opportunity. It not only prepares them for their future but also gives them the independence to discover and define who they are: who they want to be. Our faculty and staff focus on developing the whole child, with a curriculum designed to teach lifelong learning skills. This prepares students to navigate the world and a future that we can only imagine, to hold jobs that do not yet exist, and to face challenges that will not emerge for decades. Ascension Episcopal School provides students with the skill, knowledge, and mindset to propel our graduates into the world with grounding confidence and promise.
Open House Details:
River Ranch Campus: Grades PK3-K | Monday, November 8, 2021 at 9 AM and 10:30 AM
Downtown Campus: Grades 1-7 | Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 9 AM and 10:30 AM
Sugar Mill Pond Campus: Grades 8-12 | Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 9 AM and 11 AM
Private tours are available by appointment. Please visit our website for more information.
Ascension Episcopal School admits students of all races, religions and national or ethnic backgrounds who meet the criteria for admission.
Episcopal School of Acadiana

At Episcopal School of Acadiana, experience is everything. Through problem-solving, creating, taking action in our communities, and working together to meet challenges, ESA students come to believe that they can learn anything, and they have the curiosity and resourcefulness to make it happen. ESA is a coeducational, independent college preparatory school rooted in the values of Episcopal education. Our Lafayette Campus is home to PK3 through 5th grade, while the Cade Campus includes 6th through 12th. Instead of hallways and cafeterias, we have open-air walkways and oak-shaded picnic benches. Experience ESA on Preview Day or schedule a tour any time.
Preview Days:
Tuesday, October 19
Tuesday, November 16
Monday, December 13
Tuesday, January 18
Carencro Catholic School

We invite you to join us on campus for any event and private tours to experience the light of our Crusaders. Carencro Catholic School has over 100 years of spiritual, moral, and academic excellence. We provide education in grades PreK3 through 8th grade. Students in grades 3 to 8 are 1:1 technology ratio. We offer electives such as Spanish, Art, Computer Lab, STEM Lab, and Physical Education. At CCS, we believe in Family, Faith Formation, Foundation, and Fundamentals for all. Admissions applications are open in select grades.
Private tours are available by appointment.
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School

Our Lady of Fatima’s rich legacy of Catholic identity, academic excellence, student leadership, and service to the community is unparalleled. The faculty, staff, students and families exemplify our mission statement and are outstanding models of faith and dedication to Catholic education. Christ is the reason for our school. We are passionately enthusiastic about Catholic education because our students learn about Christ’s love and how that love is present in all things, every day, in all classes, and in the school Masses and liturgies. Our outstanding academic program is enhanced with state-of-the-art technology, campus-wide. The school is 1:1 with iPads or MacBook Airs for every student, depending on the grade level. Our X-STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) Lab, Little Warrior Lab, and award-winning Robotics class encourages students to think about topics in different ways. They are challenged to question and use the Scientific Method to find answers to real-world problems. Finally, we are proud of the fact that Fatima school will become an Apple Distinguished School as early as September 2021, an accomplishment achieved by only several schools in Louisiana. Come see for yourself. We welcome private tours upon request.
Applications for new students will be available on FatimaWarrior.com at 9:00 am on Monday, October 25th.
We welcome private tours upon request. Contact [email protected] to schedule a tour.
REACH Institute

Reach Institute services students and families seeking a rigorous academic environment for Primary students; PreK thru 1st. REACH Institute nurtures a love for learning, exposing students to multiple disciplines, individualizing student instruction, building academic self-efficacy and encouraging students to share their knowledge with each other and the larger community through daily school assemblies and monthly community presentations. Parents interested in REACH Institute’s Learning Community attend one of the Open Houses scheduled throughout the fall and winter; to RSVP, email [email protected] .
REACH Institute Discrimination Policy: Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, handicapping conditions or ancestry is prohibited.
Open House Dates:
October 13th, November 10th, January 12th, February 9th and March 9th at 6 pm
Cathedral-Carmel School

In the heart of downtown Lafayette, Cathedral-Carmel School accepts students in grades Prek-8th from all areas of Acadiana. Academic excellence in a Roman Catholic environment has fostered Christ Centered Students for 175 years. We focus on reflecting Christ in all that we do, as students are taught to build a strong and loving relationship with God, their families, classmates, and members of the community. They are given the opportunity to balance liturgical activities and an enriched academic curriculum with the Arts and our championship athletics. We are proud of our 1:1 ratio state of the art technology, our interactive Science Lab housing several live animals, and our newly added STEAM Lab which develops knowledge and mastery of 21stcentury skills by using sensory experiences to increase academic achievement. We are uniquely blessed to provide an education to our special needs students through our REC program (Resources for Exceptional Children) in self-contained classrooms. We continue to build on rich traditions while committing to our future, always putting the best interest of the student first.
Schedule your personal tour today and come experience our Tiger Pride…rooted in Christ since 1846!
Admissions Director, Jan Lochridge [email protected]
The Academy of the Sacred Heart

Join us this October at The Academy of the Sacred Heart and experience the 200 year legacy of all girls Sacred Heart education for girls from 1-year old through 12th grade. Established in 1821, the Academy has devoted two centuries to the education and formation of young women in Acadiana, focused on formation through faith, academics, service, community, and character. Our graduates go on to be deep thinkers and difference makers; women who are independent, intelligent, driven, compassionate, and ready to make their mark in the world. As part of a global network of Sacred Heart schools, our students have the ability to travel worldwide through our exchange program, broadening their horizons, autonomy, and world views. Our rigorous college-preparatory curriculum sharpens their minds and their lifelong love of learning and curiosity. And, more than anything, our girls have the courage to try new things, to use their voices, to persevere in adversity, and challenge themselves to grow and learn every day. Come experience the transformational Academy education that awaits your daughter this October… it’s 200 years in the making!
Berchmans Academy

This October, come experience the difference of a Berchmans Academy education for boys from 1-year old through 12th grade. With a curriculum specifically designed to help boys learn and achieve, the faculty and staff at Berchmans Academy are truly experts in understanding how boys learn and grow. Rooted in the tradition of the Sacred Heart goals of faith, academics, service, community, and character, Berchmans students maximize their curiosity and love of learning in a setting where they are each appreciated for their individual gifts. In an environment created just for boys, our educators seek every opportunity to capture the imagination and interest of students through outdoor learning experiences, hands-on activities that are student driven, and with subject matter points of interest that are relevant and engaging. Our Berchmans graduates go on to be strong gentlemen of great character, faith, and intellect, with compassion and drive to make a difference in the world and to be the best versions of themselves. Come experience the transformational Berchmans education that awaits your son this October!
Additional Lafayette Schools and Resources For Your Consideration
PUBLIC
Public Elementary Schools:
Public Middle Schools:
Public High Schools:
David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Holy Cross Little Shepherds ELC
Schools of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau
St. Anne’s Catholic Church MDO & Pre-School
St. Mary Early Learning Center
CHRISTIAN BASED SCHOOLS
First Baptist Christian School
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy
Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy
MONTESSORI