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FOUNDED 1912
TODAY’S GIRLS TOMORROW’S LEADERS
PRE-KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 12TH GRADE
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where girls fill every role At Louise S. McGehee School, we prepare each student
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for her individual journey amidst a climate of innovation rooted in tradition. McGehee is a school of girls for girls. Our students understand that they can do anything because here girls fill every role—student body president, math
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whiz, sports star and valedictorian. For close to a century, our school has graduated young women who know what it means to be leaders and are
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ready to take charge of their futures. An incredible visionary, Louise S. McGehee, founded our school in 1912. Her mission was to build a college-preparatory school for young women that would focus on each individual
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girl and foster a lifelong love of learning—a gateway to success. We have never wavered from that goal. Our extraordinary faculty respects the ways girls learn and teaches with a curriculum that goes beyond the walls of the classroom. Each girl is encouraged to succeed by harnessing her potential, finding her voice, taking risks and
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delivering her best. The spirit on campus is contagious, and I invite you to experience it firsthand. Please call our Admission Office at (504) 561-1224 for a private tour of our school. We look forward to
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welcoming you and your daughter personally as you pass through our open gate and visit our beautiful Garden District campus.
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The mission of the Louise S. McGehee School is to provide a rigorous college-preparatory education to girls in an inclusive environment which fosters self-esteem, encourages high personal standards, addresses individual student needs and emphasizes active student participation in the learning process. The program uses traditional and innovative teaching strategies to challenge students and to foster enthusiasm and a commitment to lifelong learning.
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everyone is talking about McGehee
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That statement, heard often, sums up three truths: the long and distinguished history of McGehee, its truly superior educational programs and reputation today, and its unlimited
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future as a leading girls’ school in New Orleans and the South. Louise S. McGehee School is unique. It combines a noble heritage with modern
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education in the very front ranks of academic excellence. This rare combination of historical ideals
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with contemporary leadership has caused enrollment to soar over 50 percent in the last several years. The “new” McGehee is a place of great educational excitement.
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What are they saying? They’re saying McGehee is at the forefront of technological education that has become vital to young women for both their advanced learning and their future lives.
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McGehee’s diverse environment has gained community-wide praise for leading all private schools in New Orleans in welcoming qualified students of all races.
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Sixty-five percent of McGehee’s total faculty and 95 percent of our Upper School faculty possess advanced degrees. This extraordinary percentage typifies McGehee’s commitment to true excellence. As we have grown, McGehee has maintained a low student-teacher ratio and a clear focus on the individual student and her needs. Deeply ingrained ideals and traditions, which have inspired McGehee students for generations, remain at the heart of education at McGehee. Our Honor Code, the oldest in the city and a model for other schools, is just one example. This is McGehee. Distinguished leadership—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. An exciting gift to young women…and to New Orleans.
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The Benefits of Attending a Girls’ School 10 Things That Girls’ Schools Do: 1. Create opportunities for appropriate, educational risk-taking 2. Counter mass-media influences, giving girls room to decide for themselves who they are 3. Reinforce a “can do” philosophy 4. Ensure that learning takes center stage, with social life reserved for time outside the classroom 5. Teach collaborative as well as competitive skills 6. Guarantee that math, science, and technology are integral parts of the curriculum 7. Promote athletic participation to encourage both leadership and team play 8. Maximize girls’ verbal/writing skills in learning 9. Offer strong female role models 10. Emphasize “real life” skills such as financial literacy, leadership, and service to community
Source: The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools
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At a girls’ school, it’s not at all unusual to see 11th graders playing Red Rover or eighth graders doing cartwheels on the lawn at lunch.
students feel free to be themselves
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Our students are not compelled to put on that mask of jaded adolescent sophistication. Girls’ schools allow young women to stay girls a little longer. And in our media-driven society where kids seem to grow up faster every year, allowing our daughters a little more
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time to be girls is a very precious gift. Girls’ schools are a place where young women are valued for their heads and their hearts – not just their looks. They help girls develop the skills, confidence, and self-knowledge necessary to thrive and become leaders in college, career, and life. It’s no surprise that outstanding
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women such as Sally Ride, Rosa Parks, and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein each attended a girls’ school.
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Source: Ilana DeBare, author of Where Girls Come First:
The Rise, Fall and Surprising Revival of Girls’ Schools
lower school beginning a journey Confidence. It is a first grader on stage belting out a song in front of an audience of hundreds. It’s five-year-olds tackling a new math concept with eagerness instead of trepidation. It is a fourth grader opening her heart to write about a defining moment in her life. And it is the light in a little girl’s eyes when she understands that she can read. In Lower School, we cultivate that confidence by emphasizing risk-taking as an important part of the learning process. In our nurturing and stimulating environment, students in Pre-Kindergarten through fourth grade experience a hands-on approach to teaching and develop an early love of learning, creating, and expressing their individuality. Beginning in Pre-Kindergarten, the girls take turns at learning centers to help them understand abstract concepts through hands-on exploration. We also understand that imagination catches fire most often in an environment of play and when the learning is fun. Creative writing, reading, foreign language, computer skills, and math are taught within a spiraling curriculum that increases in difficulty while revisiting and reinforcing basic skills. Throughout the Lower School, the girls create art, write in journals, conduct experiments, forge friendships, develop problem-solving skills, play games, and throughout it all, they learn.
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One of the most gratifying things for me as the Lower School Head is to see the incredible thirst for knowledge that these children develop. Each new task, each new subject or skill is tackled with an enthusiasm that comes from a pure joy of learning.
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Phyllis Grandbouche Lower School Head
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The Lower School Guidance Counselor’s door is always open to the girls. To the students,
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her office is a safe haven where they can go to talk things through, to get a difference of opinion mediated, or simply to share happy news about their day. The Counselor also serves as an incredible resource for parents, helping them find answers through each stage of a child’s development. In Living Skills classes, the children learn how to tackle topics such as
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sharing, respecting others and learning how to be a good friend.
2nd graders are often heard quoting Shakespeare
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During their studies of the book series A Child’s Portrait of Shakespeare, the girls study seven of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays and create a timeline of his life, write
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character letters using quill pens and end the unit with a performance—Elizabethan costumes and all—of several famous scenes.
From the island of St. Lucia to Australia to Oman, the Lower School students travel the globe from the comfort of their own classrooms. They view costumes, hear music and sample food from the many different cultures that make up the McGehee community.
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middle school a journey of discovery Fifth and sixth graders questioning a U.S. Senator via video conference about the Louisiana wetlands and national policies in the Middle East. Eighth graders transforming their environmental science studies into age-appropriate lessons for their third-grade buddies from Bauduit Elementary. Autobiographies written by Middle Schoolers, complete with timelines of their lives constructed on the computer. Middle School is a time of discovery, when girls truly begin to understand the power of their potential. Middle School is also a time of many changes, and the lives of young girls can occasionally be tumultuous. McGehee’s extraordinary faculty understands the unique challenges during these important developmental years and provides the curriculum, supportive environment and guidance to help each girl discover her individuality. It is also a time to build upon fundamentals and further encourage students to become responsible for their own learning experiences. Our teachers encourage academic risks, and our students have high expectations of themselves.
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among classmates.
our girls use technology to stay ahead of the curve Technology is an integral part of the learning experience, and from sixth grade on, the girls work with their own laptop computers. Girls are taught skills in computer technology that keep pace with the constantly changing global means of acquiring information.
McGehee’s Service-Learning program has earned multiple accolades that include being named a National Service–Learning Leader School and receiving the first National Association of Independent Schools’ Leading Edge Award in Community Relations.
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upper school the journey to college Risk-taking. Leadership. Scholastic and athletic achievement. These are the hallmarks of the McGehee Upper School experience. Girls are encouraged to try something new—like auditioning for the Upper School musical for the first time or participating in the Mock Trial team. Student government is a key element of building leadership. The Executive Committee and Student Honor Council take an active role in planning student activities and supervising the Honor Code. Students are given the opportunity to lead their peers, and in doing so develop skills that prepare them for leadership as women and professionals. Students continue to participate in group discussions effectively and thoughtfully. They offer new ideas, make original connections, and show enthusiasm for learning. Students become even better listeners and master the art of constructive criticism.
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The Mentorship Program for seniors provides the opportunity
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for students to challenge themselves by working intensively one-on-one with a faculty member in the discipline of their choice. Students design elaborate research projects and
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actually experience the discipline in a “professional” setting.
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The Upper School curriculum emphasizes learning how to
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learn—how to ask questions, how to use “hands-on” methods to acquire and retain knowledge. Girls are encouraged to “own” the knowledge they have
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gained through actually doing—becoming historians, scientists, writers, mathematicians, artists, singers. Students experience collaborative classroom environments where “what if” questions ring out during the school day.
the answer to those questions.. is often “let’s find out.”
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For example, the Physics class challenges students to “think outside the box” by designing, building, and testing a “mousetrap car” that can travel the length of the gymnasium in one go. And Physical Science students may sing or play musical instruments into computer-driven sound probes to watch real-time displays of sound waves on their laptops, showing the relationships among pitch, frequency and wavelength.
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Mock Trial is a lot of work, but very rewarding. I felt much more confident speaking in front of people after working on the Mock Trial team.
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Freddi Wicker, Junior
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outside the classroom In English class, students learn about critical study and literary controversy
Freshmen embark on a week-long adventure during the first week of school. A high-ropes course, whitewater rafting, and a rock wall encourage girls to challenge themselves on a personal level while building group relationships. The girls are encouraged to reflect on how these lessons of physical endurance translate into life lessons for the Upper School and beyond.
by debating issues associated with
In U.S. Government, students incorporate knowledge from their study of American History to design, build, and explain a monument significant to an event, person, or
Huckleberry Finn within small groups, coming to conclusions on which all
action in the American past. The junior trip to Washington, D.C. serves as an integral part of the monument project and the Upper School curriculum, providing a hands-on look at the workings of our government. The Women’s History course offers students the opportunity to
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design, research, and write a piece of true historical scholarship—incorporating primary and secondary sources in a sophisticated and detailed term paper.
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I love being able to participate in clubs such as Mock Trial and Journalism that broaden my horizons. I am able to take a break from
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the regular classroom setting, but at the same time learn and have fun.
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Allison Good, Sophomore
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personal expression and group dynamics Individual talents are applied to group activities such as Ensemble, Choir and Debate. To produce the school yearbook and student newspaper, McGehee girls use state-of-the-art software—Adobe InDesign and Photoshop—the same tools that professionals use. The entire project, from planning, reporting and taking photographs, to layout and design, is conceived and driven by the students.
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Playing sports at McGehee has definitely been one of the defining aspects of my high school career. Not only has it given me ample opportunity to meet and build relationships with girls from other grades, but it's given me a chance to grow as a person, really come into my own. Playing sports has definitely helped make me more confident, more vocal and definitely more open and outgoing.
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Andy Kutcher, Senior
VOLLEYBALL CROSS COUNTRY SOCCER SWIMMING BASKETBALL SOFTBALL TENNIS GOLF TRACK & FIELD
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It’s important for girls to understand from the beginning that they have the opportunity to
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do whatever they want to at this school. Whether they want to take the hardest classes, join the best organizations, be a part of student government, or play several
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sports, they can jump right in. Students don’t have to wait in order to get involved— all the opportunities are here.
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Hallie Timm, Senior
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healthy competition is healthy In our Athletic Department, if each girl meets her true potential—physically, morally, intellectually and socially—it’s considered a win. Our team of coaches and instructors has built a program that ensures that our students understand the spirit and importance of sportsmanship and know how to conduct themselves like champions, whether in a routine practice or on the winner’s court at a State Championship.
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Princeton University, Rice University, Tufts University, The Air Force Academy, University of Georgia, George Washington University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Mississippi, Agnes Scott, Washington & Lee University, Oberlin College, Davidson College, St. John’s College, New York University, Bard College, Washington University, Bates College, Macalester College, Vassar College, University of Pennsylvania, Wake Forest University, Trinity University, Rhodes College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Emory University, Goucher College, Rollins College, Hollins University,
McGehee girls are accepted to exceptional Boston University, Fordham University, universities and colleges nationwide. University of Richmond, Pratt Institute, University of the South at Sewanee, Miami University of Ohio, Catholic University of America, Union College, Randolph Macon Woman’s College, The Coast Guard Academy, University of Denver, University of Maryland, Indiana University, Purdue University, Furman University, Southern Methodist University, St. Mary’s College, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Elon University, American University, Millsaps College, Hendrix College, College of Charleston, Tulane University, Loyola University in New Orleans, Clemson University, Birmingham-Southern College, Texas Christian University, University of Montevallo, George Mason University, Spring Hill College, Wesleyan College, Radford University, University of Alabama, Xavier University, Temple University, Bentley College, Huntingdon College, Lyon College, Pace University, Louisiana State University-Honors College, University of Mississippi, University of Tennessee, University of South Carolina, University of Maine-Honors College, University of Vermont, University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Auburn University.
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where do mcgehee girls go to college? anywhere they want
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RESPECT McGehee understands the importance of college preparation. The college experience is an opportunity to continue the intellectual, moral and social growth begun in our Upper School. Our graduates thrive in any number of colleges where they are challenged.
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McGehee’s College Admission Office does a magnificent job in guiding our students to attend the best universities that meet their needs and interests. McGehee freshmen are counseled about the importance of their four years in Upper School as it pertains to the college admission process. They understand the necessity and importance of maintaining a balance in their academic and extracurricular activities. Our students know that when they arrive on the college campus, the door does not close behind them, but many doors open in front of them. They leave McGehee with an open mind, rather than a full-fledged idea of who they will become, and our girls realize that college is about taking the risks that will form their future.
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application requirements Application fee (non-refundable) Teacher recommendation(s) from current school Classroom visits (Pre-K through 12th Grade) PRE-KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE: Intellectual assessment administered by a child psychologist Observation of applicant at current school SECOND THROUGH 12TH GRADES: Achievement testing administered at McGehee or other ISAS school Transcripts from current school
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TRADITION During our admission process, we consider a number of factors—including testing, school transcripts, teacher recommendations, observations,
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and school visits, as well as personal contact—in determining whether McGehee and your daughter are a well-
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suited match. To experience all McGehee has to offer, we invite you to call
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our Admission Office for tour schedules or for a private tour of our Garden District campus.
financial aid is available
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Financial aid is available for students in grades Pre-K–12 and is based on need. A student’s family applies by submitting McGehee’s financial aid application, tax returns and the School and Student Service (SSS) application for financial aid. This information is used by
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McGehee’s Financial Aid Committee to determine the need and the amount provided to each applicant. Families must reapply each year. All financial aid is kept strictly confidential and applying for this type of aid will not influence our decision regarding admission.
In 2002, the Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin (‘50) Library was established in the Bradish Johnson House. Now, Middle and Upper School girls are able to study in the beautiful atmosphere of this landmark house built in 1872.
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Louise S. McGehee School Campus 1
Bradish Johnson House
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Lower School Building
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Administrative Wing
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Fine Arts Studio
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Math and Science Wing
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Janet Wallace Yancey Auditorium
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Playing Field
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Middle School Building
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Little Gate—Early Childhood Program
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2340 St. Charles Avenue
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Center for Language
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Alumnae Center
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Green grass area
and the Performing Arts 7
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Gymnasium and Cafeteria
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Louise S. McGehee SCHOOL • founded 1912
2343 PRYTANIA STREET NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70130 PHONE 504 – 561 – 1224 FAX 504 – 566 – 9365 WWW.MCGEHEESCHOOL.COM Louise S. McGehee School is open to all qualified girls regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin.
2343 PRYTANIA STREET NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70130 PHONE 504 – 561–1224 FAX 504 – 566 – 9365 WWW.MCGEHEESCHOOL.COM
Louise S. McGehee School is open to all qualified girls regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin.