Our History
Archbishop Chapelle High School was founded in 1962 by the Archdiocese of New Orleans as the first all-girls Catholic high school on the east bank of Jefferson Parish. Chapelle was named in honor of Archbishop Placide Louis Chapelle, the sixth archbishop of New Orleans, and the first to serve in the Twentieth Century. As a young man, Placide Chapelle emigrated to America to enter the seminary in Baltimore. As a priest, his intelligence and facility in languages and his friendships with three U.S. presidents and numerous diplomats led to his appointment as Apostolic Delegate to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Islands. Following an appointment as Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico, he was named Archbishop of New Orleans. On hearing of an outbreak of yellow fever in New Orleans, the Archbishop quickly returned from a trip to Lafayette to aid his people, but he soon fell ill and succumbed to the dreaded disease.
Inspired by her namesake, Chapelle continues to pursue excellence in education and service to those in need. The charism of Chapelle might be said to lie in unconditional belief in her motto, taken from the Episcopal Crest of Archbishop Chapelle, Deus Providebit, "God Will Provide." Reliance on the timely and supportive intercession of our Blessed Mother inspired the founders of Chapelle to choose Our Lady of Prompt Succor as patroness of the young school.
In 1962 on a plot of land adjacent to the water tower on the newly created Veterans Memorial Boulevard, five sisters from the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and four lay teachers welcomed 236 freshman students to Archbishop Chapelle High School. In 1966, when those first freshmen graduated, Chapelle had grown to include a student body numbering 1057 taught by fifty faculty members. In 1964, the Student Council initiated a contest among the students to help choose a mascot for the young school. Suggestions included Raiderettes, Fleur de lis, Shamrocks and Chapelle's Belles, but Chipmunks was far and away the most popular choice. Former Chapelle President, Beth Johnson, characterized Chipmunks as "alert, inquisitive, sociable and communicative." As the first graduation approached, the fledgling school needed an alma mater. Legend has it that Sr. Maria Goretti, the choral instructor, composed the music while singing in the shower. She then collaborated with a charter class member to write the lyrics, and the Chapelle alma mater was born.
Inspired by her namesake, Chapelle continues to pursue excellence in education and service to those in need. The charism of Chapelle might be said to lie in unconditional belief in her motto, taken from the Episcopal Crest of Archbishop Chapelle, Deus Providebit, "God Will Provide." Reliance on the timely and supportive intercession of our Blessed Mother inspired the founders of Chapelle to choose Our Lady of Prompt Succor as patroness of the young school.
In 1962 on a plot of land adjacent to the water tower on the newly created Veterans Memorial Boulevard, five sisters from the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and four lay teachers welcomed 236 freshman students to Archbishop Chapelle High School. In 1966, when those first freshmen graduated, Chapelle had grown to include a student body numbering 1057 taught by fifty faculty members. In 1964, the Student Council initiated a contest among the students to help choose a mascot for the young school. Suggestions included Raiderettes, Fleur de lis, Shamrocks and Chapelle's Belles, but Chipmunks was far and away the most popular choice. Former Chapelle President, Beth Johnson, characterized Chipmunks as "alert, inquisitive, sociable and communicative." As the first graduation approached, the fledgling school needed an alma mater. Legend has it that Sr. Maria Goretti, the choral instructor, composed the music while singing in the shower. She then collaborated with a charter class member to write the lyrics, and the Chapelle alma mater was born.
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Today's academic arena offers students a wide variety of courses in preparation for college. Our classes allow for a variety of instructional methods, including class discussion, cooperative learning experiences as well as individualized instruction; all aimed at student mastery of subject matter. Chapelle accepts students from all academic levels, and her teachers challenge each student to achieve her God-given potential. To this end, daily labs in a variety of subjects are offered to aid those students who require additional instruction and practice. Students with particular strengths and interests are encouraged to pursue independent learning through the Gifted and Talented Program. Participation in LHSAA athletic teams, a wide variety of clubs and social activities provide a well-rounded extracurricular educational experience. Varsity athletic teams have won numerous district and state honors including the distinction of becoming the first Catholic Girls High School to win a state Division I Basketball Title in 2010. Numerous clubs and organizations cater to unique and varied student needs and interests. The Chapelle family teaches social responsibility to her students by offering Prom Fest as a way to celebrate graduation in a safe and controlled environment.
Today, Chapelle’s trend-setting educational program, warm, welcoming atmosphere and fervent school spirit attract students from East Jefferson and the New Orleans metropolitan area, the North Shore, and the River Parishes. More than a school, Chapelle is a loving family that supports and encourages her daughters, celebrates their success, and prepares them for the future. Chapelle looks ahead to a bright future providing quality Catholic education to the young women of the Metro area. Justifiably proud of her fifty-nine year history, Archbishop Chapelle High School's 13,000 alumnae have taken their places in society with the skills and competencies necessary to succeed in our rapidly changing world.
Today, Chapelle’s trend-setting educational program, warm, welcoming atmosphere and fervent school spirit attract students from East Jefferson and the New Orleans metropolitan area, the North Shore, and the River Parishes. More than a school, Chapelle is a loving family that supports and encourages her daughters, celebrates their success, and prepares them for the future. Chapelle looks ahead to a bright future providing quality Catholic education to the young women of the Metro area. Justifiably proud of her fifty-nine year history, Archbishop Chapelle High School's 13,000 alumnae have taken their places in society with the skills and competencies necessary to succeed in our rapidly changing world.
