When people ask why we drive 40 minutes each day for our sons to attend Jesuit, my answer is simple: If you could drive 40 minutes to have your children attend the best school in the country, wouldn’t you?

There were several factors that made Jesuit the right decision for our family. Even before we stepped foot on campus, Jesuit’s reputation for excellence—known not just across New Orleans, but throughout the country—had already caught our attention. That reputation led us to explore Open House and see for ourselves what everyone was talking about.

Once we arrived under the beautiful oak trees and were greeted so warmly, we were captivated by the testimony of a current student. He shared how he had no family affiliation with Jesuit, his father was a blue-collar worker, and though he wasn’t at the top of his class, he had found a home where he was accepted, challenged, and encouraged to thrive. He was sincere, humble, and most of all, relatable. His story mirrored what we hoped for our own sons—a place where they could belong and become their best selves. We also had no prior Jesuit affiliation—my husband is a landscaper—and we wanted our boys to be part of a community that values hard work, faith, and service.

Our sons have each found their own place at Jesuit. Our oldest joined multiple teams—football, baseball, track, and even the bass fishing team. The younger boys followed right in his footsteps, getting involved in football, paintball, fishing, and even student media, with plenty of time to explore new activities as they grow. Each of them have been encouraged to find balance between academics and extracurriculars, and their counselors have provided wise guidance along the way.

As parents, we’ve also found our own connection to Jesuit. Volunteering came naturally to me—I signed up for whatever I could! Through that, I’ve made wonderful friends and experienced firsthand the community spirit that makes Jesuit feel like more than just a school; it feels like family. Volunteering also allows me to model the Jesuit motto in my own way: They say “Men for Others,” but I like to say “Moms for Others,” too!

Spiritual formation was a major factor in our decision. In today’s world, our children face so many challenges, and we wanted them in an environment where faith is at the center. Jesuit helps them recognize Jesus as their source of strength and challenges them to become the men God created them to be.

Service, too, is deeply woven into Jesuit’s culture. From the Thanksgiving Drive and Sophomore Service Day to the Big Brother Program, opportunities to serve are everywhere. Time and again, we’ve seen teachers, coaches, and students live out the call to be Men for Others.

We feel truly blessed to be part of the Jesuit family. Our boys are now part of a long tradition of young men striving for excellence and serving others—all for the greater glory of God. We couldn’t ask for anything more.

Gabriella and Jason Thompson, are the parents of Jason Thompson, Jr. ’23, sophomore Sebastian Thompson, freshman Lucian Thompson, and pre-freshman Perrin Thompson.