Honor Code

"On my honor I will do my own work, uphold the ideals of my school, support Student Body Government, protect the good name and property of my school and see that all others do the same."
- Louise S. McGehee School Honor Code

McGehee's Honor Code permeates every facet of the McGehee experience. This, along with student government, facilitates the smooth running of the School and has done so since 1921 when McGehee became the first New Orleans school to adopt a Student Body Government and an Honor Code. Often described by students and alumnae as their ‘moral compass,’ the Honor Code is instilled early on in the life of each student. Every fall our students participate in the Honor Code ceremony, pledging to do their own work and to support and respect their School community.

Experience with the Honor Code

"McGehee is built upon the Honor Code. It is our foundation. It allows you everyday to follow your own path without being directed constantly. It gives you opportunities, lessons, and lastly you become somebody you are proud of."

ELLA CHARBONNET '21

"One thing that I have noted is the positivity that radiates from this school, and much of that positivity comes about because of the Honor Code. This mutual trust begets the positive energy that can be felt throughout the school."

LUCY BRYAN '19

"McGehee is unique in my experience. I have attended as a student four schools and one college, and I have taught at nine institutes of learning. At none of those places of education was an Honor Code so embraced as part of the culture of the school as it is here."

NOEL WADDINGTON, HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

"There was no proctoring of examinations, and the teachers trusted me and treated me as a person of value. No one thought I would cheat and I never did cheat. I felt respected at McGehee and I never felt that way before."

ADELAIDE WISDOM BENJAMIN '50

"The idea that, if you commit a violation, you will be judged by your peers and that the responsibility of policing such activities falls largely on you places an early emphasis on self-accountability."

JORDAN SAMFORD LAMBERT '02

"From the moment I became a McGehee girl, I was expected to hold myself to a higher standard and be the best friend, student and person I could be, and I still strive for those goals today."

MARY FRANCES GREGORIO DOBRY '06