Katie Holmes is starting a new phase of her life with daughter, Suri Cruise, and she has already taken the first big step.

The American actress has sole custody of herself and Tom Cruise's daughter since their much-publicised divorce at the beginning of the summer. This was in a sole bid to free Suri from the Scientology cult religion before she was obliged to swear her life on it.

Now, the mother is already making her mark on Suri's upbringing by enrolling her in one o the world's most-prestigious schools.

We can bet Scientology won't be part of the curriculum at the $40,000-a-year private school. Previous reports mentioned that Holmes was choosing a Catholic school for daughter Suri but these have now been dispelled.

Six-year-old Suri will begin in Avenues, the school which opens in Chelsea this autumn.

According to Life & Style Weekly, Holmes has been talking about the new school to the daughter she shares with the “Mission: Impossible” star.

“Katie has been eagerly telling Suri all about the lunchrooms, basketball courts and different activities Avenues offer,” a source told the magazine.

“Suri's really excited.”

The little girl will enroll in first grade and begin learning Spanish or Mandarin as part of the curriculum, along with reading, writing, math, science and music. The school, which boasts a fitness centre and rooftop playground, overlooks the High Line Park just a few blocks from Holmes' Chelsea house.

Up to now Suri was home-schooled but Holmes was definite with her decision that she wanted the young girl to settle down in one place and make friends. However, this school is known as a “world school” that has branches in China, India, Africa and Europe just in case Holmes does decided to up and go.

Holmes blind-sided Cruise with divorce papers in June amid word the former 'Dawsons Creek' star didn't want their daughter indoctrinated in schools run by the Church of Scientology.