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CHARTER SCHOOLS


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Louisiana's Charter School Law was originally enacted in 1995 (Act 192) as a pilot program to allow up to eight school districts to volunteer to participate. The law was expanded in 1997 (Act 477) to establish BESE and local school boards as charter authorizers. The law defined four types of charter schools, depending on: whether the school is a new start-up or conversion of an existing school; the legal status required for the entity operating the school; the source and method of funding the school; and certain other provisions which vary by type of school. In 2003 (Act 9), a new type of charter was created for the operation of a pre-existing school transferred to the jurisdiction of the Recovery School District. Charter schools operate as independent public schools under 5-year contracts granted by BESE or by a local school board. These schools are designed to encourage innovative strategies to meet the needs of students, particularly those "at-risk,” and they are free from many of the laws and regulations governing public schools, while still accountable for student achievement results.

Learn more about Louisiana's charter schools and how they operate.
Charter School Overview


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Charter Schools in Louisiana


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Charter School Law


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