Welcome to the Louisiana Department of Education
About the Louisiana Department of Education
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) provides guidance and support to all publicly funded early childhood centers and elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana. Specifically, the department provides tools and resources to schools and school systems to support classroom instruction, assessments, workforce development and college and career preparation. Additionally, the department provides families and the public with transparent reporting of center, school, and school system performance and quality through the Louisiana School Finder.
To stay connected with the LDOE and receive updates on our work and our resources, visit our newsroom and our newsletter subscriptions page.
Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)
The LDOE is the administrative arm of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). BESE was established by the 1974 Louisiana Constitution. The Board is composed of 11 members: eight elected by the citizens of Louisiana’s eight BESE districts, and three appointed by the governor of Louisiana to represent the state at-large. Together, these members adopt and enact policies governing the elementary and secondary schools of Louisiana.
Louisiana's Education Priorities
Louisiana's education priorities maintain a clear focus on what matters most for academic achievement.
- Early childhood leading to kindergarten readiness
- Literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading
- Math instruction from foundational to advanced skills
- Opportunities ensuring a meaningful high school experience
- An effective teacher for every student
- Expand educational choice for students and families
Request Information
If you have questions, including public records requests, questions about licensure, or other types of inquiries, please see our contact us page.
Louisiana State Superintendent
Dr. Cade Brumley
Dr. Brumley is a Louisiana native who has dedicated his career to serving children, parents, and educators.
Back to the Basics
Louisiana's Education Priorities
From being ready to learn on the first day of kindergarten to thriving in a career, college
Employment Opportunities
Careers at LDOE
Join the Louisiana Department of Education as we strive for excellence.
Policy Guidance
State Advisory Groups
The LDOE facilitates over a dozen councils, committees, task forces, and other groups.
National Blue Ribbon Schools located in Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Ouachita, Rapides, and St. Tammany parishes
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The U.S. Department of Education today announced seven Louisiana schools have been named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The winning Louisiana schools are located in Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Ouachita, Rapides, and St. Tammany parishes. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
“Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a remarkable achievement that exemplifies a commitment to academic achievement,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “I applaud the students, educators, and families of these schools for setting a high bar of excellence.”
The Louisiana schools named as National Blue Ribbon schools are:
- Baton Rouge– Mayfair Laboratory School, East Baton Rouge Parish Schools
- Baton Rouge– Saint Aloysius School, Diocese of Baton Rouge
- Delcambre– Delcambre Elementary School, Iberia Parish School District
- Lake Charles– T.S. Cooley Elementary Magnet School, Calcasieu Parish Schools
- Mandeville– Woodlake Elementary School, St. Tammany Parish Public Schools
- Sterlington– Sterlington Elementary School, Ouachita Parish Schools
- Woodworth– Caroline Dorman Junior High School, Rapides Parish Schools
While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.
The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance, and graduation rates.