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
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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.
Overall honorees to be announced May 16 during awards ceremony in Baton Rouge
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education today named its 24 finalists for the 2025 Louisiana Students of the Year competition. The honorees include one 5th, 8th, and 12th grader from each of the state’s eight BESE regions. Finalists will convene May 16 at The Cook Hotel and Conference Center in Baton Rouge for an awards ceremony and the announcement of the Louisiana Students of the Year winners from each grade.
“Congratulations to each of our finalists. They represent the very best of Louisiana’s young scholars and leaders,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “We are proud to recognize academic excellence and look forward to celebrating with these students, their families, and educators in May.”
Finalists for 2025 Louisiana Students of the Year are:
Grade 5
- Region 1: Lauren Kay Singleton | Henry Mayfield Elementary School | St. Tammany Parish
- Region 2: Brynlee Elizabeth Perez | Norco Elementary School | St. Charles Parish
- Region 3: Anniston Elizabeth Guidry | Teche Elementary School | St. Martin Parish
- Region 4: Mary Mack Thornton | Eden Gardens Fundamental Elementary School | Caddo Parish
- Region 5: Aly Lea May | Drew Elementary School | Ouachita Parish
- Region 6: Zoey Olivia Jenkins | Parkview Elementary School | East Baton Rouge Parish
- Region 7: Oliver Paul Richard | T. S. Cooley Elementary Magnet School | Calcasieu Parish
- Region 8: Kai Ava-Jrew Butler | Brusly Upper Elementary School | West Baton Rouge Parish
Grade 8
- Region 1: Jayden Michael Gardere | The Willow School | Orleans Parish
- Region 2: Janiya Amani Belle| Martin Behrman Charter Acad of Creative Arts & Sci | Algiers Charter School Association
- Region 3: Ramy D. Dali | N.P. Trist Middle School | St. Bernard Parish
- Region 4: Lily Lynne Kees | Greenacres Middle School | Bossier Parish
- Region 5: Avery Bernadine Dixon| Ruston Junior High School | Lincoln Parish
- Region 6: Christopher James Godso III | North Corbin Junior High School | Livingston Parish
- Region 7: Rylann Renee Viator | Erath Middle School | Vermilion Parish
- Region 8: Brielle Taylor Poche' | Gonzales Middle School | Ascension Parish
Grade 12
- Region 1: Neal Pramod Tandon | Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies | Jefferson Parish
- Region 2: Akshita Sridhar | Benjamin Franklin High School | Orleans Parish
- Region 3: Trey Matthew Meyers | Chalmette High School | St. Bernard Parish
- Region 4: Kylie Marie Small | Haughton High School | Bossier Parish
- Region 5: Colton Charles Brasher | West Monroe High School | Ouachita Parish
- Region 6: Marlie Blair McLellan | Dutchtown High School | Ascension Parish
- Region 7: Walker John Prejean | Lafayette High School | Lafayette Parish
- Region 8: Krishawndalyn Louise Rian Clark | Port Allen High School | West Baton Rouge Parish
In January, the LDOE named the 2025 regional honorees for Louisiana Students of the Year.
Students are selected based on criteria that measure academic achievement, leadership skills, character, and service to their schools and communities. Regional selection committees also use electronic portfolios of accomplishments, along with student writing samples and interviews to assess the communications and critical thinking skills of each candidate.
Finalists were selected among student of the year winners from schools across the state. All Louisiana schools were eligible to submit one candidate. Students compete with their peers at the school system level and may advance to the zone and regional competitions. Prior to selecting the three state winners, the state selection committee will conduct interviews and review a writing sample from each of the finalists as well as their portfolios.