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.
Third consecutive year of improvement marks highest ranking to date
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - Louisiana Pre-K–12 education has achieved its highest-ever ranking in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings. The state rose to 37th in the nation for Pre-K–12 education, up from 40th last year. This marks Louisiana’s third straight year of growth on this national indicator.
“Louisiana is the most rapidly improving state in the country when it comes to education,” said Louisiana State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “These consistent national gains are the result of intentional strategy, focused instruction, and the hard work of educators, students, and parents across our state.”
The Pre-K–12 education rankings contribute to the overall Best States rankings. While The Nation’s Report Card scores—specifically 8th grade performance—are one component, the rankings also account for preschool factors, high school graduation, and college readiness.
Last year, Louisiana achieved what was then its highest ranking on this report. Two years ago, Louisiana jumped five places from 46th to 41st.
Louisiana’s efforts have included implementing the Science of Reading, refreshing foundational math, offering high-dosage tutoring support to students in need, elevating the teaching profession, and expanding educational options for families.
National Recognition for Academic Gains
This continues a trend of national reports released this year showing Louisiana’s academic progress:
- In January, Louisiana students earned their highest-ever rankings on The Nation’s Report Card, which assesses student achievement in 4th and 8th grade reading and math.
- Louisiana’s overall average ranking is now 32nd, up from 49th in 2019.
- In 4th grade reading, Louisiana improved from 50th in 2019 to 16th in 2024.
- In 4th grade math, Louisiana improved from 50th to 38th.
- In 8th grade reading, Louisiana improved from 45th to 29th
- In 8th grade math, Louisiana improved from 49th to 43rd.
- Louisiana 4th graders led the nation in reading growth for the second consecutive assessment cycle and ranked in the top five for math growth.
- Eighth-grade math scores also improved, placing Louisiana among just 14 states that posted gains.
- Students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outperformed the national average in both achievement and growth.
- In February, Louisiana ranked first in the nation for reading recovery and second for math on the Education Recovery Scorecard—a joint study by Harvard and Stanford.
- Louisiana was also identified as the only state where the average student has fully recovered academically since the pandemic.
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