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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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 are Mary Mack Thornton from Caddo Parish, Rylann Renee Viator from Vermilion Parish, and Neal Pramod Tandon from Jefferson Parish
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) today named the three 2025 Students of the Year and honored all 24 regional finalists during a ceremony at The Cook Hotel and Conference Center in Baton Rouge. The overall honorees—one student each from elementary, middle, and high school —were selected based on academic achievement, leadership, service, and character.
“Each of these students have distinguished themselves through exceptional academic performance, leadership, and service,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “They are proof that hard work and high expectations yield extraordinary results.”
Each year, the LDOE and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) recognize students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and service. Finalists include one 5th, 8th, and 12th grader from each of the state’s eight BESE regions.
The 2025 overall honorees are:
Elementary School (5th Grade)
Mary Mack Thornton is the elementary school Louisiana Student of the Year. She attends Eden Gardens Elementary in Caddo Parish (BESE District 4). Thornton has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is a well-rounded student who shines in the classroom, on the playing field, and through her artistic interests. A dedicated volunteer, she participates in numerous service activities that benefit both her school and community. Known as a natural leader, Thornton also has a deep love for reading. She is passionate about childhood health and physical fitness and aspires to become an otolaryngologist like her father.
Middle School (8th Grade)
Rylann Renee Viator is the middle school Louisiana Student of the Year. She attends Erath Middle in Vermilion Parish (BESE District 7). Viator has consistently maintained honor roll status and is a well-rounded student excelling in academics, athletics, and the arts. She is an active volunteer and serves as a leader in the student council, Junior Beta Club, and 4-H, where she earned first place in public speaking. Viator is especially passionate about promoting the responsible use of social media among her peers.
High School (12th Grade)
Neal Pramod Tandon is the high school Louisiana Student of the Year. He attends Haynes Academy in Jefferson Parish (BESE District 1). Tandon has maintained honor roll status and is a well-rounded student who excels as a scholar, athlete, and artist. He is an active volunteer and serves as a leader in numerous school, community, and statewide organizations. As a member of the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council, Tandon contributed to the development of House Bill 577, which prohibits social media companies from collecting data for targeted advertising to minors.
“Today, we honor not only academic excellence, but the promise these students hold for Louisiana’s future,” said BESE President Ronnie Morris. “Their talent, leadership, and drive inspire confidence in the next generation of Louisiana’s leaders.”
Earlier this year, the LDOE named the 2025 finalists and regional honorees for Louisiana Students of the Year. Students are selected based on criteria that measure academic achievement, leadership, character, and service to their schools and communities. Selection committees also evaluate electronic portfolios, student writing samples, and conduct interviews to assess communication and critical thinking skills.
All Louisiana schools are eligible to submit one candidate. Students first compete at the school system level, with top performers advancing to zone, regional, and state competitions. Prior to selecting the three state honorees, a state committee conducts interviews and reviews writing samples and portfolios from each of the finalists.