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.
Two Louisiana students will be selected to attend Washington Week and receive a $10,000 college scholarship
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is now accepting applications for its 64th annual Washington Week, which will take place March 7–14, 2026. Louisiana students can submit their applications before Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Two exceptional high school students from Louisiana will be selected to join 102 other delegates from across the country for an intensive week-long educational experience in the nation's capital. During the program, students will engage directly with the federal government, gaining insight into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Participants will have the unique opportunity to meet U.S. senators, the president, cabinet members, supreme court justices, members of the national media, and other prominent policymakers.
In addition to the once-in-a-lifetime experience, each Louisiana delegate will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship, given in the name of the United States Senate. The scholarship aims to encourage students to pursue careers in public service, government, and related fields.
All travel, lodging, and meal expenses for the program are fully covered by the Hearst Foundations.
About The United States Senate Youth Program
Established in 1962 by Senate Resolution 324, the U.S. Senate Youth Program is a prestigious, merit-based initiative and one of the longest-standing partnerships between a national youth program and the Department of Defense. With over 6,300 alumni of the program, some of which have gone on to distinguished careers in public service at all levels of government.
Selection Criteria
The delegate selection process is coordinated at the state level in partnership with high school principals and administrators. To be eligible, applicants must:
Be a high school junior or senior during the 2025–2026 academic year
Hold an elected or appointed position in student government or a similar school-based leadership organization
Reside in and attend school in Louisiana
For detailed information on how to apply, students should contact their school administration, the Louisiana Department of Education, or ussenateyouth.org for application materials, deadlines, and eligibility guidelines.
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