(BATON ROUGE, LA) - Louisiana families can now begin submitting applications for the state’s first education scholarship account (ESA). The 2025-2026 student application window for the LA GATOR Scholarship Program is open until April 15 at lagator.la.gov. This new program awards scholarship accounts to eligible students that parents can use for a menu of approved education services like tuition and fees at over 240 nonpublic schools, tutoring, and other approved resources.
Student Eligibility and Participation
For a student to be eligible for a scholarship under phase one of LA GATOR, they must be a resident of Louisiana and meeting one of the following:
- Participated in the Louisiana Scholarship Program the previous school year
- Entering kindergarten
- Enrolled in a public school the previous school year
- From a family with total income at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines
The number of students who will receive scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year depends on the amount of funding approved by the state legislature during the 2025 Legislative Session. Eligible students will be prioritized for LA GATOR in the following order:
- Students currently participating in the Louisiana Scholarship Program or the LA GATOR Program
- Students from a family with a total income at or below two hundred fifty percent of the federal poverty guidelines and students identified as having a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Siblings of students currently participating in LA GATOR (this includes siblings of Louisiana Scholarship Program students or siblings of students identified as having a disability under IDEA)
- Other eligible students
If an incoming kindergarten student with Louisiana Scholarship Program siblings is not prioritized in one of the first two categories, they will receive priority in the third category.
Preparing for Application
Parents are encouraged to have the following documents and information ready when applying.
Residency (All applicants must provide proof of residency.)
- State ID or Driver’s License and two of the following (Any combination is acceptable, including two different utility bills.):
- Utility bill (electric, water, gas)
- Mortgage statement from the past year
- Bill of sale
- Lease agreement
Income (LSP families do not have to provide income documentation.)
- 1040 tax form from either 2023 or 2024 federal taxes
Student Documents
- Child's birth certificate
Necessary Information
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for the applicant (parent)
- Social Security Number (SSN) for each student applying
- LASID for special education students. This can be found in an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Application and Program Support
The LDOE has partnered with Odyssey to manage the program’s application process and marketplace. Odyssey is operating the program’s help desk and call center. Resources, information, and frequently asked questions are available at lagator.la.gov and on Odyssey’s website. Parents, schools, and service providers with questions can also use one of the following avenues for support.
- Submit a Help Desk Ticket
- Email Help Desk: help.la@withodyssey.com
- Call Center: 225-422-1538
Transition from the Louisiana Scholarship Program
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the LA GATOR Scholarship Program will replace the Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP). LSP students will receive priority access to LA GATOR, but must submit an application by April 15. To ensure a smooth transition, the LDOE is providing additional resources for LSP families, including a dedicated webinar and application guidance materials.
Families currently participating in LSP who have not been receiving updates about LA GATOR from their school and the LDOE are encouraged to contact the call center or email the help desk.
About the LA GATOR Scholarship Program
The LA GATOR Scholarship Program is Louisiana’s first ESA, providing scholarship accounts to eligible students. Parents can use these funds for approved educational services, such as:
- Nonpublic school tuition and fees
- Tutoring and educational therapies
- Textbooks and curricula
- Dual enrollment courses
- Uniforms
Signed into law by Governor Landry, the LA GATOR Scholarship Program represents a significant step in expanding educational freedom in Louisiana. It complements the state’s numerous school choice offerings, which include traditional public schools, public charter schools, nonpublic schools, and home study programs.
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