Empowering Leaders, Transforming Schools

Parents, schools, service providers, and the public can learn more at lagator.la.gov

BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has unveiled new resources to support the public in understanding and accessing the state’s first education scholarship account (ESA) program. The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program is set to open student applications by March 1 for the 2025-2026 school year. To assist families, schools, and service providers, the program now features a dedicated webpage, call center, and email help desk.

The public can access these new LA GATOR communications supports at:

Explore the LA GATOR Program Online

Housed on the LDOE’s newly redesigned website, the LA GATOR Scholarship Program page serves as a central hub for information about Louisiana’s latest school choice initiative. The site includes:

• Eligibility requirements and prioritization guidelines
• Potential scholarship award amounts
• Specific sections for families, schools, and service providers
• An email sign-up feature for updates

LDOE Partners with Odyssey for Enhanced Support

The LDOE has partnered with Odyssey to manage the program’s application process and marketplace. Odyssey will provide families, schools, and service providers with assistance on applications, account management, and navigating the marketplace once it launches on March 1. Odyssey is operating the program’s call center and email help desk, and it has added a virtual chat option on its dedicated LA GATOR support page to further assist users.

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 when the portal opens on March 1. To ensure a smooth transition, the LDOE will provide 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 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:

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 diverse school choice offerings, which include traditional public schools, public charter schools, nonpublic schools, and home study programs.