Expanding Education Options for All Students

LOUISIANA SCHOOL CHOICE

School Choice Options for Louisiana Students

Expanding educational choice for student and families is one of Louisiana's Education Priorities. Parents are their child’s first and foremost teachers, and are in control of their child’s education. Families should have the freedom to choose the educational setting that best meets their needs. That’s why we are committed to school choice options, from high-quality traditional public schools to public charters, non-public schools, and home-study programs. No child should be limited by their zip code.

School Choice

LA GATOR Scholarship Program Charter Schools BESE-Approved Nonpublic Schools Nonpublic Schools Not Seeking State Approval BESE-Approved Home Study Program Louisiana Scholarship Program School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities Tuition Donation Credit Program

School Choice in Louisiana

These are some of the options families in Louisiana have when choosing the best education environment for their child. Click on the links at the top of this page to learn more and access resources for families, educators, and system leaders.

Traditional Public Schools

Public schools serve local communities and are open to all students. They follow state-approved curriculum standards and are funded by taxpayer dollars to ensure a well-rounded, accessible education.

Charter Schools

Charter schools offer innovative approaches to education and greater flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods. They’re publicly funded and open to all students, with accountability to state standards and school performance.

Nonpublic Schools

Approved nonpublic schools offer families a private school option that meets specific state requirements. They may provide unique curricula, faith-based programs, or specialized instruction to fit family preferences.

Nonpublic Schools Not Seeking State Approval

These private schools operate independently without state oversight. They offer more freedom in curriculum design, though they aren’t required to meet state standards or performance reporting.

Home Study

The home study option allows families to develop a personalized education experience at home. It’s a flexible, parent-led program with state registration available to meet certain criteria and access select state resources.

Record 7,000+ educators become students this week in New Orleans for three days of professional learning in preparation for next school year

(NEW ORLEANS, LA) --The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is bringing together over 7,000 educators to help the state move to its next level of academic success. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley kicked off this week’s Teacher Leader Summit during an opening session this morning that included the live announcement of the Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year finalists. This year’s event set an LDOE record for registered attendees. The 2024 Teacher Leader Summit is May 28-30 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

“This week’s record attendance is proof of the excitement around where Louisiana education is headed,” said Dr. Brumley. “Our educators understand the importance of this moment for Louisiana students and are already focused on how they can improve for next school year.”

Dr. Brumley and Zearn Co-Founder and CEO Shalinee Sharma headlined the opening session with a conversation on why every kid is a math kid and how Louisiana is seeing academic progress with its approach to math instruction. Sharma is one of the world’s top experts on math learning.

Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year Finalists

Nine teachers and nine principals were named Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year finalists live during the opening ceremony today. These 18 educators represent school systems across the state. The announcement was made by current Louisiana Teacher of the Year Kylie Altier and Louisiana Principal of the Year Tia Trahan.

“Each of these outstanding teachers and principals bring value to their profession,” said Dr. Brumley. “I want to congratulate them on this immense honor and look forward to celebrating all of our excellent educators this summer.”

2025 Louisiana Teacher of the Year Finalists

Acadia Parish: Elise Boutin
Bossier Parish: Christopher Kourvelas
Calcasieu Parish: Dr. Suresh Chiruguru
Claiborne Parish: Hannah Sanders
Collegiate Academies: Nora McGann
Evangeline Parish: Jessica Marie-Capseta
Lafayette Parish: J. Joy Stalnaker
Ouachita Parish: Jennifer Callender
St. Charles Parish: Annette Blanchard

2025 Louisiana Principal of the Year Finalists

Beauregard Parish: S. Chad Schulz
Calcasieu Parish: Dr. Shonna Anderson
Central Community School District: Brandon LaGroue
DeSoto Parish: Amanda LaFollette
FirstLine Schools: Glenda Welch Baylis
Iberville Parish: Dr. Amanda Austin
Lafourche Parish: Dr. Decina Rodriguez
Red River Parish: Michael Beck
Vernon Parish: Jennifer Wilbanks

Overall honorees will be announced and all finalists and semifinalists will be honored at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 27. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.

Teacher Leader Summit is the LDOE’s annual professional learning conference. Educators from across the state start the summer by preparing for next school year. Teachers, school leaders, and system leaders participate in workshops centered on Louisiana’s back to the basics approach to education.

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