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.

Louisiana Early Leaders Academy helps expand access to quality early childhood care and education by strengthening professionals in the field

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) today announced that 27 early childhood educators from 12 parishes have been selected to participate in the fourth cohort of the Louisiana Early Leaders Academy (LELA). This 10-month, executive-level program is for directors of highly rated, publicly funded early learning centers. LELA will help expand access to quality early childhood care and education by strengthening leaders in the field.

LELA is designed to address the new challenges of a post-pandemic world with the constant focus of Louisiana’s early leaders: preparing children for success in kindergarten and beyond. The program is developed to help build directors into instructional leaders of their centers. Over the course of the program, LELA participants will learn about managing systems changes, building strong teams, and improving program operations.

“One of the ways we can elevate early childhood is by helping develop the professionals who serve children and families,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson. “I’m excited to see this program grow and look forward to collaborating with our newest cohort.”

Fellows participating in Cohort 4 of the Louisiana Early Leaders Academy include:

Ascension Parish: Misty Racheal Handy | Wonder Kids Academy Early Learning Center and Preschool
Caddo Parish: LaTara Hart | Pat's Playhouse & Learning Center #2
Caddo Parish: Stefanie Hester | EPIC Learning Center
East Baton Rouge Parish: Elisabeth Andrews Johnson | Little Bo-Peep Daycare and Learning Center, Inc.
East Baton Rouge Parish: Dalpheny Smith | Kidz Karousel Crestworth
East Baton Rouge Parish: Rosalind Foster White | Little Land Children Learning Workshop
East Baton Rouge Parish: Kori Thomas Fontenot | In Loving Arms Early Learning Center
Evangeline Parish: Shericka LaBrie | LaBrie’s Child Daycare, LLC
Jefferson Parish: Dionne Phillips | Small Royalty Learning Center
Lafayette Parish: Kiristy Joseph | ULL Child Development Center
Lafayette Parish: Kimberly George | Kid City Daycare and Preschool
Lafayette Parish: Erin Montet-Pitre | Little Blessings Childcare and Preschool of Youngsville
Lafayette Parish: Maddie-Morgan Latiolais | Gifted Early Learning Academy
Lafayette Parish: Erika Godfrey | Brilliant Minds Academy
Orleans/Jefferson Parish: Stacey Byes-Byarse | It Takes a Village Academy
Plaquemines Parish: Ava Hingle | Kate and Allie's Childcare Center
Rapides Parish: Wendy Coleman | For My Child Learning Center
St. Tammany Parish: Tashana Garrett | Northshore Kids Academy
St. Tammany Parish: Kaitlyn Schulz | The Academy of Early Learning
St. Tammany Parish: Casey Zweifel Partridge | My Little Sprout Too
Terrebonne Parish: Kristy Short, Church St | Holy Rosary, Gibson, Schriever Head Start
West Baton Rouge Parish: Veronica Thomas-Williams | Kidsville Early Learning Center

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