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.

Employees eligible for annual honor serve in roles such as bus driver, food service, clerical, custodial, etc.

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education today announced finalists for the state’s Outstanding School Support Employee awards program. The 10 finalists represent schools across Louisiana and a wide range of professions. Employees eligible for the annual honor serve students and families in roles such as bus driver, food service worker, clerical, and custodial.

“Support staff are the backbone of our schools,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “These professionals are often the unsung heroes who keep our buildings safe, drive students to and from school, create welcoming environments for families, and support our teachers. Congratulations to our finalists.”

The finalists will be recognized during the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting on April 19. Finalists were selected among over 700 nominees submitted from across the state. All public school systems were eligible to make one selection per category: elementary, middle, and high school.

The finalists for the 2023 Louisiana Outstanding School Support Employee Awards are:

Elementary:

Central Community School System: Brandy Singleton (Food Service/Tanglewood Elementary)
Lafayette Parish School System: Angela Batiste (Paraprofessional/Katharine Drexel Elementary)
Morehouse Parish School Board: Tiffany Goldsby (Clerical/Morehouse Elementary

Middle:

Bienville Parish School Board: Craig Jenkins (Paraprofessional/Arcadia School)
Jefferson Parish Schools: Angel Walker (Paraprofessional/Gretna Middle)
Shreveport Charter/Linwood Public Charter School: Rosemary Miles (Custodial)

High:

Avoyelles Parish School Board: Linda Daigrepont (Paraprofessional/Marksville High)
Iberville Parish Schools: Melvin Walker III (Paraprofessional/East Iberville High)
St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools: Donna Scott (Bus Driver/West St. John High)
West Feliciana Parish Schools: Trina Washington (Custodial/West Feliciana High)

The LDOE recognizes that outstanding school support staff are critical to school success. Annually, the Department recognizes and celebrates some of the state’s most exceptional school support staff through the Outstanding School Support Employees award program. This program provides the opportunity to acknowledge those support employees who have rendered time and talents beyond the call of duty. These staff exemplify Louisiana’s best in the education profession and play an integral role in school and student success.

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