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 teacher’s aide, bus driver, food service worker, clerical, and custodial.

“Congratulations to each of these valued professionals and thank you for the difference you make in the lives of students, families, and teachers,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “I know the vital role these individuals play in the successful operation of our schools and the education of students.”

The finalists for the 2024 Louisiana Outstanding School Support Employee Awards are:

Elementary:

Lafayette Parish: Maria Yaraure-Reyes (Paraprofessional/ Katharine Drexel Elementary)
Ouachita Parish: Malcolm Gay (Paraprofessional/George Welch Elementary)
Plaquemines Parish: Consuello Nicole Sylve (Custodial/Belle Chasse Primary)
West Feliciana Parish: Eric Mendel (Paraprofessional/Bains Elementary)

Middle:

Caddo Parish: Carlton Hardy (Security Coordinator/ Caddo Middle Career & Technology)
Jefferson Parish: Neil Perry (Custodial/Marrero Middle)
Livingston Parish: Ashley Guzzardo (Clerical/ North Corbin Junior High)

High:

East Feliciana Parish: Leo Brown (School Bus Driver/ East Feliciana High)
Evangeline Parish: Tonya Soileau (Clerical/ Pine Prairie High)
Jefferson Davis Parish: Deidra Reed (Clerical/Jennings High)

An overall state honoree and the finalists will be recognized during the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting on April 10. 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 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.

Selections were based on the following criteria: display of outstanding leadership qualities in inspiring or motivating others, evidence of service or achievement above and beyond what is expected in the usual school operation, professionalism in her or her role as a support to the operation of the school, in addition to other specific factors such as skill and dedication, plans to continue active employment, respect and rapport with students, respect of and rapport with parents, respect of and rapport with coworkers, and community leadership.

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