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.

2024 finalists for statewide honor include students from 19 parishes

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education today named its 24 finalists for the 2024 Louisiana Students of the Year competition. The honorees include one 5th, 8th, and 12th grader from each of the state’s eight BESE regions. Finalists will convene April 10 at the River Center Branch Library in Baton Rouge for an awards ceremony and the announcement of the Louisiana Students of the Year winners from each grade.

“Congratulations to each of these young leaders. This honor is a testament to their commitment to academic excellence,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. "As we celebrate the achievement of these remarkable students, we also recognize the unwavering support of their parents and educators.”

Finalists for 2024 Louisiana Students of the Year are:

Grade 5

Region 1: Elise Federico | Tchefuncte Middle | St. Tammany Parish
Region 2: Dylan Graffeo | John L. Ory Communication Art Magnet | St. John Parish
Region 3: Qiaoya "Georgia" Wang | Bayou Community Academy | Lafourche Parish
Region 4: Bhavik Kondala | Eden Gardens Fundamental Elementary Magnet | Caddo Parish
Region 5: Ansley Elder | Cherokee Elementary | Rapides Parish
Region 6: Kendall Vaughn | South Fork Elementary | Livingston Parish
Region 7: Cecilia Anne Hollier | Lacassine High School | Jefferson Davis Parish

Region 7: Adeline Reddit | South Beauregard Upper Elementary | Beauregard Parish
Region 8: Dean Cicero | Brusly Upper Elementary | West Baton Rouge Parish

Grade 8:

Region 1: Alvin Su | Hynes Charter School | Orleans Parish
Region 2: Sasha Mardon | The Willow School | Orleans Parish
Region 3: Tyren Austin | B. Edward Boudreaux Middle | St. Mary Parish
Region 4: Luka Mikaberidze | Caddo Magnet Middle | Caddo Parish
Region 5: Lillianna Rose | East Ouachita Middle | Ouachita Parish
Region 6: Madilyn Whitmore | Westdale Middle | East Baton Rouge Parish
Region 7: Hyacinth Williamson | Welsh-Roanoke Jr. High | Jefferson Davis Parish
Region 8: Helen Lavassuer | West Feliciana Middle | West Feliciana Parish

Grade 12:

Region 1: Jaelyn Graham | Northshore High | St. Tammany Parish
Region 2 : Sean Baltazar | Destrehan High | St. Charles Parish
Region 3: Evan Louviere | South Lafourche High | Lafourche Parish
Region 4: Zachary Cryer | Benton High | Bossier Parish
Region 5: Hannah Buckley | Ouachita Parish High | Ouachita Parish
Region 6: Lauryn Smith | Varnado High | Washington Parish
Region 7: Ali Habib | Lafayette High | Lafayette Parish
Region 8: Josi Lemelle | Eunice High | St. Landry Parish

Students are selected based on criteria that measure academic achievement, leadership skills, character, and service to their schools and communities. Regional selection committees also use electronic portfolios of accomplishments, along with student writing samples and interviews to assess the communications and critical thinking skills of each candidate.

Finalists were selected among student of the year winners from schools across the state. All Louisiana schools were eligible to submit one candidate. Students compete with their peers at the school system level and may advance to the zone and regional competitions. Prior to selecting the three state winners, the state selection committee will conduct interviews and review a writing sample from each of the finalists as well as their portfolios.