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.

Finalists include one elementary, middle and high school student from each of the state’s seven regions and represent traditional public, public charter and nonpublic schools across Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today the Louisiana Department of Education released the names of 21 students selected as finalists in the state’s annual Students of the Year competition. The 21 students selected include one elementary, middle and high school student from each of the state’s seven regions. The finalists represent traditional public, public charter and nonpublic schools. The finalists will participate in a virtual ceremony on April 21, when the winners will be announced for each grade level.

“I’m proud of each of these finalists and would be honored to have any of them represent us as a Louisiana Student of the Year,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Their achievements and hard work are proof that Louisiana’s children are as capable as any in the nation.”

Public and nonpublic schools were asked to submit one candidate from their student body.

Students compete with their peers at the school system level and may advance to the regional competitions. 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.

Prior to selecting the three state winners, the state selection committee will conduct interviews and review a writing sample from each of the finalists.

The finalists’ names, schools and parishes are as follows:

Elementary School (Grade 5):

Luka Mikabeeidze, South Highlands Elementary Magnet School, Caddo Parish
Carter Beaux Bratton, Claiborne Elementary, Ouachita Parish
Addison Liles, Pine Wood Elementary, Beauregard Parish
Dev Iyer, Buchanan Elementary, East Baton Rouge Parish
Reese Geraci, Prairieville Primary, Ascension Parish
Anthony Amadeo, III, Our Lady of Prompt Succor School, Archdiocese of New Orleans
Quincy Shariff, Lusher Charter School, Advocates for Arts-Based Education Corporation, NOLA Public Schools

Middle School (Grade 8):

Kylie Small, Haughton Middle School, Bossier Parish
David Anderson, Neville Junior High School, Monroe City Schools
Emma Vinson, S.P. Arnett Middle School, Calcasieu Parish
Zoe Dieringer, Madisonville Junior High School, St. Tammany Parish
Saniya Abbas, Albert Cammon Middle School, St. Charles Parish
Carter Doyal, Saint Joseph Catholic School, Diocese of Shreveport
Marbella Maristany, Lusher Charter School, Advocates for Arts-Based Education Corporation, NOLA Public Schools

High School (Grade 12):

Hana Le, Ruston High School, Lincoln Parish
Emma Agan, Sterlington High School, Ouachita Parish
Kaleb LeMoine, Elton High School, Jefferson Davis Parish
Raedon Stephens, Mandeville High School, St. Tammany Parish
Rachel Guan, Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, Jefferson Parish
Kathleen Rush, Archbishop Hannan High School, Archdiocese of New Orleans
Ava Wilkes, Benjamin Franklin High School, Advocates for Academic Excellence in Education, NOLA Public Schools

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