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.

Educators honored from Bienville, DeSoto, Iberville, Lincoln, Rapides, St. Bernard,

and St. Tammany Parishes

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is recognizing eight educators from across the state for their impact on student success. The LDOE today announced its 2023 Exemplary Educators. This annual program honors teachers, teacher specialists, and school leaders who represent excellence in the education profession.

Louisiana’s 2023 Exemplary Educators are:

Bienville Parish: Timothy Williams
DeSoto Parish: Jasmine Taylor
Iberville Parish: Anthony Hollins
Lincoln Parish: Marissa Boyd
Rapides Parish: Amy Holley
Rapides Parish: Amanda King
St. Bernard Parish: Joseph Cipollone
St. Tammany Parish: Courtney Milam

Louisiana Exemplary Educators receive a certificate of recognition and may be invited to participate in Department advisory boards and task forces. Exemplary Educators are also eligible for consideration in other recognition programs.

School systems from across the state submitted recommendations for the program through a confidential process. Honorees were chosen based on the following criteria:

Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective and innovative instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
Exemplary educational accomplishments and leadership beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
Individuals whose contributions to education are largely unheralded yet worthy of the spotlight;
Early- to mid-career educators (minimum of five years) who offer strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.

To learn more about the Louisiana Exemplary Educator Recognition Program, visit the award programs page online.