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.

Public survey part of LDOE study on transparency in education

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is asking parents and communities across the state to share their experiences accessing student instructional materials. LDOE has launched a survey available now through February 28 at LouisianaBelieves.com. Resulting from House Resolution 145 of the 2022 Regular Session, this public survey is part of an LDOE study and report on transparency in education that will be presented to the Louisiana Legislature prior to the 2023 Regular Session. Along with findings and a conclusion, the report will include any recommendations for related legislation.

“We are committed to transparency and the understanding that parents have a right to know what their children learn in school,” said State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “This report will help us identify school systems that excel in their partnerships with parents as well as how we can better serve systems who need added support.”

Louisiana state law gives parents of a child attending a public elementary or secondary school the right to access instructional materials. Along with instructional materials, this includes any survey before it is administered or distributed by a school to a student. Under the law, each local school board shall adopt rules and policies for each school to make instructional materials readily available for review.

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