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.

Potential applicants invited to attend virtual informational meeting March 8

BATON ROUGE, La. -- The Louisiana Department of Education is supporting school systems across the state in developing future school leaders. The Aspiring Principal Fellowship is a new initiative that will prepare educators and staff to build the leadership skills essential to the principal role. Applicants must hold a current EDL1 certification in Louisiana. Interested candidates should submit an application by March 31. The Department is hosting a virtual informational meeting March 8 at 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact louisianaleaders@la.gov.

“Without question, principals have the opportunity to transform their schools in a positive way and drive results for kids,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Our goal is to assist systems by deepening the bench of leaders ready to assume the principalship.”

The Aspiring Principal Fellowship will prepare individuals seeking to further develop their leadership capacity with the critical knowledge and skills needed to serve in the principal role. This selective statewide fellowship is rooted in the priorities outlined in Believe to Achieve.

Participants will exit this fellowship with a robust leadership portfolio, the guidance of Louisiana’s most successful principals, individualized coaching and a strong network of lifelong colleagues. The cohort will meet monthly. This includes an orientation at Teacher Leader Summit and monthly modules starting in October. Participants will explore best practices with regional experts, participate in school visits and engage in educational leadership theory. The 2021-2022 pilot cohort will be selected accordingly and represent a cross-section of aspiring leaders throughout the state.

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