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.

LDOE Accepts Invitation from UMass Global and Advanced Strategies to Join National Professional Development Grant

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has partnered with UMass Global as part of the National Professional Development grant program to build the capacity of Louisiana educators who support English Learners. Educators will participate in required coursework to gain their English Learner Add-On Certification at no cost. The 2021-2022 cohort includes 11 educators from Bossier, Calcasieu, Jefferson, Orleans, Ouachita, St. Bernard, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes. Cohort Two will begin Fall 2022.

“By developing Louisiana educators who can effectively support the needs of English Learners, we will ensure high-quality teaching and learning for all students, improve student outcomes, and increase English language proficiency,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “This initiative is helping Louisiana educators close the achievement gap between English Learners and their native English-speaking peers.”

By the end of the five-year grant, approximately 100 teachers will have attained their English Learner Add-On Certification.

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