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.

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Education today named the 2022 School Health Service Provider of the Year — Beauregard Parish health service professional Andrea Ferguson, RN, CSN. With this inaugural School Health Service Provider Award, the Department recognizes and celebrates the state’s most exceptional school health providers.

The program acknowledges school health service providers who are supporting and expanding superior school health services throughout Louisiana. Nominations were accepted on behalf of the following school employees and contractors: occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, personal care service providers, and behavioral health providers (LCSWs, LMSWs, LPCs, psychologists).

“School health service providers play a crucial role in children’s lives,” said State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “The Department is proud to honor these professionals and raise awareness of their immense contributions.”

Providers were selected based on expertise in their fields, advocacy for student health, and commitment to both professional growth and the growth of school health programs within their school systems and communities. Ms. Ferguson, along with the below finalists, will be recognized at the June 15 BESE meeting in Baton Rouge.

Camelita Alexander, LPC; Bossier Parish
Allison Richardson, M.Ed., L-SLP, CCC-SLP; Livingston Parish
Dawn Albarado Sonnier, LOTR, CAPS; Livingston Parish

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