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.

Rapides Parish Lays the Groundwork to Grow Next Generation of Teachers

BATON ROUGE, La. – State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley yesterday named Rapides Parish Schools’ Pre-Educator Pathway as one of Louisiana’s Models of Excellence, a statewide award that recognizes benchmark programs that exemplify the Louisiana Department of Education’s Believe to Achieve priorities.

“The Pre-Educator Pathway immerses students into meaningful field and clinical experiences, allowing them to begin learning how to become high-quality educators,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “I am so proud of Rapides Parish’s strong commitment to growing the next generation of Louisiana teachers.”

The Pre-Educator Pathway is offered to juniors and seniors in four high schools in Rapides Parish Schools with forty students currently enrolled in the program. Through a partnership with Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA), students earn dual enrollment credit and will graduate high school with enough credentials and microcredentials to immediately begin working as paraprofessionals.

“We are excited about the work Mrs. Schopper and her team are doing to help build a pipeline of future teachers with the Pre-Educator Pathway Program,” said Rapides Parish Schools Superintendent Jeff Powell. “Their work will be instrumental in ensuring we have great, qualified educators for positions in Rapides Parish. We are very thankful to our higher education partners for their support in creating a pathway that allows high school students to graduate prepared and complete their goal of becoming an educator in Rapides Parish.”

Rapides Parish Schools has a system-level vision for growing their Pre-Educator Pathway. Along with appointing a coordinator to implement and serve as a point of contact, training was provided for all of the teacher leaders. The system’s strategic plan for growth has been focused on collaboration between teachers and system personnel along with building a positive partnership with LSUA.

In September, students were introduced to what it means to be a teacher in Rapides Parish with speakers including Superintendent Powell, grant writers, curriculum specialists, and human resource representatives. While the courses are designed for recruiting and preparing future educators, the course learning is applicable for all those interested in public service as you learn how to be a support for the community throughout the coursework.

Dr. Brumley made the announcement during a celebration event at Tioga High School. Dr. Brumley was joined by Rapides Parish Schools Superintendent Jeff Powell, leadership from Rapides Parish Schools, representatives from LSUA, State Representative Michael Johnson, BESE member Thomas Roque, school system superintendents from Region 6, Teacher and Principal of the Year honorees, and Louisiana Department of Education staff.

####