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.

Applications accepted now through April 8

(Baton Rouge, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education is seeking applications for membership on the Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP), which advises and assists the LDOE with the provision of free and appropriate public education for individuals with disabilities across the state. It exists by authority of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and BESE policy to provide guidance on special education programs and services.

Members of SEAP represent public and private sectors that by virtue of their position, interest, or training can contribute information regarding the education of students with disabilities. Fifty-one percent of the members must be parents of a child with a disability (ages birth through 26) or individuals with disabilities. SEAP will meet as a group approximately four to five times a year in Baton Rouge.

Current SEAP vacancies include: parent of a child with a disability (ages birth through 26), individual with a disability, teacher, representative of an institution of higher education that prepares special education and related services personnel, administrator of a program for children with disabilities, representative of a private school, representative of the State juvenile or adult corrections agency.

Prospective members should consider their ability to fulfill the time commitment necessary to attend all meetings. Failure to attend two panel meetings in a year may result in review by the state educational agency for possible recommendation for termination.

Only emailed PDF applications will be accepted. Anyone interested in serving on the panel should send their completed application to specialeducation@la.gov by April 8.

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