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.

A record 8,697 Louisiana students earned a 3 or better on their AP exam - 19% higher than Louisiana’s pre-pandemic total

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) released Advanced Placement (AP) results today for the 2022-23 school year. The AP data showed that a record number of Louisiana high school seniors earned a 3 or better on their end of year exams. Students who score a 3 or better on their AP exam can earn college credit for the course while still in high school.

A record 8,697 Louisiana students earned a 3 or better on their AP exam. That is 19% higher than Louisiana’s pre-pandemic total of 7,305 in 2019. In total, 41.7% of AP test takers earned a 3 or better.

“High schools exist to prepare graduates for their next phase in life, and I am pleased to see a record number of students succeeding on these challenging exams,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Louisiana must raise the bar so every student has the type of rigorous experiences that prepare them for a career, college, or service.”

In addition to a record number of students, a record number of 13,111 exams were passed. This represents 13,111 college courses families will not have to pay for, as students who score a 3 or better on their exam may be eligible for college credit for the course.

This is the latest data to show the continued progress of Louisiana students.

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