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.

“Let Teachers Teach” Workgroup to identify and develop possible solutions to classroom disruptions such as excessive training and paperwork, scripted lessons, and student discipline

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is launching a new workgroup to learn more about the classroom disruptions keeping teachers from focusing on the most important aspect of their job — teaching students. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley announced the Let Teachers Teach Workgroup. Dr. Brumley created the group after educator engagement revealed a number of challenges taking time away from classroom instruction, including excessive training and paperwork, being required to follow scripted lessons, and student behavior and discipline issues.

“Other than the parent, there is nothing more critical to student success than an effective teacher,” said Dr. Brumley. “One of the best ways we can value teaching professionals is by simply protecting their time to do the important work entrusted to them.”

The workgroup will include PK-12 teachers from across the state. The LDOE is working with its various teacher committees and Louisiana education organizations to identify teachers for the workgroup. Recommendations from organizations should be emailed to ldoecommunications@la.gov. Current Louisiana Teacher of the Year Kylie Altier will chair the workgroup.

“I wholeheartedly believe teaching is the best job in the world because of the children, and I can think of no greater work than ensuring teachers can keep their full focus on students,” said Altier.

The workgroup is the product of feedback the LDOE has received through formal channels such as the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council as well as informal channels such as classroom visits and faculty meetings hosted by Dr. Brumley. Meetings are expected to begin in the spring.

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