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.

Louisiana Department of Education hosting informational webinar for interested applicants

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is preparing to release two Requests for Applications (RFAs) to support early childhood education work across the state. As required by state law, the LDOE will release RFAs for Community Network Lead Agencies and Ready Start Network Lead Agencies on March 5. On that same day, the LDOE will also host an informational webinar for interested applicants.

Both RFAs are open to the following entities:

State agencies
Local public school system
Non-profit having an educational or social services mission, including but not limited to a nonprofit corporation of a philanthropic or policy nature
Louisiana public postsecondary institution
Nonprofit corporation established by the governing authority of a parish or municipality, as outlined in Bulletin 140

The application will be available March 5. If interested in submitting an application, eligible entities should first submit an Intent to Apply via email to earlychildhood@la.gov by no later than March 12. The Intent to Apply should include the following:

The name of the agency intending to apply
Agency point of contact information, inclusive of name, title, email, and phone number
Indication of intent for RFA type; Early Childhood Community Network Lead Agency and/or Ready Start Network Lead Agency
The community or communities the agency wishes to represent.

All Community Network Lead Agency and Ready Start Network Lead Agency applications are due to earlychildhood@la.gov by 5 pm. on March 26. For any specific questions about the application process, please email earlychildhood@la.gov.

All interested applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar on March 5 from 3:30-4 p.m. to learn about the requirements of the RFA and receive a link to the applications. Please refer to the Zoom invitation below:

RFA Informational Webinar
Webinar Date: March 5, 2024
Webinar Time: 3:30-4 p.m.
Link:https://ldoe.zoom.us/j/96912330590?pwd=Y0lQbXJSS1BZNGU3c3cvdkpkc2JyUT09
Meeting ID: 969 1233 0590
Passcode: 420266

Community Network Lead Agencies
Community Network Lead Agencies coordinate CLASS® observations, the birth-to-age-five child count, and enrollment; submit the state funding application; and serve as the fiscal agent for Early Childhood Community Networks.

Ready Start Network Lead Agencies
Ready Start Networks Lead Agencies establish local advisory councils, develop strategic plans, and implement strategies focused on increasing access to high-quality early childhood care and education at the local level