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.

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced today that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's (NASEM) Gulf Research Program (GRP) has awarded a $405,000 grant to establish a groundbreaking model STEM-based aquaponics program at a Louisiana middle school. The initiative, called Greauxing STEM-Stewards, aims to foster scientific and environmental literacy among students in grades 6-8 through hands-on, place-based learning.

Greauxing STEM-Stewards will introduce Louisiana’s first Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) learning environment at Westside Junior High School in Livingston Parish. A CEA is an agricultural system grown within a controlled environment, allowing for technology-based farming interventions. This project will enable students to explore environmental issues impacting their local Gulf Coast communities while learning about aquaculture and conservation. Westside Junior High will serve as the model school where the curriculum, learning lessons and virtual community of practice will be established before expanding the Greauxing STEM-Stewards program statewide.

“In my discussions with students, I am often asked ‘Mr. Morris, how can education be made more relevant?’,” said BESE President Ronnie Morris. “Aquaponics applies STEM disciplines in a very practical and meaningful way, which increases the relevance of the lessons in the eyes of learners. By transforming the classroom environment into a self-contained ecosystem, schools effectively engage students and boost their enthusiasm for learning. We are grateful to receive this significant grant funding which will help fully develop Greauxing STEM-Stewards. The initiative’s model aquaponics lab, one-of-a-kind curriculum, and virtual community of practice for educators will lead the way in transforming STEM teaching and learning in Louisiana. All these components combine to deliver a multifaceted, tangible learning experience that increases students’ science literacy, problem-solving skills, environmental stewardship values, and awareness of STEM-related career opportunities in Louisiana.”

This unique aquaponics curriculum will utilize a catfish and lettuce grow system to offer a hands-on experience that highlights sustainable food production and environmental stewardship. Through this program, students will connect with local industries such as fishing and aquatic wildlife management, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers in their community. The program also aims to bring together educators, students, and community leaders to address environmental concerns specific to the Gulf of Mexico region.

The overarching goals of the Greauxing STEM-Stewards program include:

Building a community of practice for Louisiana aquaponics STEM educators
Increasing student awareness of local STEM careers
Improving the knowledge base of local communities regarding aquaponics
Helping students better connect with their communities

Dr. John Underwood, STEM Instructional Specialist with the LDOE, will oversee the development and implementation of the curriculum, ensuring its alignment with Louisiana’s Student Standards for Science, agricultural and fishing industry careers. Additionally, experts from Louisiana State University’s SEA Grant Program will provide supplemental guidance and training to participating teachers on place-based learning.

“Greauxing STEM-Stewards will not only enhance students’ awareness of STEM careers but will also serve to educate the broader community on aquaponics,” said Dr. Underwood. “The program’s ultimate goal is to equip students with the knowledge to identify and address environmental concerns within their own communities.”

The project officially kicked off on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, with the delivery of catfish fingerlings to Westside Junior High School in Walker, Louisiana. This event marked the program’s launch, providing students with valuable insight into the world of aquaponics.

For more information about the Greauxing STEM-Stewards program, please contact STEM@la.gov.

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