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.

National Blue Ribbon Schools located in Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Ouachita, Rapides, and St. Tammany parishes

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The U.S. Department of Education today announced seven Louisiana schools have been named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The winning Louisiana schools are located in Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Ouachita, Rapides, and St. Tammany parishes. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.

“Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a remarkable achievement that exemplifies a commitment to academic achievement,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “I applaud the students, educators, and families of these schools for setting a high bar of excellence.”

The Louisiana schools named as National Blue Ribbon schools are:

Baton Rouge– Mayfair Laboratory School, East Baton Rouge Parish Schools
Baton Rouge– Saint Aloysius School, Diocese of Baton Rouge
Delcambre– Delcambre Elementary School, Iberia Parish School District
Lake Charles– T.S. Cooley Elementary Magnet School, Calcasieu Parish Schools
Mandeville– Woodlake Elementary School, St. Tammany Parish Public Schools
Sterlington– Sterlington Elementary School, Ouachita Parish Schools
Woodworth– Caroline Dorman Junior High School, Rapides Parish Schools

While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.

A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.

The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance, and graduation rates.

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