Families: Families are empowered to make school choices that are most likely to enable their child to thrive.
Prospective Schools: Prospective schools are supported in developing innovative, research-based school choices for Louisiana families.
Participating Schools: Participating schools provide students with clear pathways to college and career success, and families with high-quality educational options.
School Systems: School systems empower visionary educators to design and lead schools that meet district and community needs.
BESE-Approved Nonpublic Schools
More than 100,000 students are enrolled in Louisiana nonpublic schools approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Nonpublic schools may choose to seek BESE approval as a Nonpublic School Seeking State Approval, but it is not required.
Charter Schools
Louisiana charter schools are public schools operated by non-profit boards that are allowed increased autonomy in exchange for increased accountability. Charter schools are innovative, independent public schools that students may choose to attend. In exchange for operational autonomy in areas such as curricular, staffing, and budgetary decision making, all charter schools in Louisiana are held accountable for meeting student achievement goals and organizational and financial performance goals either by a local school board or by the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval
Nonpublic schools may, but are not required to, seek state approval. Families wishing to independently educate their children have the option of attending a Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval or a BESE-Approved Home Study Program. Nonpublic Schools Not Seeking State Approval have not met the criteria established by the department for approval, or do not wish to seek state approval.
If families have any questions about implementing a Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval, they may contact the LDOE’s toll free number at 1.877.453.2721 or email homestudy@la.gov.
BESE-Approved Home Study Program
Louisiana Special Schools
Louisiana Families may choose to educate their children independently from the public or nonpublic school system. Louisiana families typically provide this independent education through a Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval or a Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Approved Home Study Program.
LA Special School District provides education to students with low-incidence disabilities and a variety of unique needs in the state of Louisiana. Currently, the district operates the Louisiana School for the Deaf and Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, along with schools located within public health facilities and correctional facilities.
Scholarship Programs
The Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP) is designed to provide students with additional opportunities to attend the school of their choice. To be eligible for a scholarship, students must have a family income that does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty line and must either be entering kindergarten or be enrolled in a public school with a C, D, F, or T letter grade during the year in which they apply.
Important Louisiana Scholarship Program Update
The Louisiana Scholarship Program will continue to be administered through the end of the 2024-2025 school year. The Louisiana Scholarship Program will sunset on June 30, 2025 and all Louisiana Scholarship Program students and nonpublic schools will receive priority access to the LA GATOR Scholarship Program. The Louisiana Department of Education is contacting current Louisiana Scholarship Program families and schools on next steps for the 2025-2026 school year.
If you are a current LSP family or school and have not been in contact with the LDOE and Odyssey about the transition to the LA GATOR Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 school year, please contact us at 225-422-1538 or help.la@withodyssey.com.
School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities
Students with disabilities in some school districts may be eligible for the School Choice Program, which provides families with tuition assistance to attend eligible participating schools that offer special needs programs. Students wishing to attend a nonpublic school in parishes with a population of 190,000 or more are eligible for this program, which includes Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St.Tammany. Participating private schools must be eligible to receive state funding.
Tuition Donation Credit Program
The Tuition Donation Credit Program empowers Louisiana families with the financial resources to choose the school that will best prepare their children for college and careers. This program provides credits to Louisiana state taxpayers that donate to tax-exempt, not-for-profit organizations that provide scholarships to students in low-income families, also known as School Tuition Organizations.
This program, established by the Louisiana Legislature, authorizes School Tuition Organizations to collect and use taxpayer donations to provide scholarships to students that meet the program’s income requirements to attend nonpublic schools. All School Tuition Organizations are tax-exempt, not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Taxpayers earn a credit toward their Louisiana state taxes for the year in which they make a donation.
Special Education - School Choice Video
Special Education: 10 Questions Should Parents Ask When Choosing A School
Resources
U.S. Department of Education – School Choice
Find guidance and resources for parents, families, states, and local education agencies (LEAs) related to school choice including information on private schools, charter schools, homeschooling, magnet schools, and other school choice options.
COPAA
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) works to protect the civil rights and secure excellence in education on behalf of the 7 million children with disabilities eligible for special education services and supports under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the over 1.1 million children with 504 plans in America, as well as those children who should have IEPs or 504 plans but do not. COPAA believes that every child has the right to a high-quality education and an equal opportunity to achieve his or her full academic potential.
Rev. 1/28/2025
