Purpose of the program:

Through the LA GATOR Scholarship Program, the Louisiana Legislature and Governor Landry recognized that parents know their children’s needs better than anyone else and have empowered them with additional educational opportunities beyond the traditional public school system. Parents and legal guardians can now access state tax dollars to enroll their child in a private or faith-based school, support homeschooling, or design a customized educational program that uses public and private providers. Educational services can be provided in-person, online, or through a hybrid approach.

Education isn’t one-size-fits all

Each child is unique. Parents understand their children’s educational needs better than anyone, and should be empowered and supported in discovering a school that meets those needs.

Though improving, Louisiana’s public education system still ranks among the lowest-performing in the United States, with only 1/3 of students performing at grade level.

As state leaders strive to expedite improvements, families in Louisiana require immediate educational alternatives, similar to those available to families in other states

Debunking Common ESA Myths

Fact: ESAs DO NOT take money away from public schools.

Fact: ESAs will NOT cause public schools to close and/or lay off teachers and other school employees.

Fact: ESAs DO work in rural communities.

Fact: ESAs are NOT handouts for wealthy families.

Fact: ESAs DO work for children with special needs.

Fact: ESAs ARE needed in communities with highly-rated public schools.

Fact: ESAs will NOT mean more government regulations over private schools.

Fact: ESAs will NOT cost taxpayers more money.

Get the facts.

The Problem:
Why Louisiana Families Need More Options

More than 85%

of Louisiana kids attend public schools. Yet, our state’s public schools remain well below national averages for academic achievement, even with higher per-student funding than other states in the Southeast.

Over 40%

of public schools have been identified as “needing improvement” by the Louisiana Department of Education per the state’s accountability system

Only 31%

of Louisiana students scored proficient or above on the 2022 Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP).

Fewer than 30%

of Louisiana students in fourth and eighth grades scored at or above proficient levels in reading and math on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

  • Who is eligible?

    Initially, the following students will be eligible in Phase 1 of the program:

    • Students currently enrolled in the state’s Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program commonly known as the Louisiana Scholarship Program (they will transition to the LA GATOR Scholarship Program)
    • Students entering kindergarten
    • Students who were enrolled in a public school during the previous school year
    • Students with a family household income less than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines (see chart below for an approximation based on current guidelines)
    Persons in family/household 250% of 2024 Federal Poverty Guideline
    (subject to change each year)
    1 $37,650
    2 $51,100
    3 $64,550
    4 $78,000
    5 $91,450
    6 $104,900
    7 $118,350
    8 $131,800

    Phase 2 will begin at a later date determined by state officials, adding students with a family household income of less than 450% of the federal poverty guidelines (a higher income limit) to the program.

    Phase 3 of the program will begin at a later date determined by state officials, making every Louisiana student, regardless of family household income, eligible to participate.

    Louisiana is on track to provide ALL students the opportunity to receive an individualized K-12 education through this program. The number of students who can be served each year, however, will ultimately depend on the amount of funding approved by the Louisiana Legislature and the Governor.

  • How much money will students have access to through the program?

    Louisiana’s State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has proposed the following scholarship amounts for the 2025-2026 school year, based on student characteristics. These funding amounts may be adjusted each year.

    • $15,253 for students having a disability consistent with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
    • $7,626 for students with a family household income that does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty guidelines
    • $5,243 for other participating students

  • How can LA GATOR Scholarship Program funds be used?

    Scholarship program funds can be used to cover the cost of private school tuition and fees, courses and/or services from providers, instructional materials and supplies, technology, assessments, and other approved educational expenses. At a minimum, they must support a student’s learning of core academic subjects: English language arts, math, science, and social studies. After these core areas are supported, remaining funds can be used on other approved educational expenses like electives, enrichment, tutoring, school uniforms, before- and after-school care, and much more. The Louisiana Department of Education will publish further guidance at a later date.

  • Which schools and service providers may families choose?

    Schools and service providers must be approved by the state in order to receive LA GATOR Scholarship Program funds to serve participating students. The Louisiana Department of Education and its program administrator will publish a list of participating schools at a later date.

  • Which vendors will accept LA GATOR Scholarship Program funds?

    The Louisiana Department of Education and its program administrator are working to ensure that many diverse vendors from around the state, as well as in the online marketplace, will accept LA GATOR Scholarship Program funds. They will publish guidance on purchasing allowable items at a later date.

  • How do schools, service providers, and vendors get paid using LA GATOR Scholarship Program funds?

    The Louisiana Department of Education’s program manager will transfer scholarship funds from each student’s account to his or her parent’s chosen school, service providers, and/or vendors, subject to meeting program requirements. No cash will be exchanged and no funds will be provided directly to participating students or their families. Audits will be performed to ensure that funds are spent only on allowable educational expenses from approved entities and other program requirements are followed.

  • How can I learn more and stay up to date on the latest news about the LA GATOR Scholarship Program?

    Sign up here to receive important updates as there are new developments about this exciting new program!

    Resources:

    • State law that created the LA GATOR Scholarship Program
    • Proposed LA GATOR Scholarship Program regulations (currently going through the official state rulemaking process and subject to final approval by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education)
    • Why is education freedom important? Learn more!