Background and purpose:

Recognizing that schools can’t be everything to all students who have varied needs and interests, over the past decade, the State of Louisiana has allocated additional funding to public schools for the purpose of allowing their students to take high school and college level courses through approved private course providers, colleges, and universities. This enables students to pursue their interests, learn from great instructors and experts from around the nation (some courses are online), and get a jump start on preparing for college and a great career.

How does it work?

Students, with permission from their parent or legal guardian, view the list of approved courses available to take through the program and then make a request to their school’s counselor. The counselor can disapprove of a request if a requested course is not aligned with the student’s Individual Graduation Plan, which outlines the student’s diploma goal and any career pathways being pursued.

Where can I get more information?

Access information about the program on this Louisiana Department of Education webpage and contact your student’s school counselor to register. Course prices listed are the price schools must pay the provider using program funds provided by the state—not paid by students or their families. Students are not charged a fee for taking courses through this program.

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, all public schools must provide all students with the state’s complete Course Choice/SCA catalogue at the beginning of the registration period.  

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible to take courses through the Course Choice/SCA program, and what types of courses are available?

    Students attending a Louisiana public school who are pursuing high school credit can access courses for:

    • Career and technical preparation
    • Academic work required to achieve TOPS
    • Advanced coursework not available at the school 
    • Dual enrollment (courses for high school and college credit)
    • Intensive remediation (for students struggling to stay on pace for graduation)

    The school will assist the student in addressing any scheduling needs.

  • I’ve been told that only dual enrollment courses offered by local colleges are available and that only certain students are eligible for this program.

    All students should have an equal chance of accessing courses through this program, although availability of funding might limit the number of students who can participate. The program is not limited to courses taught by local colleges. Refer to the Louisiana Department of Education’s full list of approved courses and course providers.