Scholarship Program Participation
Louisiana Scholarship Program
The Louisiana Scholarship Program provides thousands of low-income families with the opportunity to send their child to the participating school of their choice.
Launched in 2008 in New Orleans, the Louisiana Scholarship Program, formally known as the Student Scholarships for Education Excellence Program, was expended statewide in 2012. Annually, this program receives approximately 10,000 applications for a Scholarship and affords approximately 7,000 students the opportunity to enroll in a Scholarship-funded seat in a nonpublic school. Over 100 nonpublic schools participate in the program.
To be eligible to participate in the Louisiana Scholarship Program, nonpublic schools must be both BESE approved and Brumfield v. Dodd compliant. BESE approval confirms that schools utilize a curriculum of quality at least equal that prescribed for similar public schools. Brumfield v. Dodd compliance confirms that BESE-approved nonpublic schools do not use racially discriminatory policies and practices.
All schools wishing to participate in the Louisiana Scholarship Program must complete three forms annually.
- Louisiana Scholarship Program Notice of Intent
- Nonpublic Seeking BESE Approval Form
- Brumfield v. Dodd
Scholarship students must take the same assessments as students in public schools. Student achievement on these assessments is used to determine the status of a school’s continued participation in the program.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of School Choice at
Studentscholarships@la.gov. Response time for emails is about 2 business days.
School Choice Program for Students with Exceptionalities
The School Choice Program enables students with exceptionalities to attend schools that can meet their unique needs. The program provides tuition assistance of up to 50% of the state per pupil funding for the student’s school district.
To be eligible to participate in the program, a non-public school must be both BESE approved and Brumfield v. Dodd compliant. In addition, eligible schools must be located in a parish with a recent census population greater than 190,000 residents and must be prepared to serve students with exceptionalities, as demonstrated by a history of serving students with exceptionalities over the past two years and teachers on staff who have appropriate certificates in special education.
All schools wishing to participate in the School Choice Program must complete three forms annually.
- School Choice Program Notice of Intent
- Nonpublic Seeking BESE Approval Form
- Brumfield v. Dodd
More information about participation requirements can be found in the School Choice Program FAQ.
For any questions contact studentscholarships@la.gov.