School Choice

School Choice and Homeschool in Louisiana

Private school choice programs, charter schools, homeschool rules and private schools in Louisiana. Facts as of November 2026.

Choice programs3All limited by eligibility
Charter schoolsAllowedPublic charter law
Homeschool noticeYesTesting: No

Private school choice programs

How they work ›

LA GATOR (Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise) Scholarship

Education savings account Limited Enacted 2024

Louisiana students ages 5-21 who are returning participants, entering kindergarten, were enrolled in a public school on both October 1 and February 1 of the prior year, or live in a household at or below 250% of the federal poverty level; awards depend on annual appropriations and are prioritized.

Created by Act 1 of the 2024 Legislature. 2025-26 awards were up to $15,253 (disability), $7,626 (at or below 250% FPL) and $5,243 (other). Replaced the Louisiana Scholarship Program for new students.

Official source

Tuition Donation Credit Program (School Tuition Organizations)

Tax-credit scholarship Limited Enacted 2012 (year not confirmed)

Donors to school tuition organizations receive a nonrefundable Louisiana income tax credit; the organizations fund private-school scholarships for eligible students.

R.S. 47:6301; student income limit not confirmed on an official page (secondary sources say 250% of the federal poverty level).

Official source

Elementary and Secondary School Tuition Deduction

Tax credit or deduction Limited Enacted 2008 (year not confirmed)

Louisiana residents may deduct tuition, required fees, uniforms, books and supplies paid for a dependent in pre-K through 12th grade at a qualifying nonpublic school, up to $6,000 per dependent (2024 and later).

R.S. 47:297.10; a separate home-school expense deduction (R.S. 47:297.11) allows 50% of expenses up to $6,000.

Official source

Charter schools

Louisiana has a public charter school law.

Official source

Homeschool rules

Parents apply to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for a home study program within 15 days of starting and renew annually by October 1 with evidence the program provides a curriculum at least equal to public schools. Renewal evidence may be work samples or a test, so no test is strictly required. Check your state's law before you start.

Notice: Yes Testing: No

Law: La. R.S. 17:236.1. Official source

Notes

The Louisiana Scholarship Program (voucher; launched 2008 in New Orleans, statewide 2012) no longer enrolls new students: LA GATOR replaced it, and former participants who stay at their school keep their prior award until they finish that school's last grade or leave (LDOE).

Some items in a note may rest on news reports rather than an official source.

Private schools in Louisiana

The private school list will appear here after the first scheduled update.

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Sources: Louisiana Department of Education: LA GATOR, Louisiana Department of Revenue: Tuition Donation Credit Program, Louisiana Department of Revenue: School Expense Deduction, Louisiana Department of Education: Charter Schools, La. R.S. 17:236.1, Approval of home study programs, NCES Private School Universe Survey. State facts as of November 2026. Check your state's law before you start.