Louisiana Charter Schools

Louisiana authorizes and operates approximately 150 public charter schools statewide, serving over 12% of the K–12 student population. Charter schools are publicly funded, tuition-free schools that operate with greater flexibility than traditional public schools while remaining accountable to state academic standards.

What Are Louisiana Charter Schools? Publicly funded, tuition-free schools that are authorized by either local school districts or the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). They operate with greater flexibility in curriculum and instruction methods but remain accountable to state academic standards and performance metrics.

Current Charter School Landscape:

• Approximately 150 charter schools statewide
• Serving over 12% of Louisiana’s K–12 student population
• Schools range from elementary through high school grades

How Charter Schools Differ from Traditional Public Schools:

1. Curriculum Innovation: Charter schools often implement accelerated, specialized, or alternative curricula (e.g., classical education, STEM focus, Spanish immersion, college preparatory programs) rather than following standard district approaches.

2. Accountability: While held to the same state academic standards as traditional public schools, charter schools operate under performance contracts and may be closed if they fail to meet goals. They face performance reviews and can have their charters revoked for underperformance.

3. Operational Flexibility: Greater autonomy over staffing, budget allocation, scheduling, and instructional methods while meeting state accountability standards.

Enrollment Model:

• Charter schools are open to all Louisiana students regardless of zip code or residence
• If applications exceed available seats, schools conduct lotteries to determine admission
• Some schools may maintain waitlists for future openings
• No district assignment needed; statewide open enrollment

Tuition: $0. Charter schools are entirely tuition-free—no tuition, no mandatory fees. Like all public schools, they are funded through state per-pupil allocations.

Transportation: Free transportation is available to eligible students, including students with special needs who have IEPs and may live within the local district. Some charter schools provide transportation through district partnerships. Availability varies by school—check with individual schools about transportation options.

Application Timing:

• Charter schools accept applications year-round at most schools
• Main “Open Enrollment” period is typically winter/early spring for the following school year
• Apply early, as many charter schools have limited seats and use lotteries
• Some popular schools have long waitlists

Program Variety: Charter schools offer diverse models including:

• STEM-focused academies
• Arts-integrated programs
• Language immersion (Spanish, French)
• Classical education
• College preparatory programs
• Career-focused academies
• Montessori programs

Finding Charter Schools: For a comprehensive list of Louisiana’s charter schools, visit the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools. Contact individual schools directly for enrollment procedures, application deadlines, and available programs.

Other Public School Choice Options:

• Public School Choice/Open Enrollment: Louisiana permits transfer from D- or F-rated public schools to A-, B-, or C-rated public schools within reasonable geographic proximity. Application period typically March 1–28 annually (varies by district). No application fee; state funding follows the student.
• Magnet Programs: Some traditional public school districts offer specialized magnet programs (STEM, arts, career academies) available within district assignment.

Can Combine Charter + Scholarships? No. Students cannot participate in charter schools (public) and use LA GATOR, TDC, or School Choice for Exceptionalities scholarships simultaneously. These are separate from the scholarship/ESA programs. However, charter schools are free alternatives if you don’t receive a scholarship.

Louisiana Department of Education – Charter School Resources →