Louisiana GATOR Scholarship
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help, visit the official program website.
Summary
The Louisiana GATOR Scholarship provides Louisiana families with state-funded Education Savings Accounts (ESA) that can be used for a wide range of approved educational expenses. The program empowers parents to choose the learning environment that best fits their child’s needs. The program launches in 2025-2026 with a focus on students from low-income families and students with disabilities. In future years, the program expects to expand to serve more Louisiana students.
Student Funding
Funding Type: Education Savings Account (ESA)
The program calculates the maximum annual award using a multiplier of the prior year Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) formula average state and local per pupil amount. For the 2025-2026 school year, the funding amounts will be the following:
- Up to $15,253* (160% of MFP) for students identified as having a disability consistent with the IDEA
- $7,626 (80% of MFP) for students from a family with a total income at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines
- $5,243 (55% of MFP) for any other eligible student
*For more detailed information on awards available for students identified as having a disability consistent with IDEA, refer to the LA GATOR Families page on the Louisiana Department of Education site.
Student Eligibility
To qualify for the Louisiana GATOR Scholarship in the 2025–2026 school year, students must be a resident of Louisiana and meet one of the following criteria:
- Participated in the Louisiana Scholarship previous school year
- Entering kindergarten
- Enrolled in a Louisiana public school the previous school year
- From a family with total income at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines (FPL)
Additional eligibility criteria may apply, and the program may expand over time to include more student groups.
Rules & Requirements
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Louisiana.
- Educational Status: Either entering kindergarten or enrolled in a public school the previous school year.
- School and Service Provider Requirements: Eligible nonpublic schools and service providers on the approved state list can use the funds under the program.
- Testing Requirements: The program requires participating Louisiana GATOR Scholarship students to take an assessment during each year of their participation.
Using Your Funds
LA GATOR Scholarship funds can be used for a wide variety of educational expenses, including:
- Tuition and fees at eligible private schools
- Homeschool curriculum and instructional materials
- Educational therapies (e.g., occupational, speech, behavioral)
- Tutoring services and academic support
- Fees for standardized testing and college entrance exams
- Technology required for educational use (e.g., computers, software)
- Online learning programs and career preparation courses
Funds are deposited into an ESA and can be used throughout the school year for eligible educational services. All purchases are made through the state-approved Odyssey platform. The Louisiana Department of Education will provide account access and instructions upon approval.
How to Apply
- Review the Program Details: Review the LA Gator Families page on the Louisiana Department of Education site which has important information. You can also review this help information for the Odyssey platform which administers the program and for which you will need an account.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your child meets the requirements.
- Choose an Eligible School or Provider: Ensure your selected private school or education service provider is approved to receive LA Gator Scholarship funds by checking the Odyssey platform. You will need to apply separately to your choice of private school to ensure your child is accepted.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof of income and residency, child’s birth certificate, and social security numbers for parent and student applicants, and LASID for special education students which can be found in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). See the FAQ on the LA Gator Families page for more information.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the LA GATOR Scholarship page of the Louisiana Department of Education site during the open enrollment period.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation, and await award notification.
- Other Louisiana School Choice Programs: You are able to participate in one of the Louisiana School Choice programs which include this LA GATOR Scholarship, the Louisiana School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities, or the Louisiana Elementary and Secondary School Tuition Deduction.
For other Louisiana School Choice Programs: Refer to our Louisiana State Summary.