Louisiana School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help, visit the official program website.
Summary
The Louisiana School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities provides vouchers to children with specific exceptionalities in eligible parishes to attend private schools that cater to their educational needs. Eligible parishes include Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany. The program aims to expand educational opportunities for children with special needs by providing access to schools that address their unique requirements.
Student Funding
Funding Type: Voucher
Students in the Louisiana School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities can receive a voucher worth up to 50% of the state per-student expenditure within their district or the cost of private school tuition, whichever is less. The average voucher value is approximately $2,500. Vouchers are provided contingent upon funding availability and based on the availability of services at participating schools.
Participating private schools must be eligible to receive state funding. The Louisiana Department of Education makes quarterly payments to each participating school (September, November, February, May). Families must cover any additional tuition charged by their chosen school.
Student Eligibility
To be eligible for the Louisiana School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities, the child must have one of six categories of learning exceptionalities:
- autism
- developmental delay
- mental disability
- other health impairment
- specific learning disability
- traumatic brain injury
In addition, the child must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or services plan, reside in a parish with more than 190,000 residents, be eligible to attend a public school, and not be classified as gifted or talented.
Continuing students are awarded scholarship vouchers first and then new students are entered into a lottery which will determine if they are awarded vouchers.
Rules & Requirements
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of these Louisiana parishes: Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany (or a parish with more than 190,000 residents).
- Educational Status: Student is eligible to attend a Louisiana K-12 public school and is at least 5 years of age by September 30 of the upcoming year with one of the six categories of learning exceptionalities (autism, developmental delay, mental disability, other health impairment, specific learning disability, or traumatic brain injury). The child must also have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or services plan.
- School Requirements: Participating private schools must be eligible to receive state funding.
Using Your Funds
Families can use the funds from the Louisiana School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities to cover tuition costs at private schools that offer educational services specifically addressing their child’s exceptionalities. The program pays the educational certificate (voucher) directly to the school on behalf of the family. Families must cover any additional tuition charged by the school.
How to Apply
- Review the Program Details: Review the Family Participation Guide (scroll down the page to download the guide) which has important information about the Louisiana School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your child meets the eligibility criteria including having one of six categories of learning exceptionalities and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or services plan.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including copy of Individualized Education Plan or services plan, and residency.
- Choose an Eligible School: Select a private school that participates in the program and ensure your child can be enrolled. A list can be found in the Family Participation Guide (scroll down the page to download the guide).
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the Louisiana Department of Education site during the open enrollment period.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation, and await approval.
- Other Louisiana School Choice Programs: You are able to participate in one of the Louisiana School Choice programs which include this Louisiana School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities, the LA GATOR Scholarship, or the Louisiana Elementary and Secondary School Tuition Deduction.
For other Louisiana School Choice Programs: Refer to our Louisiana State Summary.