School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities
Louisiana
Louisiana allows students with certain exceptionalities who live in eligible parishes to attend schools of their parents’ choosing that provide educational services specifically addressing their needs. Eligible students are defined generally as those with special needs who have Individualized Education Plans or similar plans.
Participating Students
441
Students Eligible
10%
Student Eligibility
Students must reside in a parish with a population of more than 190,000 and must meet all of the following requirements to participate: (1) be a resident of Louisiana and age 5 by September 30 of the upcoming year with eligibility to attend a Louisiana public school in grades K–12; (2) be evaluated by a Louisiana public school district and determined to have any of the following exceptionalities: autism; developmental delay; mental disability; other health impairment; specific learning disability; or traumatic brain injury; and (3) has a current Individual Education Plan (IEP), district-provided services plan, or a nonpublic school services plan that addresses the student’s needs. To participate in the program, families must complete an online application annually. _(Last updated July 15, 2024)_
Use of Funds
Families use funds at accredited nonpublic schools for tuition and fees. Participating schools must be approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Schools must have provided services to students with exceptionalities for at least two years prior to participation and employ teachers that hold appropriate certification in special education. The program requires operation in a parish with a recent population greater than 190,000. _(Last updated July 15, 2024)_
Funding Amount & Source
Funding is appropriated in the executive budget and is based on program participation. The educational certificate (tuition assistance) is worth a maximum of 50% of the state per-student expenditure within the recipient’s district or the cost of private school tuition, whichever is less. Families are responsible for any additional tuition charged by the school. _(Last updated July 15, 2024)_
Legal History
No legal challenges have been filed against the program. _(Last updated July 15, 2024)_
Program Timeline
Program Enacted
Legislation passed to create the program
Program Launched
Program began accepting applications
Last Updated
July 15, 2024