Comprehensive guide to Louisiana's education system, including schools, colleges, universities, and educational resources for students, parents, and educators.
Louisiana operates a comprehensive education system serving over 637,000 public school students across 72 school districts and more than 1,200 schools. The system is coordinated by the Louisiana Department of Education and governed by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
📊 Key Education Statistics
Public School Students: 637,434
Total Public Schools: 1,214
Teacher-Student Ratio: 1:18 (national avg 1:16)
Per-Pupil Spending: $11,843 (2020)
Educational Attainment: 49.5% (toward 60% goal by 2030)
Special Education Students: 89,681 (14% of enrollment)
📈 Recent Education Improvements
National Ranking: Improved to #42 from #46
LEAP Test Progress: Second year of increases
Reading Growth: Louisiana 4th graders #1 in nation
Math Mastery: 33% of grades 3-8 met targets
English Proficiency: 43% mastery or above
Science Mastery: 29% reached proficiency
💡 Key Initiative: Louisiana has implemented a new K-12 accountability system called "Grow. Achieve. Thrive." beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, focusing on student academic progress, proficiency achievement, and post-secondary readiness.
🏫 K-12 Public Schools & School Districts
Louisiana's K-12 education system is organized into 72 school districts serving both urban and rural areas. The state includes parish school districts and five city school districts (Baker, Bogalusa, Central, Monroe, and Zachary). Special School District 1 provides gifted education programs under state authority.
District Information: Access data on districts, ratings, and performance at GreatSchools.org
Performance Data: View school performance scores and LEAP test results
School Choice: Louisiana offers charter schools, virtual programs, and magnet schools
Curriculum & Standards
Louisiana Student Standards
Core subjects aligned with college and career readiness:
English Language Arts (ELA)
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Arts Education
Health & Physical Education
Assessment Programs
Annual testing and evaluation methods:
LEAP 360 Tests (Grades 3-8)
End-of-Course Exams
Advanced Placement (AP)
College-Ready Assessments
Pupil Appraisal Services
Compulsory Attendance
Louisiana requires children ages 6-17 to attend school. Parents must ensure regular attendance, and school truancy laws apply state-wide.
Special Education Services
✅ Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Louisiana guarantees all students with disabilities receive special education and related services at no cost to families, as required by federal law (IDEA).
Services include adapted physical education, physical therapy, assistive technology, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, school social work, and orientation/mobility services.
🎓 Higher Education Institutions
Louisiana operates a comprehensive higher education system with 30 public institutions and 8 private colleges/universities, coordinated by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The system includes university systems, community colleges, and technical colleges serving more than 130,000 students annually.
Public University Systems
Louisiana State University System
LSU Baton Rouge - Flagship campus, comprehensive research university
LSU Alexandria - 2-year and 4-year programs
LSU Eunice - 2-year programs
LSU Shreveport - 4-year degrees
LSU Health Sciences Centers - New Orleans and Shreveport
University of Louisiana System
UL Lafayette - 4-year comprehensive university
UL Monroe - 4-year university with graduate programs
Northwestern State University - 4-year university in Natchitoches
McNeese State University - 4-year university in Lake Charles
Nicholls State University - 4-year university in Thibodaux
Southeastern Louisiana University - 4-year university in Hammond
Southern University System
Southern University Baton Rouge - Historically Black University (HBCU)
Southern University New Orleans
Southern University Shreveport
Grambling State University - HBCU in Grambling
Louisiana Tech University
Located in Ruston
Engineering and technology emphasis
Strong research programs
Graduate and undergraduate degrees
Private Universities
Major Private Institutions
Tulane University - New Orleans, research university
Loyola University New Orleans - Jesuit university
Xavier University of Louisiana - New Orleans, HBCU
Dillard University - New Orleans, liberal arts HBCU
Other Accredited Private Schools
Louisiana Christian University
Southern University Online
Various specialized and career colleges
Over 127 total Louisiana colleges and universities
Louisiana Board of Regents
The Louisiana Board of Regents coordinates all 30 public degree-granting institutions, plus Louisiana State University & Southern University Agricultural Centers and Pennington Biomedical Research Center. The system has set a goal of 60% educational attainment by 2030 for all working-age adults (ages 25-64).
Commissioner of Higher Education: Dr. Kim Hunter Reed
Higher Education Attainment Goal: 60% of all working-age adults holding degree or high-value credential by 2030
🏢 Community and Technical Colleges
The Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) includes 12 colleges serving more than 130,000 students annually with affordable, accessible education and workforce training.
Major Community Colleges
Baton Rouge Community College - 7,371 students, 70+ programs
Delgado Community College - 12,000 students, 100+ programs
South Louisiana Community College - 4,481 students, 40+ programs
Bossier Parish Community College - Multiple campus locations
Northshore Technical Community College - Technical focus
SOWELA Technical Community College - Industrial programs
Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Central region
8 additional community colleges - Throughout the state
💼 Trade Schools & Vocational Training
Louisiana offers comprehensive vocational and trade training through technical colleges and specialized trade schools, preparing students for in-demand careers in skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.
Trade School Costs
💵 Public Trade Schools
Annual Tuition: $5,000 - $8,000
💵 Private Trade Schools
Annual Tuition: $18,000 - $35,000
Common Trade Programs
Healthcare Trades: Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, Medical Assistant, Dental Hygiene
Construction Trades: Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Welding, Carpentry
SET for Success Program - Employment and training services
💡 Resources: Louisiana Workforce Commission (laworks.net) offers job search, training provider information, and workforce resources for both job seekers and employers.
🌐 Online Learning & Virtual Schools
Louisiana offers multiple online education options for K-12 students and adults, providing flexibility and access to courses that may not be available in traditional school settings.
K-12 Virtual Schools
🎓 Full-Time Virtual Programs
Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy (LAVCA) - K-12, tuition-free, fully online
Cypress Connections Academy - Grades 4-12, tuition-free, Southern Louisiana focus
Southern University Laboratory Virtual School (SULS) - K12 curriculum
Virtual Academy of Lafourche - Charter school K-12
📚 District Virtual Programs
St. Mary Parish Virtual Learning - Grades 6-12 full/part-time
St. James Parish Virtual Academy - K-12 with learning labs
Multiple District Supplemental Programs - Part-time and supplemental courses
2025-2026: 5,626 students enrolled in fully online schools
Higher Education Online Options
Many Louisiana universities offer online degree programs and distance learning for undergraduate and graduate studies:
LSU Online: Post-baccalaureate practitioner teacher program and other degrees
Northwestern State University eNSU Campus: Fully online undergraduate and graduate programs
University of Louisiana at Monroe: Distance learning options
McNeese State University: Online graduate and undergraduate programs
Louisiana State University: Multiple online degree options
Adult Online Learning
✅ WorkReady U Online: Louisiana Delta Community College offers online adult education programs including high school equivalency (HiSET), English as a Second Language (ESL), and workforce training.
👶 Early Childhood Education & Preschool
Louisiana operates three state-funded preschool programs serving over 20,000 four-year-old children, plus additional Head Start programs and private preschool options.
State-Funded Preschool Programs
🎓 Cecil J. Picard LA 4 Program
Full-day pre-K for 4-year-olds
For disadvantaged families
16,000+ children served
Provided in public schools
📚 8(g) Student Enhancement Program
Pre-K for at-risk students
~3,000 students annually
Education Quality Support Fund
Board of Elementary & Secondary Education
🏫 Nonpublic Schools Program (NSECD)
Full-day pre-K
Private preschools & centers
Low-income families
1,400 students served
Head Start & Additional Programs
Federal Head Start: Birth to age 5, comprehensive programs for low-income families
Title I Pre-K: Some school districts provide high-quality pre-K using federal funding
Louisiana Early Childhood Network: 65 local networks coordinating publicly-funded programs
Degree Programs in Early Childhood Education
Several Louisiana universities offer degrees and certifications in early childhood education:
LSU: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
UL Lafayette: Early Childhood Education programs
Louisiana State University Shreveport: Early childhood programs
Multiple community colleges: Certificate and associate degree programs
Louisiana requires all teachers to have a bachelor's degree, complete an educator preparation program, fulfill student internship requirements, pass required assessments, and earn state certification.
UL Lafayette: Certification-only alternative program (21 credit hours)
LSU Alexandria: Practitioner Teacher Program (1 year)
Louisiana Christian University: TEACH Program (100% online, 1 year)
Certification Requirements
Bachelor's degree
Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
Student internship/teaching residency
Praxis Core assessment
Praxis Subject Assessment
Background check with fingerprinting
Louisiana Education Association
The Education Association, Louisiana (ELA) is a labor union representing public school teachers, support personnel, faculty and staff at colleges/universities, retired educators, and future teachers. Visit lae.org for membership and professional development information.
♿ Special Education & Students with Disabilities
Louisiana serves 89,681 students with disabilities across the state, providing special education and related services guaranteed by federal law (IDEA) at no cost to families.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
✅ Legal Guarantee: All students with disabilities have the right to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment with special education and related services determined by their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Special Education Services
Schools must provide all special education and related services as determined by the IEP committee, including:
Adapted Physical Education
Physical Therapy
Assistive Technology
School Psychological Services
Occupational Therapy
School Social Work Services
Orientation and Mobility Services
School Health Services
Special Transportation
Speech/Language Pathology Services
Child Find & Evaluation
School districts have a "Child Find" obligation to identify, locate, and evaluate all students with disabilities who may need special education and related services. Early identification and intervention are essential.
Resources & Support Organizations
State Resources
Louisiana Department of Education guidance
Special Education Playbook
IEP procedure guides
State and federal bulletin guidance
Parent Organizations
Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans
Disability Rights Louisiana
Louisiana Parent Training Center
Various disease/disability-specific organizations
🎯 Charter Schools & Alternative Education
Louisiana's charter schools are publicly funded, non-profit operated schools with increased autonomy in exchange for increased accountability. Charter schools offer innovative approaches and greater flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Types of Charter Schools
Louisiana authorizes charter schools through both local school boards and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). The state includes six types of charter school structures serving different needs and populations.
Alternative Education Programs
Alternative Learning Options
Jefferson Career & Flex Academy: Technology-based, self-paced
Apple Digital Academy: Blended learning K-12
Expelled Student Programs: Alternative learning for previously expelled students
Adult Education Programs: GED/HiSET prep and continuing education
Charter School Characteristics
Publicly funded (no tuition)
Open to all students
Non-profit operation
Accountable to state standards
Performance-based contracts
Greater curriculum flexibility
New Orleans Charter Networks
New Orleans operates a thriving charter school network through the Greater New Orleans Collaborative (GNOCCS), which includes numerous high-performing charter schools serving the New Orleans area.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Louisiana's Board of Regents has set a goal of 60% educational attainment by 2030 for all working-age adults (ages 25-64) to hold a degree or high-value credential. Currently, Louisiana has achieved 49.5% educational attainment, representing significant progress from previous years. This ambitious goal supports economic development, workforce competitiveness, and improved quality of life throughout the state.
TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) is Louisiana's merit-based scholarship program for high school graduates. The program offers five award levels: Opportunity, Performance, Honors, Excellence, and TOPS Tech. To apply, complete the FAFSA by July 1 each year. Eligibility is based on your high school transcript and ACT scores. You must be a Louisiana high school graduate with parents who are also Louisiana residents. TOPS covers tuition only (not books, supplies, or fees) for two academic years. You must maintain full-time enrollment (15+ hours) and earn at least 24 credit hours per year while maintaining the required GPA for your award level.
Louisiana has 25 accredited universities and 8 private colleges and universities, for a total of over 127 colleges and universities including community colleges and trade schools. The higher education system includes 30 public institutions organized into four systems: Louisiana State University System, Southern University System, University of Louisiana System, and Louisiana Community and Technical College System. These institutions serve more than 130,000 students annually and offer programs ranging from 2-year associate degrees to advanced doctoral programs.
Trade school costs vary significantly based on the institution type. Public trade schools in Louisiana typically cost between $5,000 and $8,000 per year in tuition, making them an affordable option for students pursuing skilled trades. Private trade schools are more expensive, ranging from $18,000 to $35,000 annually. Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges offer affordable programs including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and information technology training. The state also offers workforce development programs that provide no-cost or reduced-cost training for eligible individuals through the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
Louisiana offers several online school options for K-12 students. Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy (LAVCA) is a tuition-free, full-time online public school for students K-12. Cypress Connections Academy serves grades 4-12 in Southern Louisiana, also tuition-free. Virtual Academy of Lafourche operates as a charter school K-12. Additionally, many school districts offer virtual learning programs for part-time or supplemental courses. St. Mary Parish, St. James Parish, and other districts operate their own virtual academies. These programs enroll approximately 5,626 students in fully online schools during the 2021-22 school year. All Louisiana virtual schools are publicly funded and tuition-free.
Louisiana implemented a new K-12 accountability system called "Grow. Achieve. Thrive." beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The system evaluates schools on three core pillars: Grow (what percent of students made meaningful academic progress), Achieve (what percent of students reached proficiency or above), and Thrive (what percent of students graduated on time and are ready for life after high school). Elementary and middle schools (K-8) are evaluated on Grow and Achieve only, while high schools (9-12) are measured on all three indicators. Each indicator contributes equally to the final score, ensuring the system values both academic progress and post-secondary readiness.
Louisiana provides comprehensive special education services to 89,681 students with disabilities at no cost to families. Services are based on each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) and may include adapted physical education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, school psychological services, school social work, and other related services. School districts must provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. All districts have a "Child Find" obligation to identify and evaluate students with disabilities. For more information and parent support, contact organizations like Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans or Disability Rights Louisiana.
Louisiana operates three state-funded preschool programs for four-year-old children. The Cecil J. Picard LA 4 Early Childhood Program is the largest, serving more than 16,000 children with full-day pre-K in public schools. The 8(g) Student Enhancement Block Grant Program serves approximately 3,000 at-risk students through various providers. The Nonpublic Schools Early Childhood Development (NSECD) Program serves about 1,400 children from low-income families in state-approved private preschools and child care centers. Additionally, federal Head Start programs serve children birth to age 5, and some districts use Title I federal funding to provide pre-K. The Louisiana Early Childhood Care and Education Network coordinates these programs through 65 local early childhood community networks.
Louisiana offers two pathways to becoming a teacher. The undergraduate pathway is for students without a bachelor's degree, combining a bachelor's degree in education with teaching certification. The post-baccalaureate pathway serves those with existing bachelor's degrees and takes approximately one year to complete through alternative certification programs. All teachers must complete an educator preparation program (EPP), fulfill a student internship or teaching residency, pass Praxis Core and subject-area assessments, and complete a background check with fingerprinting. Popular programs include LSU GeauxTeach (with discipline-specific degrees), UL Lafayette Certification-Only Program, Louisiana Christian University's TEACH Program (100% online), and others. The Louisiana Department of Education provides information on all approved preparation programs.
Louisiana offers numerous workforce training programs through the Louisiana Workforce Commission and community partners. WorkReady U is the state's adult education network providing no-cost programs including high school equivalency (HiSET), English as a Second Language (ESL), and workforce training. The Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) assists employers in developing existing employees' skills. The IWTP Small Business Employee Training (SBET) program reimburses employers for training costs up to $3,000 per employee. Registered Apprenticeship Programs provide on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) supports workers displaced by international competition. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services assist people with disabilities. The main portal is Louisiana Works (laworks.net) for job search and training information. Additionally, SET for Success provides employment and training services combining SNAP E&T, STEP, and CSE E&T programs.
📞 Contact Information
Louisiana Department of Education
📍 Address: 1201 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064