Louisiana Homeschool Funding
Tuition assistance, approved vendors, and timelines.
Main program
Program name: LA GATOR Scholarship (Education Savings Account)
Admin: Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE); rules via BESE Bulletin 133
Typical award
Amount: Set by LDOE/BESE each year; designed to assist with full or partial cost of approved education services
Disbursement: Education Savings Account (ESA) used for qualified expenses per state rules
Who qualifies
- Residency: Student is a Louisiana resident
- Age/grade: K–12 (program rules apply)
- Notes: ESA priorities/eligibility set in law and BESE policy; legacy LSP ended 6/30/2025 with transition to LA GATOR
Timeline
- ESA (LA GATOR): Rolling out beginning 2025–26 (see LDOE page for current application windows)
- SCP (Exceptionalities): Annual spring application/placement per LDOE
- Tax deduction: Claim during state income tax filing
Overview
Louisiana does not directly fund independent home study, but families can access support through statewide choice programs. The new LA GATOR ESA (created by Act 1 of 2024) provides accounts for eligible students to pay for approved education expenses (e.g., tuition, tutoring, curriculum, therapies) under state rules. School-based scholarships remain for specific groups—such as the School Choice Program for Students with Exceptionalities (SCP)—and the Tuition Donation Credit (TDC) program funds private-school scholarships via approved organizations. Independent homeschoolers may also claim the K–12 school expense income tax deduction for certain costs.
Programs
LA GATOR Scholarship (ESA)
- Type: Education Savings Account (ESA)
- Award: Amounts and eligibility tiers set by law/policy; see LDOE for current year
- Uses: Qualified education expenses (tuition, tutoring, curriculum, therapies, testing, etc.) per state rules
- Admin: LDOE; policy framework in BESE Bulletin 133
School Choice Program for Students with Exceptionalities (SCP)
- Type: State scholarship for eligible students with disabilities
- Award: Tuition/fees at approved participating schools (placement-based)
- Uses: Enrollment at an approved school able to deliver required services
- Admin: LDOE
Tuition Donation Credit (TDC) Program
- Type: State tax credit program that funds private-school scholarships via approved School Tuition Organizations
- Award: Scholarship amounts set by participating organizations within program limits
- Uses: Tuition/fees at participating nonpublic schools
- Admin: LDOE (program oversight); scholarships issued by approved organizations
K–12 School Expense Income Tax Deduction
- Type: State income tax deduction for eligible K–12 expenses (public, private, and home study)
- Award: Deduction up to statutory caps per student per year
- Uses: Tuition, books, supplies, and other qualified expenses as defined in statute
- Admin: Louisiana Department of Revenue (statute at legis.la.gov)
Legacy Program (ended)
Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP) ended on June 30, 2025, with students transitioning to LA GATOR beginning in 2025–26.
Eligibility
- Residency: Student must be a Louisiana resident
- Age/grade: K–12 (program-specific rules apply)
- Program specifics: ESA priorities/eligibility are defined by law and BESE policy; SCP requires qualifying disability documentation and school acceptance; TDC depends on the participating scholarship organization’s criteria
- Homeschool note: School-based scholarships (SCP/TDC) pay schools directly. Independent home study families may use the state tax deduction and, if eligible, the ESA when available.
How to apply
- Decide your path: independent home study (tax deduction), ESA (LA GATOR), or school-based scholarship (SCP/TDC).
- For ESA: review current eligibility and application windows on the LDOE LA GATOR page; create an account when the portal opens.
- For SCP: read the Family Guide, confirm an approved school can serve your student, and apply during the LDOE window.
- For TDC: contact an approved School Tuition Organization (listed in the LDOE resources) and follow its application process.
- Keep records (receipts, evaluations) for audits, renewals, and taxes.
Covered expenses
- ESA (LA GATOR): Tuition, tutoring, curriculum, therapies, testing, transportation, and other qualified items per policy
- SCP/TDC: Tuition & mandatory fees at participating schools
- Tax deduction: Tuition, books, supplies (see statute)
- Technology/devices and extracurriculars may be allowable under ESA rules
- Always verify categories, caps, and documentation in current LDOE/BESE guidance
- Keep itemized receipts for reimbursements, audits, and tax filing
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ESA (LA GATOR) application window | Published annually | See LDOE LA GATOR page for current year |
| SCP application | Spring | Placement based on school acceptance & services |
| Tax deduction claim | By state tax filing | Retain receipts; see statute |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Can homeschoolers get state money without enrolling in a school?
Did the Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP) end?
What does the ESA (LA GATOR) cover?
Contacts
Program information
LA GATOR (ESA) — LDOE page
Tuition Donation Credit — LDOE resources