Louisiana’s LA Gator Program: What Parents Need to Know

SHREVEPORT, LA - Parents of students in Louisiana schools might want to know about a new program that is being put in place this spring to give you more choice about where your children go to school. The LA Gator Program is being rolled out. There is nearly $100 million dollars available for parents to qualify for tuition assistance to send your youngsters to private schools.

BESE member Stacy Melerine tells KEEL News this program has no income restrictions. But she did say a priority would be given to students currently using the state's voucher program which is going away. Lower income students can get larger amounts and students with disabilities will also get more funding under the LA Gator Program.

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How Much Money Can You Get in the LA Gator Program?

$15,253 for students with a a disability
$7,626 for students with a family household income that does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty guidelines
$5,243 for other participating students

How Can You Use Money from the LA GATOR Program?

The monies can be used to cover the cost of private school tuition and fees. You can also use the money to pay for tutoring and enrichment that directly affects core academic subjects which are English language arts, math, science, and social studies. Some of the funds can also be used to pay for school uniforms and after school care.

Can You Choose the Private School You Want Your Child to Attend?

Yes. But the schools must be pre-approved by the state. Most of the private schools in the Shreveport-Bossier area are on this approved list.

You should note this money will not likely pay the full tuition at most private schools. I checked the tuition at some of our area schools and found the tuition ranges from about $7,000 to $15,000 a year at local schools.

The current school voucher program will stay in place until the end of this school year. After June 30 that program will be shut down.

Families can begin to apply for the LA Gator program on March 1 and the window will be open until April 15.