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Parents can submit applications from March 1 to April 15 at lagator.la.gov
Louisiana families can begin submitting applications for the state’s first education scholarship account (ESA) this Saturday at 9 a.m. The 2025-2026 student application window for the LA GATOR Scholarship Program will be open March 1 to April 15 at lagator.la.gov. This new program awards scholarship accounts to eligible students that parents can use for a menu of approved education services like tuition and fees at over 240 nonpublic schools, tutoring, and other approved resources.
For a student to be eligible for a scholarship under phase one of LA GATOR, they must be a resident of Louisiana and meet one of the following:
The number of students who will receive scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year depends on the amount of funding approved by the state legislature during the 2025 Legislative Session. Eligible students will be prioritized for LA GATOR in the following order:
If an incoming kindergarten student with Louisiana Scholarship Program siblings is not prioritized in one of the first two categories, they will receive priority in the third category.
In preparation for the 9 a.m. launch on March 1, parents are encouraged to have the following documents and information ready when applying.
Residency (All applicants must provide proof of residency.)
Income (LSP families do not have to provide income documentation.)
Student Documents
Necessary Information
The LDOE has partnered with Odyssey to manage the program’s application process and marketplace. Odyssey is operating the program’s help desk and call center. Resources, information, and frequently asked questions are available at lagator.la.gov and on Odyssey’s website. Parents, schools, and service providers with questions can also use one of the following avenues for support.
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the LA GATOR Scholarship Program will replace the Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP). LSP students will receive priority access to LA GATOR, but must submit an application when the portal opens on March 1. To ensure a smooth transition, the LDOE is providing additional resources for LSP families, including a dedicated webinar and application guidance materials.
Families currently participating in LSP who have not been receiving updates about LA GATOR from their school and the LDOE are encouraged to contact the call center or email the help desk.
The LA GATOR Scholarship Program is Louisiana’s first ESA, providing scholarship accounts to eligible students. Parents can use these funds for approved educational services, such as:
Signed into law by Governor Landry, the LA GATOR Scholarship Program represents a significant step in expanding educational freedom in Louisiana. It complements the state’s numerous school choice offerings, which include traditional public schools, public charter schools, nonpublic schools, and home study programs.
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