Compare Program Policies

Key Learning

See How the Policies Stack Up

This user-friendly platform is designed to help you navigate the diverse landscape of Education Savings Accounts across different states. This tool offers a comprehensive comparison of ESA policies.

Directions

First choose the specific policy you want to compare. Then from the list of state, you can choose the specific state policies you would like to compare. The results will show you the bill language of the particular policy feature included in the the program.

With this tool, you can compare state programs, analyze program features, and make informed decisions.

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LOUISIANA: Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (La GATOR)

ESA comparison by Policy Hits: 126
  • Fund Administrator:
    • Synopsis:

      Department of Education

      , Statute Language:

      The department or a program manager selected by the department as provided in this Section shall administer the program in accordance with state board rules. 
  • Funding Mechanism:
    • Synopsis:

      Appropriation

      , Statute Language:

      D. The provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to specific appropriation of funds by the legislature each year for this purpose.
  • Program Administrator (Gov't):
    • Synopsis:

      Department of Education

      , Statute Language:

      A. The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program, a universal education scholarship account program, is hereby created. The department or a program manager selected by the department as provided in this Section shall administer the program in accordance with state board rules. The state board shall adopt rules for program administration that shall, at minimum, provide for the following:
  • Third Party Administrator:
    • Synopsis:

      TBD- RFI Issued

      , Statute Language:

      T. This Chapter shall not apply to any contract entered into by the state Department of Education for administration of the LA GATOR Scholarship Program or parts of the program as provided in R.S. 17:4037.5. Section 3. The state Department of Education may enter into a contract to manage the program as provided for in R.S. 17:4037.5 as enacted by this Act in accordance with the provisions of LAC 28:I.1103.
  • Role of DOE:
    • Synopsis:

      Program Administrator

      , Statute Language:

      Scholarship Program, a universal education scholarship account program, is hereby created. The department or a program manager selected by the department as provided in this Section shall administer the program in accordance with state board rules. The state board shall adopt rules for

      A. The department, on a quarterly basis, shall allocate funds, in an amount determined by the state board, to each account from funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the program.
  • Application Window/Dates:
    • Synopsis:

      Enrollment begin by March 1, 2025

      , Statute Language:

      Scholarship Program, a universal education scholarship account program, is hereby created. The department or a program manager selected by the department as provided in this Section shall administer the program in accordance with state board rules. The state board shall adopt rules for  (2) The department shall begin enrolling participating students not later than March 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year; however, for students for whom account funds shall be used to pay more than one participating school or service provider, the department shall have until March 1, 2026, to begin enrolling students for the 2026-2027 school year.
  • Fund Disbursement Frequency:
    • Synopsis:

      Quarterly

      , Statute Language:

      A. The department, on a quarterly basis, shall allocate funds, in an amount determined by the state board, to each account from funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the program.
  • Average Per-Pupil Funding:
    • Synopsis:

      TBD

      , Statute Language:

      A. The department, on a quarterly basis, shall allocate funds, in an amount determined by the state board, to each account from funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the program.
  • Income Limit:
    • Synopsis:

      ≤250% x FPL if not prior year public, prior SSEEP, or kindergarten

      , Statute Language:

      (9) The number of students for the 2023-2024 school year whose family income did not exceed four hundred percent of the current federal poverty guidelines as established by the federal office of management and budget.
  • Prior Year Public School Requirement:
    • Synopsis:

      Conditional

      , Statute Language:

      (iii) The student was enrolled in a public school for the previous school year.
  • Geographic Limit:
    • Synopsis:

      Statewide

      , Statute Language:

      No language available. 
  • Additional Eligibility Check:
    • Synopsis:

      Priority in year 1 to prior participation in School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities

      , Statute Language:

      (i) The student participated in the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program for the previous school year. A student meeting this criterion shall be granted first priority in terms of participation during the first phase of the program.
  • Homeschool Compatible:
    • Synopsis:

      Yes

      , Statute Language:

      No language available. 
  • Enrollment Cap:
    • Synopsis:

      None

      , Statute Language:

      D. The provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to specific appropriation of funds by the legislature each year for this purpose.
  • Lottery:
    • Synopsis:

      None

      , Statute Language:

      No language available.
  • Testing:
    • Synopsis:

      National/Statewide

      , Statute Language:

      A. The department shall develop a process for the annual administration of either of the following to participating students:

      (1) Any examination in English language arts and mathematics required pursuant to the school and district accountability system at the prescribed grade level.

      (2) A nationally norm-referenced test or assessment approved by the state board.

       B. Notwithstanding Subsection A of this Section:

      (1) Upon approval by the state board, a participating nonpublic school may select an assessment that is substantially aligned with its program of study and that is to be administered to participating students.

      (2) A student with an exceptionality shall not be required to take any assessment from which he would have been exempt if enrolled in a public school.
  • Authorized Use of Funds:
    • Synopsis:
      • Private School Tuition
      • Online Education
      • Education Therapies
      • Textbooks
      • Curricula and Supplementary Materials
      • Testing Fees
      • College Tuition/Fees
      • CTE / Industry Credentials
      • Computers/Technology
      • Other Approved by Admin
      , Statute Language:

      (9) "Qualified education expenses" means any of the following:

      (a) Tuition or fees at a nonpublic school or for nonpublic online learning programs.

      (b) Curricula and textbooks or other instructional materials, including but not limited to any supplemental materials or online instruction required by a participating school or service provider.

      (c) Tuition, fees, instructional materials, and examination fees at a career or technical school.

      (d) Fees for Louisiana Educational Assessment Program tests, national norm-referenced examinations, Advanced Placement examinations, and examinations related to postsecondary education institution admission.

      (e) Educational services and therapies, including but not limited to occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies.

      (f) Tuition and fees at a postsecondary education institution providing instruction for a student participating in dual enrollment as provided in Chapter 18-A of this Title.

      (g) Any other educational expenses approved by the state board.