Enacted 2010 • Launched 2011 • Voucher
Louisiana allows students with disabilities in eligible parishes to receive vouchers to attend
schools of their parents’ choosing that provide educational services specifically addressing
their needs. Eligible students are defined generally as those with special needs who have
Individualized Education Plans but who are not in an accelerated or gifted and talented
program.
Latest Stats (2012-13)
- Students participating: 22
- Schools participating: 6
- Average voucher value: $6,799
Program Details
Average voucher value as a percentage of
Louisiana’s total per-student spending ($10,701)
Student Funding
The educational certificate (voucher) is worth 50 percent of the state dollars that would
have been spent on the child in his or her public school or the cost of private school tuition,
whichever is less.
Student Eligibility
Students with special needs—those who have Individualized Education Plans or services
plans in accordance with Title 34 of the code of federal regulations—who reside in a qualifying
parish, are eligible to attend public school, are entering grades K-8 and are not deemed gifted
or talented, are eligible to receive an educational certificate (voucher).
Legal Developments
No legal challenges have been filed against the program.
Rules & Regulations
- Income Limit: None
- Geographic Limit: Parish (largest six)
- Enrollment Cap: None
- Voucher Cap: Conditional
- Testing Mandates: None
Governing Statutes
Louisiana Revised States, Title 17, section 4031
Friedman Contact
Robbie Rhinesmith | robbie@edchoice.org
Additional Links
Louisiana Revised States, Title 17, section 4031
