Nine Acadiana schools accepting voucher students next school year

Posted: May 22, 2012 1:50 PM by Tonya LaCoste
Updated: May 22, 2012 3:56 PM

The Louisiana Dept. of Education released the names of private schools and high-performing public schools participating in the Louisiana Scholarship Program starting next school year. Nine Acadiana schools are participating; five in Lafayette Parish, two in St. Landry Parish, one in St. Mary Parish and one in Vermilion Parish. "We are very pleased by the strong participation of schools and the opportunity to provide students and families across Louisiana with quality alternatives," State Superintendent of Education John White said. "The statewide expansion of the scholarship program is an important component in our overall plan to empower our families and educators - those who know children best - to make decisions on their behalf."

Students are eligible to apply to other schools if they've been enrolled in public schools with a C, D, F or rating during the 2011-2012 school year. The exception is if a student is beginning kindergarten for the first time in the 2012-2013 school year. Students must also be residents of Louisiana and meet income eligibility requirements. Family income in 2011 cannot exceed 250% of the federal poverty guidelines. The total number of participating schools across the state is 125 in 33 parishes, and the total number of seats offered is about 7,450.

Click here to find participating schools. Click here for an application and a list of C, D and F public schools. other resources. All applicants will be notified of the status of the application no later than Tuesday, July 31. Requests for additional information may be obtained by submitting questions to studentscholarships@la.gov or by calling the Louisiana Department of Education's Help Center at 1-877-453-2721.

The Louisiana Department of Education will host two live virtual Town Halls for parents interested in applying for the Louisiana Scholarship Program. During the 60-minute virtual Town Halls, parents will be able to learn more about the program, participating schools, and application procedures. Virtual town hall meetings will be on May 24, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and May 29, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The live broadcast of the Virtual Town Hall Meeting will be accessible online via the agency's website at www.louisianaschools.net. Archived videos of the Town Halls will also be posted to the agency's website.