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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 programs by state.

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From the list of state programs below, you can choose up to three programs to compare. The results will show you a comprehensive overview of the particular policy features included in the design of the program.

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

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

ESA comparison by state Hits: 82
  • State: LOUISIANA
  • PROGRAM OVERVIEW: PROGRAM OVERVIEW
  • Program Name:
    • Option name: Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (La GATOR), Option type: Popup, Option description:

      The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program, a universal education scholarship account program, is hereby created. 

      , Option link: https://casetext.com/statute/arkansas-code-of-1987/title-6-education/subtitle-2-elementary-and-secondary-education-generally/chapter-18-students/subchapter-25-arkansas-childrens-educational-freedom-account-program/section-6-18-2504-state-board-of-education-rules
  • Year Launched: Anticipated 2025
  • Fund Administrator:
    • Option name: Department of Education, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      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:
    • Option name: Appropriation, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      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):
    • Option name: Department of Education, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      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: Odyssey
  • Role of DOE:
    • Option name: Program Administrator, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      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:
  • Application Window/Dates:
    • Option name: Enrollment begin by March 1, 2025, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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:
    • Option name: Quarterly, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      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:
    • Option name: TBD, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      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.
  • ELIGIBILITY: ELIGIBILITY
  • Income Limit:
    • Option name: ≤250% x FPL if not prior year public, prior SSEEP, or kindergarten, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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:
    • Option name: Conditional, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (iii) The student was enrolled in a public school for the previous school year.
  • Geographic Limit:
    • Option name: Statewide, Option type: Popup
  • Additional Eligibility Check:
    • Option name: Priority in year 1 to prior participation in School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup
  • Enrollment Cap:
    • Option name: None, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      D. The provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to specific appropriation of funds by the legislature each year for this purpose.
  • Lottery:
    • Option name: None, Option type: None
  • Testing:
    • Option name: National/Statewide, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      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.
  • COSTS COVERED INCLUDE: COSTS COVERED INCLUDE:
  • Private School Tuition:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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.
  • Uniforms:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None
  • Online Education:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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.
  • Education Therapies:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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.
  • Private Tutoring:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (i) For the 2023-2024 school year, "qualifying expenses" shall include:(a) Tuition;(b) Fees;(c) The cost of testing under this subchapter; and(d) The cost of required school uniforms, if any, at a participating school; and(e) Expenses determined by a participating school to be necessary for the education of a participating student and required to be paid by a participating student who is enrolled in the participating school, including without limitation expenses related to:(1) Supplies;(2) Equipment;(3) Access to technology; and(4) Services provided by or at the participating school.(ii) "Qualifying expenses" shall not mean optional expenses payable to a third party; and(B) Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and each year thereafter, "qualifying expenses" shall include those listed under subdivision (11)(A) of this section and include the following:(i) Instructional materials required for either in-person or virtual instruction provided by a participating service provider or participating school;(ii) Instructional or tutoring services;(iii) Curriculum;(iv) Supplemental materials or supplies required by a course of study for a particular content area;(v) Fees for:(a) Courses and associated examinations for college credit; and(b) Any examination related to postsecondary educational institution admission;(vi) Fees for:(a) Courses and associated examinations for career training; and(b) Any examination required in order to obtain an industry-based credential;(vii) Educational services provided by a licensed or accredited practitioner or participating service provider to a participating student who is a student with a disability;(viii) Fees for account management by participating service providers;(ix)(a) Technological devices used to meet a participating student's educational needs, which shall not include:(1) A television;(2) A video game console or accessory; or(3) Home theater or audio equipment.(b) Technological devices under subdivision (11)(B)(ix)(a) of this section are subject to approval by the Department of Education or a licensed physician;(x) Costs associated with transportation to and from a participating service provider or participating school; and(xi) Any other educational expense approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.Ark. Code § 6-18-2503
  • Public School Services (Classes and/or Extracurricular):
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (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.
  • Transportation:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (i) For the 2023-2024 school year, "qualifying expenses" shall include:(a) Tuition;(b) Fees;(c) The cost of testing under this subchapter; and(d) The cost of required school uniforms, if any, at a participating school; and(e) Expenses determined by a participating school to be necessary for the education of a participating student and required to be paid by a participating student who is enrolled in the participating school, including without limitation expenses related to:(1) Supplies;(2) Equipment;(3) Access to technology; and(4) Services provided by or at the participating school.(ii) "Qualifying expenses" shall not mean optional expenses payable to a third party; and(B) Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and each year thereafter, "qualifying expenses" shall include those listed under subdivision (11)(A) of this section and include the following:(i) Instructional materials required for either in-person or virtual instruction provided by a participating service provider or participating school;(ii) Instructional or tutoring services;(iii) Curriculum;(iv) Supplemental materials or supplies required by a course of study for a particular content area;(v) Fees for:(a) Courses and associated examinations for college credit; and(b) Any examination related to postsecondary educational institution admission;(vi) Fees for:(a) Courses and associated examinations for career training; and(b) Any examination required in order to obtain an industry-based credential;(vii) Educational services provided by a licensed or accredited practitioner or participating service provider to a participating student who is a student with a disability;(viii) Fees for account management by participating service providers;(ix)(a) Technological devices used to meet a participating student's educational needs, which shall not include:(1) A television;(2) A video game console or accessory; or(3) Home theater or audio equipment.(b) Technological devices under subdivision (11)(B)(ix)(a) of this section are subject to approval by the Department of Education or a licensed physician;(x) Costs associated with transportation to and from a participating service provider or participating school; and(xi) Any other educational expense approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.Ark. Code § 6-18-2503
  • ESA Management Fees:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (i) For the 2023-2024 school year, "qualifying expenses" shall include:(a) Tuition;(b) Fees;(c) The cost of testing under this subchapter; and(d) The cost of required school uniforms, if any, at a participating school; and(e) Expenses determined by a participating school to be necessary for the education of a participating student and required to be paid by a participating student who is enrolled in the participating school, including without limitation expenses related to:(1) Supplies;(2) Equipment;(3) Access to technology; and(4) Services provided by or at the participating school.(ii) "Qualifying expenses" shall not mean optional expenses payable to a third party; and(B) Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and each year thereafter, "qualifying expenses" shall include those listed under subdivision (11)(A) of this section and include the following:(i) Instructional materials required for either in-person or virtual instruction provided by a participating service provider or participating school;(ii) Instructional or tutoring services;(iii) Curriculum;(iv) Supplemental materials or supplies required by a course of study for a particular content area;(v) Fees for:(a) Courses and associated examinations for college credit; and(b) Any examination related to postsecondary educational institution admission;(vi) Fees for:(a) Courses and associated examinations for career training; and(b) Any examination required in order to obtain an industry-based credential;(vii) Educational services provided by a licensed or accredited practitioner or participating service provider to a participating student who is a student with a disability;(viii) Fees for account management by participating service providers;(ix)(a) Technological devices used to meet a participating student's educational needs, which shall not include:(1) A television;(2) A video game console or accessory; or(3) Home theater or audio equipment.(b) Technological devices under subdivision (11)(B)(ix)(a) of this section are subject to approval by the Department of Education or a licensed physician;(x) Costs associated with transportation to and from a participating service provider or participating school; and(xi) Any other educational expense approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.Ark. Code § 6-18-2503
  • Fees for Choice Navigator:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None
  • Textbooks:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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.
  • Curricula and Supplementary Materials:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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.
  • Computers/Technology:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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.
  • Testing Fees:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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.
  • Summer/Afterschool learning (not daycare):
    • Option name: No, Option type: None
  • College Savings Plan:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None
  • College Tuition/Fees:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (i) For the 2023-2024 school year, "qualifying expenses" shall include:(a) Tuition;(b) Fees;(c) The cost of testing under this subchapter; and(d) The cost of required school uniforms, if any, at a participating school; and(e) Expenses determined by a participating school to be necessary for the education of a participating student and required to be paid by a participating student who is enrolled in the participating school, including without limitation expenses related to:(1) Supplies;(2) Equipment;(3) Access to technology; and(4) Services provided by or at the participating school.(ii) "Qualifying expenses" shall not mean optional expenses payable to a third party; and(B) Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and each year thereafter, "qualifying expenses" shall include those listed under subdivision (11)(A) of this section and include the following:(i) Instructional materials required for either in-person or virtual instruction provided by a participating service provider or participating school;(ii) Instructional or tutoring services;(iii) Curriculum;(iv) Supplemental materials or supplies required by a course of study for a particular content area;(v) Fees for:(a) Courses and associated examinations for college credit; and(b) Any examination related to postsecondary educational institution admission;(vi) Fees for:(a) Courses and associated examinations for career training; and(b) Any examination required in order to obtain an industry-based credential;(vii) Educational services provided by a licensed or accredited practitioner or participating service provider to a participating student who is a student with a disability;(viii) Fees for account management by participating service providers;(ix)(a) Technological devices used to meet a participating student's educational needs, which shall not include:(1) A television;(2) A video game console or accessory; or(3) Home theater or audio equipment.(b) Technological devices under subdivision (11)(B)(ix)(a) of this section are subject to approval by the Department of Education or a licensed physician;(x) Costs associated with transportation to and from a participating service provider or participating school; and(xi) Any other educational expense approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.Ark. Code § 6-18-2503
  • College Textbooks:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None
  • CTE / Industry Credentials:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (i) For the 2023-2024 school year, "qualifying expenses" shall include:(a) Tuition;(b) Fees;(c) The cost of testing under this subchapter; and(d) The cost of required school uniforms, if any, at a participating school; and(e) Expenses determined by a participating school to be necessary for the education of a participating student and required to be paid by a participating student who is enrolled in the participating school, including without limitation expenses related to:(1) Supplies;(2) Equipment;(3) Access to technology; and(4) Services provided by or at the participating school.(ii) "Qualifying expenses" shall not mean optional expenses payable to a third party; and(B) Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and each year thereafter, "qualifying expenses" shall include those listed under subdivision (11)(A) of this section and include the following:(i) Instructional materials required for either in-person or virtual instruction provided by a participating service provider or participating school;(ii) Instructional or tutoring services;(iii) Curriculum;(iv) Supplemental materials or supplies required by a course of study for a particular content area;(v) Fees for:(a) Courses and associated examinations for college credit; and(b) Any examination related to postsecondary educational institution admission;(vi) Fees for:(a) Courses and associated examinations for career training; and(b) Any examination required in order to obtain an industry-based credential;(vii) Educational services provided by a licensed or accredited practitioner or participating service provider to a participating student who is a student with a disability;(viii) Fees for account management by participating service providers;(ix)(a) Technological devices used to meet a participating student's educational needs, which shall not include:(1) A television;(2) A video game console or accessory; or(3) Home theater or audio equipment.(b) Technological devices under subdivision (11)(B)(ix)(a) of this section are subject to approval by the Department of Education or a licensed physician;(x) Costs associated with transportation to and from a participating service provider or participating school; and(xi) Any other educational expense approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.Ark. Code § 6-18-2503
  • Insurance Premiums / Surety Bonds:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None
  • Other Approved by Admin:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (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.