Louisiana families should prepare now: applications for the LA GATOR Scholarship Program are expected to open soon for the 2026–27 school year. This innovative education scholarship account (ESA) program gives parents the power to tailor their children’s education by allowing funds to be used for private school tuition, tutoring, curricula, technology, courses, and other approved resources. When fully funded, LA GATOR offers eligible students and their families a real choice to connect students with schools and programs that fit their unique needs and interests.
In its first year, families of nearly 40,000 Louisiana students applied for LA GATOR—more evidence than ever that they want meaningful options when it comes to their children’s education. Yet, last session, lawmakers appropriated far less funding than needed to serve the nearly 35,000 eligible applicants. Less than 1,000 were awarded, leaving the vast majority disappointed and, quite frankly, frustrated.
Louisiana stands at a crossroads. Governor Jeff Landry will soon release his fiscal year 2026-2027executive budget, which will include the first proposed funding level for LA GATOR in the upcoming legislative session that begins March 9. From there, the Legislature will have the opportunity—and responsibility—to decide what priority to give this program. This is a chance to do right by Louisiana families once and for all.
A common misconception in debates about funding is that the program’s cost should be evaluated in isolation. That’s not accurate. The correct way to determine the “net cost” of LA GATOR is by subtracting the savings to the state’s public school funding formula—specifically, the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP)—for students who leave public schools and no longer generate a cost for the state. In other words, dollars follow the student, and LA GATOR funding reduces what the state spends on public school seats that are no longer occupied. This isn’t a new concept; it’s a common feature in how education choice programs work nationwide and ensures a fair analysis of impact on state budgets.
Fully funding all eligible LA GATOR applicants isn’t just smart accounting—it’s sound policy. Education choice programs like this help parents find what works best for their children. Parents shouldn’t be left on a waiting list simply because the Legislature failed to back up the program they created with adequate resources.
As the 2026 application window approaches, families should make sure they are ready to submit documentation when it opens, and community leaders should advocate for a budget that honors every eligible child. Governor Landry and lawmakers have a pivotal opportunity in the months ahead: to fund LA GATOR at a level that serves all eligible Louisiana students, not just a fraction of them.
When students thrive, our communities thrive—and when Louisiana children have access to an education that meets their individual needs, the foundation for a brighter future is laid. It’s time for our leaders to match the enthusiasm of families with the funding necessary to unlock their children’s potential.
