What Is the LA GATOR Scholarship?
The LA GATOR Scholarship Program is Louisiana’s first Education Savings Account (ESA). Signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry in 2024 (Act 1 of the 2024 Legislature), it replaces the older Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP) with a more flexible system that deposits state funds into a family-controlled account.
Unlike the old LSP voucher — which could only be used for private school tuition — the LA GATOR Scholarship lets families spend funds across a wide range of approved educational expenses: private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum materials, educational therapy, technology, dual enrollment, and more. The program is managed by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) and administered through the Odyssey platform.
The Three-Phase Rollout
LA GATOR is being introduced in three phases, expanding eligibility each year until the program is available to all K–12 students:
Important context: In the 2025–26 application window, over 39,000 students applied and nearly 35,000 were determined eligible. However, funding is limited by annual legislative appropriation. Governor Landry requested $93 million for the program’s first year, which would serve approximately 12,000 students. Not every eligible applicant receives an award — priority groups are funded first.
Quick Facts
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility depends on which phase the program is in when you apply. Here’s what matters for the 2026–27 school year (Phase 2).
Phase 2 Eligibility (2026–27)
Your child is eligible if they are a Louisiana resident AND meet any one of the following:
- Currently participating in the LA GATOR Scholarship Program
- Previously participated in the Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP)
- Was enrolled in a Louisiana public school during the prior school year
- Is entering Kindergarten
- Has a qualifying disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Comes from a family earning at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (~$124,800 for a family of four — this is the Phase 2 expansion)
Key distinction from many other states: LA GATOR is not yet universal. Eligibility expands each year. For 2026–27, most Louisiana families with moderate incomes will qualify, but the highest-income families may need to wait until Phase 3 (2027–28) for full universal access.
Priority Groups (When Funding Is Limited)
Because LA GATOR is funded by annual legislative appropriation, there may not be enough money for every eligible applicant. When funds are limited, awards are prioritized in this order:
- Students currently in LA GATOR or formerly in LSP
- Students with disabilities (IDEA) and students from families earning ≤250% FPL
- Students entering Kindergarten or leaving public school
- All other eligible students (ordered by application submission timestamp — earlier applicants get priority)
How Much Funding Will Your Family Receive?
LA GATOR funding is based on a percentage of Louisiana’s average state and local per-pupil funding through the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP). The amount your family receives depends on your child’s disability status and family income.
2025–26 Funding Tiers
Note: These are 2025–26 amounts. Funding amounts may be adjusted annually by the state legislature. Amounts for 2026–27 will be announced closer to the application window.
How Funds Are Distributed
LA GATOR funds are distributed quarterly through the Odyssey platform. You’ll receive approximately 25% of your annual award each quarter. Families cannot access the full year’s funds upfront.
A Spending Priority You Need to Know
How Does Louisiana Compare?
Louisiana’s funding for special needs students ($15,253) is among the highest in the country. For general education students, the $7,626 amount is competitive with other states, though the phased eligibility and funding-dependent awards mean not every eligible family is guaranteed an award in the early years.
How to Apply
Important Dates (Estimated for 2026–27)
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Go to the Odyssey platform — Visit lagator.la.gov and follow the link to create an account on Odyssey
- Complete the application — Enter your child’s information, grade level, residency documentation, and income verification
- Submit within the application window — Applications submitted earlier get priority within the same priority group. Submit on day one if possible.
- Wait for eligibility determination — LDOE reviews applications and verifies eligibility
- Wait for legislative funding decision — The Louisiana Legislature decides how much money the program receives each year. This happens in the spring legislative session.
- Receive award notification — If funded, you’ll be notified through Odyssey (June/July estimated)
- Set up your account and select providers — Choose schools and service providers through the Odyssey marketplace
Documents You’ll Need
- Proof of Louisiana residency — Utility bill, lease, or state-issued ID
- Child’s identity documentation — Birth certificate or other proof of identity
- Income verification — Tax returns, pay stubs, or other documentation of household income (needed to determine funding tier)
- Disability documentation (if applicable) — Valid IEP or evaluation from a Local Educational Agency for the higher funding tier
- Prior enrollment documentation (if applicable) — If qualifying based on prior LSP participation or public school enrollment
What Can You Spend LA GATOR Funds On?
LA GATOR offers a broad range of approved expense categories. All purchases must be made through the Odyssey platform — families cannot be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
Approved Expense Categories
- Tutoring — Tutoring provided by an approved tutor or tutoring service, including online tutoring platforms like Learner. Learn how Louisiana families can use their GATOR Scholarship funds for online tutoring with Learner.
- Nonpublic school tuition and fees — Over 240 approved nonpublic schools participate
- Curricula and textbooks — Instructional materials, supplemental materials, and online instruction
- Educational therapy — Occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology services (providers must be licensed)
- Career and technical school — Tuition, fees, materials, and exam fees
- Testing and assessments — LEAP tests, AP exams, CLEP, IB exams, SAT, ACT, and other college admissions tests
- Dual enrollment — Tuition and fees for college courses at postsecondary institutions
- Educational technology — Computer hardware and devices primarily for educational use (no gaming computers)
- Online learning programs — Nonpublic online schools and digital learning platforms
- Uniforms — Required school uniforms only (not extracurricular), purchased through participating schools, capped at $150
- Summer and before/after-school programs — Education or childcare programs with academic support
- Public school services — Individual classes and extracurricular activities from participating public schools
- Parent navigation services — Professional consultations to help families select schools, services, and curriculum
- Any other educational expenses approved by BESE — The State Board can approve additional categories
What You Cannot Spend Funds On
- Non-educational purchases
- Gaming computers or devices not primarily for educational use
- Cash withdrawals or transfers to personal accounts
- Items from non-approved providers (all purchases must go through Odyssey)
Using LA GATOR Funds for Tutoring
Tutoring is an explicitly approved expense under the LA GATOR Scholarship Program. The program specifically lists “tutoring provided by a tutor or a tutoring service” as a qualifying educational expense.
What You Need to Know
- Tutors are not required to be licensed under LA GATOR rules — but the Odyssey platform must inform families whether or not a tutor is licensed. This gives parents transparency to make their own decision.
- Both in-person and online tutoring qualify. Louisiana families across the state — from New Orleans to rural parishes — can access tutoring regardless of location.
- Tutoring providers must be approved and listed on Odyssey. Families can only pay for services through the platform.
- Core subjects should be covered first. If you’re using tutoring as your primary educational delivery method (e.g., for homeschool students), make sure your spending plan covers English language arts, math, social studies, and science before allocating to enrichment areas.
How to Find Approved Tutoring Providers
Visit the Odyssey marketplace to browse approved service providers. You can search by category (tutoring, therapy, curriculum, etc.) and see provider details, reviews, and whether tutors are licensed.
The Odyssey Support Center at support.withodyssey.com has detailed guides, FAQs, and video tutorials for finding and selecting providers.
The LDOE Service Providers page at doe.louisiana.gov explains how new providers can apply and what provider types are available.
How Payments Work Through Odyssey
All LA GATOR transactions go through the Odyssey platform — a digital marketplace and payment system designed for education savings accounts. Odyssey is used in several states for ESA programs (including Iowa and other states).
Key Payment Details
- All purchases must go through Odyssey. Families cannot pay out of pocket and request reimbursement. There is no reimbursement option.
- Funds are directed to providers, not families. No cash is exchanged. The LDOE’s program manager transfers funds from the student’s account directly to schools and service providers.
- Refunds go back to the student’s account. If a service is cancelled, the provider must credit the funds back to the student’s ESA within 30 days. Providers cannot give cash refunds to parents.
- Funds are distributed quarterly. Plan your spending around quarterly deposits — you can’t access the full annual amount upfront.
- Service providers need a Stripe account to receive payments through Odyssey. This is handled on the provider side, not the family side.
- Audits are performed to ensure funds are spent on allowable expenses from approved providers.
How to Make a Purchase
- Log into the Odyssey platform
- Browse the marketplace for approved schools and service providers
- Select a provider and service (e.g., tutoring package, curriculum, testing)
- Authorize the payment from your student’s account
- Odyssey transfers the funds to the provider
- The provider delivers the service to your family
Compliance and Program Rules
Assessment Requirements
Students participating in LA GATOR must take a standardized assessment, nationally norm-referenced achievement test, or nationally recognized aptitude assessment each year. Results are shared with parents and reported to the LDOE for aggregate program evaluation.
- High school students (grades 9–12) must also have an updated transcript in the state’s student transcript system, including college credits earned through dual enrollment and AP
- Testing options include the Louisiana LEAP assessment or an LDOE-approved nationally normed test
- Highest test scores on ACT, SAT, CLT, WorkKeys, or ASVAB (if taken) must be reported
Spending Rules
- Funds must be used exclusively for qualified education expenses
- Core academic subjects must be covered first (ELA, math, science, social studies)
- All purchases through Odyssey only — no out-of-pocket reimbursement
- Eligibility must be reverified each year to continue participation
What Happens If You Misuse Funds?
- LDOE notifies the account holder and may require repayment of misused amounts
- LDOE can freeze or withdraw funds from the student’s account
- In serious cases, fraud charges may apply — the program has a fraud reporting system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my family eligible for LA GATOR in 2026–27?
If you’re a Louisiana resident and your family earns at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (~$124,800 for a family of four), you’re likely eligible under Phase 2. Other qualifying criteria include prior LSP or LA GATOR participation, prior public school enrollment, entering Kindergarten, or having a qualifying disability. Meeting eligibility doesn’t guarantee an award — it depends on legislative funding.
When does the 2026–27 application open?
The exact date hasn’t been announced yet. Based on the 2025–26 cycle (March 1 – April 15), expect a similar spring window. Monitor lagator.la.gov or sign up for LDOE email updates.
Can I use LA GATOR funds for online tutoring?
Yes. Tutoring — including online tutoring — is an explicitly approved expense. The tutoring provider must be approved and listed on the Odyssey marketplace. Tutors are not required to be licensed, but the platform discloses their licensing status.
What if I’m eligible but don’t receive an award?
This is possible in the early phases when funding is limited. If you’re eligible but not funded, you would need to wait and reapply for the following year. Applying early and being in a higher priority group improves your chances. The program is expected to grow as the legislature increases appropriations.
Can homeschool families use LA GATOR?
Yes. The program allows families to design customized educational programs using multiple providers, tutors, and curriculum. One allowable use of funds is a custom-designed program where families pay for multiple instructors, tutors, textbooks, and curricula. Homeschool families can use LA GATOR as long as they meet eligibility requirements and ensure core subjects are covered.
Can I use LA GATOR and other scholarship programs at the same time?
Generally, no. Students cannot participate in LA GATOR concurrently with the old LSP (which has ended), certain other state programs, or a registered home study program. However, Act 403 of the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Session allows the Tuition Donation Credit (TDC) program funding to be “stacked” with LA GATOR funding. Check the LDOE FAQ for the most current stacking rules.
What’s the difference between LA GATOR and the old Louisiana Scholarship Program?
The LSP was a voucher — it could only be used for private school tuition. LA GATOR is an ESA (Education Savings Account) — funds go into a family-controlled account that can be spent on a much wider range of educational expenses. Think of it as upgrading from a gift card for one store to a debit card that works at many approved educational vendors.
Can my child participate in public school activities while on LA GATOR?
Yes. Louisiana law allows LA GATOR students to participate in interscholastic athletic activities at public schools under certain conditions outlined in the LHSAA Handbook. Additionally, public school services (individual classes, extracurriculars) are an allowable purchase through the program.
LA GATOR for Specific Family Types
For Homeschool Families
LA GATOR is especially powerful for homeschool families who want to supplement their instruction with professional tutoring, structured curriculum, and specialized services:
- Use funds for online tutoring in subjects where your child needs expert support — advanced math, science, writing, and test prep
- Purchase comprehensive curriculum packages or online course subscriptions
- Cover testing and assessment fees (ACT, SAT, AP, CLEP)
- Add educational therapy if your child has learning differences
- Access dual enrollment courses at Louisiana colleges
Key reminder: Your spending plan must cover core subjects (ELA, math, science, social studies) before allocating funds to enrichment or electives.
For Private School Families
If your child attends one of the 240+ participating nonpublic schools, LA GATOR funds are primarily used for tuition. But if your school’s tuition is less than your award amount, remaining funds can go toward:
- Supplemental tutoring in challenging subjects
- Test preparation (ACT, SAT) for college-bound high schoolers
- Curriculum materials and educational technology
- Dual enrollment courses
Note: Starting with the 2026–27 school year, funds may be used to pay for more than one school or provider — giving families even more flexibility.
For Special Needs Families
Families of students with qualifying disabilities receive the highest funding tier — up to $15,253 per year. This can cover:
- Specialized private school or program placement
- One-on-one tutoring tailored to your child’s IEP goals
- Educational therapy services (speech, OT, behavioral, physical, audiology)
- Assistive technology and adaptive learning tools
- Parent navigation services to help design the right educational program
At $15,253, Louisiana’s special needs funding is among the most generous ESA programs in the country — enough to cover specialized school placement plus additional services like tutoring and therapy.
For Families Transitioning from Public School
If your child is currently in public school and you’re considering a change:
- Determine eligibility — Prior public school enrollment is one of the qualifying criteria
- Apply during the spring window as early as possible — timestamp determines priority within your group
- Research schools and providers on the Odyssey marketplace while waiting for your award decision
- If awarded, set up your account over the summer and begin using funds in the fall
Even if you’re not sure about leaving public school, it may be worth applying. You can explore your options and make a final decision once you know whether you’ve been awarded.
Helpful Resources
- LA GATOR Program Page (LDOE) — Official program hub with eligibility, funding, application info, and news
- LA GATOR FAQ — Official answers to common family questions
- LA GATOR Families Page — Eligibility details, funding tiers, and prioritization
- LA GATOR Service Providers Page — Information for current and prospective providers
- Odyssey Support Center — Step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and FAQs for the Odyssey platform
- Approved Expenses Guide (Odyssey) — Detailed breakdown of what you can and cannot purchase
- EdChoice — LA GATOR Profile — Independent research and program overview
- Pelican Policy Institute — LA GATOR Guide — Nonprofit resource on the program and school choice in Louisiana
Key Takeaways
- LA GATOR is Louisiana’s first ESA — replacing the old voucher-only LSP with flexible education savings accounts.
- Phase 2 (2026–27) expands eligibility to families earning up to 400% FPL. Universal eligibility comes in Phase 3 (2027–28).
- Funding: up to $7,626 general / $15,253 special needs. Amounts may be adjusted annually.
- Funding is not guaranteed. Awards depend on annual legislative appropriation. Demand exceeded supply in Year 1 (35,000 eligible, ~12,000 funded).
- Apply early. Within each priority group, earlier timestamps get priority. Submit on day one.
- Tutoring is an explicitly approved expense. Online tutoring qualifies. Tutors don’t need to be licensed, but status is disclosed.
- All transactions go through Odyssey. No out-of-pocket reimbursement. All purchases through the platform only.
- Core subjects must be funded first (ELA, math, science, social studies) before enrichment or elective spending.
This guide is for informational purposes and reflects the best available information as of February 2026. For the most current program details, visit the LA GATOR program page at doe.louisiana.gov/la-gator.
Last updated: February 2026
