STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES

School Choice Pilot Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities

In 2010, lawmakers passed by Act 515, creating the School Choice Pilot Program.  The program, which will provide families of eligible students with tuition assistance to attend approved schools that offer exceptional needs programs, began during the 2011-2012 school year and will be offered in parishes with a population of 190,000 or more.  Based on 2000 Census data, qualifying parishes include Caddo, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany. 

The estimated value of the tuition certificate is $3,000. The amount of the tuition assistance cannot exceed the amount of the non-public school's tuition. And if the school’s tuition amount is more than the certificate value ($3,000), the difference will be paid by the student's parents or guardians.

Families selected for participation will be notified by April 30, 2012.