Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, Louisiana students will have greater access to a diverse selection of high-quality courses thanks to a recent legislative change. The passage of a 2024 state law expanded the states Course Choice program, a move designed to provide students with increased educational opportunities beyond those available at their local schools, as per this news release from LDOE. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) presented these policy updates during the Superintendents’ Advisory Council, highlighting the program’s role in supporting career and college readiness while strengthening parental involvement in course selection.

Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley emphasized the significance of these updates, explaining that they not only broaden the academic choices available to families but also ensure that students receive a meaningful high school experience. He praised the state legislature for enhancing the program in a way that aligns financial resources with coursework
that better prepares students for both higher education and the workforce.

Initially launched in June 2012, the Course Choice program provides Louisiana students with the opportunity to enroll in courses beyond those traditionally offered at their schools. This includes access to college and university classes, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and internship opportunities. Schools receive a $70 per-student allocation for students in grades 7-12 to help cover tuition and fees for these courses, as long as they are offered by providers approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
(BESE). By expanding course availability, this initiative supports early college credit, careertraining, and helps students stay on track toward graduation.

With the passage of Act 91 during the 2024 Legislative Session, the program has been further refined to reinforce parental choice and expand funding priorities. These adjustments ensure that students can enroll in courses that align with their individual academic and career goals while also prioritizing resources for programs that enhance workforce readiness and academic success. One of the major changes under Act 91 is the refinement of funding priorities. Schools are now required to allocate Course Choice funds to courses that support Louisiana’s emphasis on career and college preparation.

Another major component of the revised Course Choice program is its focus on increasing parental involvement in their child’s academic planning. Under the new policy, parents now have the explicit right to choose courses that align with their child’s academic and career aspirations, provided that the student meets the necessary prerequisites and funding is available.Additionally, schools must ensure that students and their families receive proper guidance when selecting courses to align with graduation pathways and career plans.

To enhance transparency and accessibility, schools are also required to provide clear and comprehensive information about Course Choice opportunities, including details on funding priorities. Parents must be actively consulted before a student is enrolled in a Course Choice class, and schools must obtain written consent to ensure that the selected courses are academically appropriate based on the student’s chosen graduation pathway.

Furthermore, school systems must inform families about the full range of Course Choice options and their right to select a provider that best meets their needs. This ensures that students are enrolled in courses that contribute meaningfully to their academic and professional development.

With these new policy changes, Louisiana is taking significant steps toward expanding educational access and ensuring that all students, regardless of their school’s offerings, have opportunities to pursue rigorous academic coursework and career training. By reinforcing parental choice and strategically allocating funding, the state is better equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need for success beyond high school.

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