The LA GATOR Scholarship Program (2026) provides educational scholarship accounts (ESAs) to Louisiana families. This program allows parents to personalize their child’s high school education by using state-funded accounts for diverse learning needs. You can secure funding for private school tuition, textbooks, and dual enrollment courses through this initiative.
The Louisiana Department of Education administers the LA GATOR Program. This scholarship replaces the old Louisiana Scholarship Program. Eligible families receive flexible funding. These funds empower parents.
You must complete the online application for LA GATOR scholarship program via the Odyssey platform to participate in the 2026-2027 school year. The program requires proof of residency, income verification, and student identification. Use the detailed steps below to meet eligibility criteria and submit your entry before the spring deadline.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: K-12 (including all High School grades 9-12).
- Location: Louisiana, USA.
- Institution(s): State-approved nonpublic schools and service providers.
- Program Period: Annual award for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Course offered: Core academic subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) and approved electives.
- Deadline: Mid-April 2026 (exact date usually April 15).
LA GATOR Scholarship Program Coverage
The LA GATOR Scholarship provides tiered funding based on student needs and household income. For the 2026 cycle, students with a qualifying disability can receive up to $15,253 in annual funding. Families earning at or below 250% of the federal poverty level receive an award of $7,626, while other eligible students receive $5,243.
You can use these funds for three specific educational costs: nonpublic school tuition, tutoring services, and dual enrollment fees. The account also covers essential learning materials such as textbooks, specialized curricula, and required school uniforms. High school students may further use the funds for postsecondary entrance exams like the ACT, SAT, and Advanced Placement (AP) tests.
Eligibility Criteria
There are four primary eligibility requirements for high school students applying for the LA GATOR Scholarship. You must be a legal resident of Louisiana to qualify. Applicants must be between 5 and 21 years of age by September 30, 2026. Your household must meet one of three priority categories: previous participation in the state voucher program, current enrollment in a public school, or an income at or below 250% of the federal poverty line. You must agree to participate in state-approved assessments in ELA and mathematics.
Application Process To LA GATOR Scholarship Program
To apply for the LA GATOR scholarship program, visit the official Odyssey application platform during the open window in early 2026. You must create a parent/guardian profile using your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. Add each eligible student to your account by providing their full name and birth certificate details.
Upload two documents to prove Louisiana residency, such as a utility bill, a mortgage statement, or a lease agreement. You must provide income verification by uploading your most recent 1040 Federal Tax Form, if your eligibility is based on financial need. Select your desired participating high school from the state-approved list within the portal.
Review all entered information for accuracy before final submission to avoid delays. You will receive an award notification via email between April and June 2026, if the legislature approves the program’s funding. Once notified, you must log back into the Odyssey marketplace to authorize payments to your chosen school or service providers.
Deadline
The application window for the LA GATOR scholarship program 2026-2027 school year opens in late February 2026 and closes on April 15, 2026. You must submit all supporting documentation by this date to receive priority consideration. Awards are subject to state budget appropriations, so early submission is highly recommended.
