In 2024 Governor Jeff Landry signed Act 1 into law, creating Louisiana's first-ever Education Savings Account program — the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program. Launched for the 2025–2026 school year, the program replaced the old Louisiana Scholarship Program with something far more flexible, giving families state funds that can be used for private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum, educational therapy, and more.
Education Interventions is an approved Louisiana LA GATOR vendor. Here's everything you need to know about using these funds for certified virtual literacy tutoring.
What Is Louisiana's LA GATOR Scholarship?
The LA GATOR (Giving All True Opportunity to Rise) Scholarship Program is Louisiana's first ESA — replacing the old Louisiana Scholarship Program starting with the 2025–2026 school year. Unlike the old LSP voucher which could only be used for private school tuition, LA GATOR gives families a flexible scholarship account they can spend across a wide range of approved educational expenses including tutoring.
The program is managed by the Louisiana Department of Education and administered through the Odyssey platform. Funds are distributed quarterly — approximately 25% of the annual award each quarter. All purchases and tuition payments are made through the Odyssey platform and families cannot be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
Who Qualifies for LA GATOR?
For the 2025–2026 school year (Phase 1), a student must be a Louisiana resident ages 5–21 and meet at least one of the following criteria:
Priority groups: Students who participated in the Louisiana Scholarship Program in 2024–2025, students with a disability under IDEA, students from families with income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (~$80,000 for a family of four), students who were enrolled in a Louisiana public school on both October 1 and February 1 of the prior school year, incoming kindergarteners, and siblings of current LA GATOR or LSP students.
For the 2026–2027 school year (Phase 2), eligibility expands to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level (~$124,800 for a family of four). The program aims to reach universal eligibility by 2027–2028.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Check the Application Window
Applications for 2026–2027 open in spring 2026 — expect a similar timeline to the 2025–26 window which was March 1 – April 15. Monitor lagator.la.gov for the official application date and sign up for email updates from the Louisiana Department of Education.
Apply Through the Odyssey Platform
All applications are submitted through the Odyssey Platform. You'll need your Social Security Number or ITIN for income verification with the Louisiana Department of Revenue, plus documentation of your child's eligibility.
Submit Income Verification
Income verification uses your 2023 or 2024 federal tax return (Form 1040). For students qualifying through disability or prior LSP participation, income verification requirements may differ.
Receive Award Notification and Access Funds
Approved families receive notification and can access their scholarship account through the Odyssey Platform. Funds are distributed quarterly. First funding for 2025–26 was released in early July 2025.
Select Education Interventions
Education Interventions is an approved LA GATOR service provider. Contact us and we'll walk you through the Odyssey payment process. Your child can begin virtual tutoring sessions as soon as payment is confirmed.
Using LA GATOR Funds for Tutoring — What You Need to Know
LA GATOR funds must first support your student's learning in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. After these core academic areas are covered — through school tuition, curriculum, or instructional services — remaining funds can be used for tutoring and other approved expenses.
For homeschool families and students not paying private school tuition, this means your full LA GATOR award can go directly toward expert literacy tutoring. For families using LA GATOR for both private school and tutoring, remaining funds after tuition can cover your tutoring sessions.
✅ Certified teachers only — Every tutor holds a teaching certification. No college students or uncredentialed tutors.
✅ Orton-Gillingham inspired structured literacy — Research-based methods proven especially effective for students with dyslexia and reading differences.
✅ 100% virtual — Expert support from anywhere in Louisiana — New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, or rural communities.
✅ Regular progress reports — Full transparency with every family we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child attended public school last year. Do they qualify?
Students who were enrolled in a Louisiana public school on both October 1 and February 1 of the prior school year are eligible to apply. This is one of the qualifying pathways for Phase 1 of the program.
What if I don't get funded this year?
If demand exceeds funding (which happened in 2025–26), priority groups are funded first. If you're not funded, apply again the following year. Families who received LA GATOR in a prior year get priority in subsequent years — so getting in early matters for long-term access.
Can I use LA GATOR for a homeschooled child?
Yes — homeschooling families can participate in LA GATOR. However, students registered in a home study program with the department as a nonpublic school not seeking state approval are not eligible. Check the specific homeschool registration requirements with the Louisiana Department of Education.
Is annual testing required?
Yes — a standardized assessment, nationally norm-referenced achievement test, or nationally recognized aptitude assessment is required to participate in the LA GATOR program. The Louisiana Department of Education collects this data to evaluate the program annually.
Ready to Use Your Louisiana LA GATOR Funds?
Education Interventions is an approved Louisiana LA GATOR service provider. Contact us today and we'll walk you through exactly how to use your Odyssey platform funds for expert virtual literacy tutoring — reading, writing, and spelling for K–12 students across Louisiana.
Contact Us Today →Sources: Louisiana Department of Education — LA GATOR Scholarship (doe.louisiana.gov/la-gator); Learner.com — Louisiana ESA Complete Guide (2026); Outschool — Louisiana LA GATOR Guide; MySchoolChoice — Louisiana GATOR ESA. Program details change annually — always verify current information at lagator.la.gov.