Louisiana Digital Learning Landscape
| State virtual school? | NO |
| Multi-district fully online schools? | YES |
| Online learning requirement for graduation? | NO |
| State approval process for online providers? | YES |
| State approval process for online courses? | NO |
Louisiana has two multi-district fully online charter schools, a number of district programs, and a statewide Supplemental Course Academy, part of the Louisiana Department of Education. There is no state virtual school.
The two fully online schools enrolled 5,626 students during the 2021-22 SY. The virtual charters enrolled 5,415 full-time students in SY 2020-21 and 5,164 in the 2019-20 SY. Many districts offer full-time options for resident students.
The Supplemental Course Academy (SCA) lists courses from 40 providers that are offered to K–12 students statewide as of September 2022. Providers must submit a request for application to the SCA for approval. The SCA also has a supplemental dual enrollment program with 29 community college and university providers.
There are several hybrid schools in the state including:
The eLearning Academy combines online curriculum and instruction with learning centers in Thibodaux, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Houma.
In addition to enrolling full-time students from across the state, the Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy also has a hybrid program that gives students the opportunity for face-to-face instruction and remediation through its Blended Learning Centers in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Alexandria, Shreveport, and Monroe.
Apple Digital Academy offers blended learning programs for students K-12, including an alternative learning program for expelled students.
District programs include:
St. Mary Parish School District Virtual Learning Program provides a full-time option for in-district students grades 6-12 and supplemental courses for both in- and out-of-district students grades 8-12.
St. James Parish School District Virtual Academy offers part- and full-time options for students in grades kK-12 with access to local learning labs for additional support.
St. Martin Parish School District’s Virtual Learning Program offers a full-time option for grades 3-12.
St. Tammany Parish Public School System’s A3 Virtual Academy offers full-time options for high school students in the district.
Jefferson Virtual High School, a program of Jefferson Parish Schools, provides full-time options for high school students.
Virtual Academy of Lafourche is a charter school enrolling students full-time in grades K-12.
State Policies
No major legislation impacting online and/or blended learning was passed January through August 2022.
Code §236.3 defines a “Virtual school” and provides guidance to districts on attendance requirements for virtual students.