Louisiana Department of Education

What Louisiana Department of Education does

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is a state government agency serving as the administrative arm of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), established by the 1974 Louisiana Constitution. LDOE oversees publicly-funded education from early childhood through grade 12 across Louisiana's 64 parishes, serving over 800,000 students in traditional public schools, charter schools, BESE-approved nonpublic schools, and home study programs. The agency administers academic standards (Louisiana Student Standards), statewide assessments (LEAP, LEAP 360, LEAP Connect), accountability scoring (Grow. Achieve. Thrive.), educator certification via EdLink and the Louisiana Educator Portal, and educator evaluation through the LEADS framework.

The operational portfolio centers on three technology platforms: Louisiana CAFE for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) applications, EdLink for educator credentialing, and Odyssey as the LA GATOR Education Scholarship Account family portal — supplemented by Parchment integration for electronic transcript exchange and LouisianaSchools.com as the statewide school discovery directory. Programs span financial assistance (CCAP subsidies, LA GATOR ESAs awarding $5,243-$15,253 per student, Louisiana Scholarship Program tuition assistance), school choice oversight (charter authorization, BESE-approved home study), early childhood network coordination (65 community networks covering all publicly-funded Pre-K, child care, and Head Start), and college/career readiness (Course Choice, Jump Start, dual enrollment, TOPS coordination).

LDOE does not generate commercial revenue. Funding flows from state legislative appropriations, the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) for K-12 distribution, and federal education grants — recently expanded by the Returning Education to the States Waiver. Programs are delivered direct-to-consumer through web portals, a statewide call center, the Ask LDOE inquiry hub, and dedicated events including the Teacher Leader Summit and Early Childhood Conference. Leadership is provided by State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley alongside Deputy Superintendents, with governance through the 11-member BESE board (8 elected, 3 gubernatorial appointments).

Name

Louisiana Department of Education

Legal name

Louisiana Department of Education

Website

https://doe.louisiana.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Louisiana Department of Education is the state government agency overseeing publicly-funded early childhood through K-12 education for 800,000+ students across Louisiana, administering assessments (LEAP), accountability (Grow. Achieve. Thrive.), the LA GATOR scholarship program, CCAP child care subsidies, and educator certification as the administrative arm of BESE.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

State Education Agency Services

NAICS

Administration of Education Programs (923110), Administration of Education Programs (92311), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

State/Provincial Education Department Administration (BPAIABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

National/Federal Ministries & Departments of Education (EDADAAAA), Tuition Assistance & Voucher/ESA Program Administration (EDADAHAF), Accountability & Performance Frameworks (School/District/Institution Ratings) (EDADAIAD), National/State Curriculum & Standards Authorities (EDADAEAA), Civics, Citizenship & Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards Authorities (EDADAEAL)

Keywords

• K-12 public education
• State education agency
• Early childhood education
• School accountability systems
• Educator certification services

Headquarters

HQ city

Baton Rouge

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. State Education Funding: The LDOE serves as the administrative arm of BESE and oversees the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), which is Louisiana's primary system for funding public schools. The department distributes state and federal education funds to school systems and early childhood programs.
2. Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): CCAP helps eligible Louisiana families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. Payments go directly to approved child care providers.
3. LA GATOR Scholarship Program: Education scholarship accounts (ESAs) provided to eligible families through legislative appropriation. Awards range from $5,243 to $15,253 per student depending on disability status and family income level.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Louisiana Department of Education is the state education agency administering K-12 public education, early childhood programs, and educator oversight across Louisiana. It sets academic standards, administers the LEAP assessment system, operates the Grow. Achieve. Thrive. school accountability framework, distributes funding through the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), and delivers family-facing programs including the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and LA GATOR Education Scholarship Accounts. It serves more than 800,000 students through traditional public schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and home study programs.

Product overview

The Louisiana Department of Education operates a comprehensive education ecosystem serving over 800,000 students across early childhood through K-12. The portfolio includes: core assessment and accountability products (LEAP, LEAP Connect, LEAP 360, Grow. Achieve. Thrive. accountability system, K-3 Literacy Screener, Numeracy Screener); family-facing programs (LA GATOR Scholarship Program, Child Care Assistance Program via CAFE portal, Course Choice, BESE-Approved Home Study, Louisiana Scholarship Program); educator tools (Louisiana Educator Portal on EdLink, LEADS evaluation system, Teacher Leader Summit); and discovery/communication platforms (Louisiana School Finder, EC Learn Platform, Parent Guides for assessments). The LA GATOR ESA program, launched in 2025, represents the state's flagship education choice expansion, while LEAP serves as the central assessment framework feeding into the Grow. Achieve. Thrive. accountability system. Programs are delivered through web portals including Odyssey (LA GATOR), CAFE (CCAP), and EdLink (Educator Portal), with Parchment integrated for transcript services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LA GATOR Scholarship Program Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program provides education scholarship accounts (ESAs) to eligible families, allowing personalized education by using state funds for approved expenses including nonpublic school tuition, tutoring, therapies, textbooks, curricula, dual enrollment, and uniforms. Managed through the Odyssey family portal platform. Award amounts range up to $15,253 for students with qualifying disabilities, $7,626 for families earning at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, and $5,243 for other eligible students.
• LEAP (Louisiana Educational Assessment Program) Comprehensive statewide assessment system measuring student knowledge and skills in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies for grades 3-12. Student performance is reported across five achievement levels: Unsatisfactory, Approaching Basic, Basic, Mastery, and Advanced. Results drive accountability calculations under the Grow. Achieve. Thrive. system and inform school performance scoring.
• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Subsidy program helping eligible Louisiana families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. Families apply and manage cases through the Louisiana CAFE online portal. Payments go directly to approved child care providers including licensed child care centers, family child care providers, and school-based early learning programs.
• Course Choice Program Program giving public school students in grades 7-12 access to high-value courses including dual enrollment, AP classes, and career technical training. Courses are offered by approved providers statewide at no cost to eligible students. Priority given to graduation requirements, TOPS courses, and students in low-performing schools.
• Louisiana School Finder (LouisianaSchools.com) Statewide searchable directory of schools and early childhood centers, allowing families to find and compare educational options in their community. Includes child care provider search, school performance scores, and early childhood performance profiles.
• Louisiana K-3 Literacy Screener Mandatory literacy assessment for all Louisiana public school students in grades K-3, provided at beginning and end of year. Screeners measure skills predictive of reading success and categorize students as Well Above Level, On Level, Below Level, or Well Below Level. Results give teachers real-time data to identify reading gaps and provide targeted support.
• LEADS (Louisiana Educator Advancement and Development System) Educator evaluation and advancement system designed to improve teacher effectiveness through job-embedded collaboration structures and ongoing coaching. Component of the Louisiana educator support framework ensuring an effective teacher for every student.
• Louisiana Educator Portal (LEP) Online portal for educator certification management, allowing teachers to maintain credentials, track certification status, and access professional development resources. Part of EdLink suite of educator tools.
• Grow. Achieve. Thrive. Accountability System Louisiana's revised K-12 school accountability system setting three expectations: grow academically each year, reach proficiency in core subjects, and graduate ready for a career, college, or service. Uses multiple measures including LEAP assessment data to calculate School Performance Scores.
• EC Learn Platform Online platform providing resources and support for early childhood educators and providers in Louisiana's Early Childhood Care and Education Network, which comprises 65 local early childhood community networks serving every publicly-funded Pre-K, child care, and Head Start program within the state.
• BESE-Approved Home Study Program State-approved homeschool program allowing Louisiana families to independently educate their children. Parents maintain complete control over curriculum selection, grade placement, and instruction. Students are considered in compliance with compulsory attendance laws upon BESE approval.
• Louisiana Scholarship Program School choice program providing tuition assistance to eligible students, enabling attendance at participating private schools. Former participants transitioning to LA GATOR continue receiving the same award amount until completing final grade or leaving the school.
• Louisiana CAFE (Consumer Application for Families) Online portal system for families to apply for and manage CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) benefits, upload required documents, report changes to their case, and check application or case status. Available 24/7 for Louisiana families at cafe-cp.doe.louisiana.gov.
• Student Transcript System (STS) Electronic transcript exchange system enabling schools and districts to submit permanent records to the Louisiana Department of Education. Partners with Parchment to provide secure, confidential transcript delivery to institutions, organizations, or individuals of choice. Most verification requests processed within 3 business days with a graduation verification fee of $15.
• Numeracy Screener Mathematics assessment tool aligned with Louisiana's comprehensive numeracy strategy, measuring student understanding from foundational to advanced skills. Part of Louisiana Math initiative supporting long-term student success.

Quantifiable outcome

• Louisiana improved from 49th to 32nd nationally on The Nation's Report Card (2019-2024)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBESE was established by the 1974 Louisiana Constitution and is composed of 11 members: eight elected by citizens of Louisiana's eight BESE districts, and three appointed by the governor. LDOE serves as the administrative arm of BESE, which adopts and enacts policies governing Louisiana's elementary and secondary schools.
• Louisiana Board of RegentsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency overseeing higher education in Louisiana. Partners with LDOE on college readiness initiatives including dual enrollment, TOPS scholarship program, and career/college preparation pathways.
• Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with LDOE on Jump Start career pathways, dual enrollment opportunities, and technical education alignment between K-12 and postsecondary systems.
• Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with LDOE on early childhood initiatives including CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) and services for children with disabilities and families in need.
• Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid (LOSFA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with LDOE on TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) and other state financial aid programs for higher education.
• Collaborative ClassroommajorTechnology or IntegrationNonprofit organization that developed the Every Child Ready curriculum, which received LDOE's top Tier 1 'Exemplifies Quality' rating for PreK classrooms. Demonstrated measurable gains in Ascension Parish pilot classrooms including higher CLASS scores and stronger literacy outcomes.
• Families Helping Families NetworkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted, family-driven resource hub for individuals with disabilities. Provides one-on-one guidance, information, referral, peer support, education, training, and advocacy for families of children with disabilities.
• OdysseycoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology platform provider for LA GATOR Scholarship Program. Odyssey serves as the family portal where families apply, manage accounts, select schools and services, and complete purchases and tuition payments through the platform.
• ParchmentmajorTechnology or IntegrationPartner for electronic transcript exchange. LDOE partnered with Parchment to securely send high school transcripts and education verifications electronically. Service available 24/7 for alumni to request transcripts and send to institutions of choice.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Texas Education Agency: State education agency for Texas with comparable regulatory scope over K-12 funding, accountability, and assessment. Closest operational analog in scale and structure to LDOE.
• Florida Department of Education: State education agency with similarly aggressive school choice and ESA expansion policies. Strong comparable on education freedom framework and accountability design.
• West Virginia Department of Education: State agency of similar size and rural-state demographic profile, with overlapping K-12 oversight responsibilities and an ESA program (Hope Scholarship).
• Indiana Department of Education: Operates the Choice Scholarship program, one of the largest state ESA-like voucher initiatives, making it a direct comparable to LA GATOR's design and administration.
• Ohio Department of Education and Workforce: Oversees comparable functions including EdChoice scholarship administration, report-card accountability, and educator licensure — direct structural analog to LDOE.
• Arizona Department of Education: Administers Arizona's universal ESA program (Empowerment Scholarship Accounts), a flagship model that Louisiana's LA GATOR draws on. Strong comparable for ESA policy design and oversight.
• Tennessee Department of Education: Mid-size state education agency that has pursued similar academic-outcome reforms (e.g., TNReady, TVAAS) and accountability redesigns, making it a relevant policy peer.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Department of Education: Federal counterpart that administers Title I, FERPA, and the waivers LDOE depends on. Sets the regulatory framework within which LDOE operates.
• California Department of Education: Largest U.S. state education agency by student count; comparable in scale of operations and breadth of program portfolio even though policy direction differs.
• New York State Education Department: Large state education agency with comparable oversight of standards, assessment, and educator certification. Useful broader reference point on regulatory maturity.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/doelouisiana
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LDEcomm
• Facebookfacebook.com/doe.louisiana
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/louisiana-department-of-education
• Instagraminstagram.com/doe.louisiana

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Louisiana Department of Education