School mode or marketplace mode
An LA GATOR student is either enrolled full time at an approved school, which the account pays directly, or learning at home, in which case the money is spent in the Odyssey marketplace on approved items from registered providers. A family picks one per year. Purchases made outside the platform are not paid back.
Check your registration first
Louisiana homeschoolers usually register as a BESE-approved home study program or as a nonpublic school not seeking state approval. Neither can run at the same time as an LA GATOR account. Families in Vermilion, Evangeline or St. Martin Parish who have homeschooled for years should call the program line at 225-422-1538 before applying, so they know what they would give up and when to make the switch.
A funded year at home
- An accredited online core program (see the online Christian school page).
- Reading or math tutoring from a registered tutor.
- College courses for older students, from a registered provider.
- Speech, occupational or behavioral therapy.
- Exam fees, an evaluation if needed, and a computer within the program caps.
French at home
Many Acadiana families want their children to keep or learn French. Curriculum and online language courses are approved categories when bought from registered providers, so a French course can be part of a funded home-based year if the provider you want is listed in the marketplace.
Plan by quarter
The account fills in four deposits. Large purchases, such as a full curriculum or a laptop, often have to wait for the second deposit.
Co-ops and hybrids
A homeschool co-op can be paid only if it is registered as a marketplace provider. A hybrid school that is on the BESE-approved list counts as full-time enrollment and is billed as tuition instead. Ask which it is before you sign up. If you run a co-op that is not registered, the partner page explains the options.