Across Louisiana, families are ready for alternatives to traditional schools. They are looking for learning environments where their children are seen, supported, and challenged as individuals. They want flexibility, personalization, and a stronger connection between how their children learn and how they will succeed in the real world.
As a family that was once searching for those same options, I understand the challenges families face when navigating Louisiana’s educational system. Both of my gifted children attended public schools in the state. Over time, we became disillusioned with the enrichment opportunities available and the lack of resources to truly support and challenge them. Ultimately, our family made the decision to homeschool. As a veteran public-school educator with over 18 years of experience, I have also seen firsthand how many families feel left behind, whether their child is advanced or struggling.
Our family was not alone. I heard from many families who wanted something different, a place where their children could be seen, heard, and thrive regardless of their academic level. That demand led me to start FIVE Microschool. FIVE was intentionally designed to serve both academically gifted students and those who need additional support, offering flexibility, personalized learning, and meaningful connections that many families are seeking.
Governor Jeff Landry’s push to expand the LA GATOR Education Savings Account program reflects that same demand for choice. In 2025, nearly 40,000 families applied for ESA access. As an approved vendor, FIVE Microschool was open to families seeking an alternative for students in grades K–8. At one point, we had more than 30 families enrolled and ready to move forward.
When the legislature declined to fully fund the expansion, it limited how many families could actually access options that fit their children’s needs. I think about one mother in particular. She enrolled her two children in FIVE because she knew they needed something different. She even accepted a lower-paying job with more flexible hours so she could be present and support them. She did everything right. She researched her options and chose what she believed would help her children thrive. In the end, her family did not receive funding and could not afford to pay out of pocket.
She still reaches out to me regularly, at least once a month, sharing how much she wishes her children had the opportunity to attend FIVE. Her story is not unique. It reflects the reality of many families who are trying to make the best decisions for their children but are limited by inconsistent access to funding.
The proposed $87 million in funding, already approved by the Louisiana House, shows that there is recognition of what families are asking for. What remains concerning is the possibility that the Louisiana Senate Finance Committee could scale that funding back or remove it. That decision would directly impact families who are trying to plan and make informed choices about their children’s education.
We are already seeing the effects of uncertainty. Last year, nearly 40,000 families applied for ESA access. This year, that number dropped to around 17,000. That shift does not reflect a lack of interest. It reflects a lack of confidence. When families are unsure whether support will be available, they stop planning for it.
Stable funding is what allows a program like this to function as intended. When funding aligns with demand, families can plan with confidence, and providers can build sustainable programs that meet the needs of their communities. Access to educational options should not depend on a family’s ability to pay out of pocket.
Fully funding the $87 million for LA GATOR is about responding to what families have already made clear. The demand is there. Families are asking for options that fit their children, and they deserve consistent access to those opportunities. Louisiana has the chance to move in that direction. Parents have already shown what they want through their applications and the decisions they are trying to make. Now the state has to meet them there.
