The Online Schools Directory

Online Schools: Lousiana

Louisiana has always been an important piece of land in the history of the United States, from the French settlement to the Louisiana Purchase. The purchase of the state and the surrounding territories was a huge moment in U.S. expansion, especially because of the access to the Mississippi River, which was a trade gateway. Louisiana life encompasses a wide range of world cultures including French, Creole, and Cajun. Due to this, Louisiana is has almost 30 schools with French language immersion programs, where students learn English and French equally.

With the passing of the Academic Freedom Law in Louisiana, it is clear not every aspect of Louisiana’s education system is as progressive as the immersion schools. This law has been branded as the “anti-evolution” law, as it allows teachers to forgo teaching evolution, cloning, global warming, and other scientific advancements. Despite this, online schools in Louisiana have had major legislative boosts with Senate Bill 46. The bill raises awareness of the virtual school option to all students and parents, as well as provides access for all students. If classes aren’t offered at a particular public school, students can take the course for free online. Under this bill, all Louisiana high schools are required to recognize online course credits toward earning a degree, starting in 2012.

While Louisiana’s online schools are still relatively young, there are multiple public high school options available on the web. The two major online schools are Louisiana Virtual School (LAVS) and Louisiana Connections Academy, both of which offer instruction in the core classes, electives, clubs, activities, and field trips like traditional schools. SAT preparation courses and college credit classes are also available. Both schools are dedicated to ensuring that every student is prepared for college, with access to college and career counselors.

State Library of Louisiana offers a few free academic resources for distance learning students. The most prominent program is Homework Louisiana, which provides gratis online tutoring from live tutors for any in-need students. The service is available 24 hours a day.

Louisiana two and four-year colleges also offer distance learning programs. Louisiana State University, the University of Louisiana, and Louisiana Tech University are among the colleges that offer degree programs that can be completed solely online. The University of Louisiana recently created the E-Learning Support Fund, which is used to build comprehensive online student resources. The fund also eases the tuition costs for each course, so that distance learning can continue to be an affordable option.

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