The Southwest Louisiana school funding blog
Reporting and explainers on LA GATOR, STO scholarships and private school costs for families in Lake Charles, Sulphur, Jennings, DeRidder and the rest of Southwest Louisiana.
One school or none: LA GATOR outside Calcasieu Parish
Jefferson Davis, Beauregard and Allen parishes each have exactly one BESE-approved school, and Cameron has none. What that means for families in Jennings, DeRidder, Oberlin and Cameron, and how they are using the account.
Read →October 8, 2026College credit before graduation: SOWELA, McNeese and the LA GATOR marketplace
Lake Charles has two public colleges that teach high schoolers, and SOWELA says its courses are open to private and homeschool students. How dual enrollment fits a LA GATOR account, and the questions to settle before you register.
Read →October 5, 2026Six schools, 2,015 students: what the state's list says about Catholic schooling in Lake Charles
The Diocese of Lake Charles runs five K-8 schools and one high school, and together they teach most of Southwest Louisiana's private-school students. A close read of the 2025-26 approval list, and what it means for a family budgeting LA GATOR.
Read →Find out what your child's account would pay for here
A few quick questions. An advisor phones back with your likely award, which Southwest Louisiana schools can take it, and how to cover any balance.