What schools are eligible to participate in the program through Aspiring Scholars?
All Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Diocese of Baton Rouge are eligible to participate. Schools are not required to submit a notice of intent to participate to the Louisiana Department of Education before enrolling a student with a scholarship from a School Tuition Organization. Rather, schools should coordinate directly with Aspiring Scholars as the School Tuition Organization (STO) who issued the student scholarship.
Can nonpublic schools participate in both the LA GATOR and the Tuition Donation Credit Program? If so, do schools have any enrollment restrictions?
Schools may participate in both scholarship programs. Schools that participate in the Tuition Donation Credit Program and the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program that have been approved, provisionally approved, or probationally approved for less than two years cannot exceed 20% of the school's total enrollment with students from these two programs.
How are schools paid?
School Tuition Organizations distribute quarterly payments via mail to each participating school (September, December, February, and May). These quarterly payment checks are issued to the parents of the scholarship student. Parents must restrictively endorse the check for deposit in to the school’s account.
Are TDC scholarship students required to take state tests?
Students are required to take state tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Results are publicly reported but do not impact a school’s participation in the program. Aspiring Scholars will pay to administer state tests for scholarship students.
What are the school’s financial responsibilities?
Schools are not required to submit an annual scholarship financial report. However, the Louisiana Department of Education may ask schools to submit documentation to help verify scholarship payments from Aspiring Scholars.
How can a participating school grow Aspiring Scholars funding for their students?
The best way for the school to increase funding available for their students is to promote to their families and communities about how to donate to Aspiring Scholars. Since directing already existing individual or business tax liabilities comes at very low personal cost, businesses and individuals of all income levels can participate. Donors can direct their funds to your school (and at least one other), which assures that their donation stays within your community. You can find resources for schools and partners here. If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected].