✅ What is school choice?

Answer:
🎒 School choice means you get to choose where your child learns best.
💡 That could be:

• 🏫 Public or charter school

• 🏠 Homeschool

• 💻 Online school

• 🏫Community-based program (like On the Bayou!)

The state may even help pay for your child to learn somewhere better for them.
🔗 Learn more: Louisiana School Choice Info

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✅ Is On the Bayou Academic Village a school?

Answer:
🟣 No, we’re not a public or private school.
🏡 We are a learning hub—a safe, structured space where kids come to:

• 📘 Learn reading, math, and more

• 💬 Get one-on-one support

• 🎨 Build social and life skills

We follow Louisiana education standards and work with students in grades K through 8.

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✅ Can the state pay for my child’s learning?

Answer:
💵 Possibly! The LA GATOR ESA Program starts in August 2025!
👨🏾‍👩🏽‍👧🏽 All Louisiana students will be able to apply—even if you're low-income.

Funds can cover:

• 📚 Tutoring

• 🖥️ Online learning

• 🏡 Homeschool help

• 🧑‍🏫 Learning hubs like ours

🔗 Learn more: Louisiana GATOR Program Info

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✅ How do I homeschool my child legally?

Answer:
🏠 To homeschool in Louisiana, follow these steps:

1. Withdraw your child from public school

2. Apply for the BESE-Approved Home Study Program

3. Choose your own curriculum

4. Teach your child at home

5. Renew the program each year

🧾 Your child will still get credit for their learning.
🔗 Apply here: Homestudy Info & Application

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✅ Can I sign my child up for a free online school?

Answer:
💻 Yes! Two free public virtual schools serve families in St. Mary Parish:

1. 🌐 LA Virtual Charter Academy (LAVCA) – full-time, K-12

2. 📚 University View Academy – full-time, K-12

They offer:

• 🧑‍🏫 Certified teachers

• 🖥️ Laptops and materials

• 📅 Flexible school days

• 🏡 Classes at home (or On the Bayou!)

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✅ What grades do you serve?

Answer:
🧒 We welcome children in Kindergarten through 8th Grade.
We also provide:

• 📘 One-on-one tutoring

• 🎓 Test prep

• 🧠 Support for students with learning challenges (like ADHD, autism, IEPs)

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✅ Does my child need to be withdrawn from public school?

Answer:
📝 Yes. If your child is enrolled in public school, you need to withdraw them first.
We’ll help you write a simple letter to the school. This step is important so:

• 🚫 You don’t get truancy notices

• ✅ The state knows your child is in a valid program

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✅ What does it cost to attend On the Bayou?

Answer:
💰 We offer:

• 🎓 Full-tuition support through state scholarships (coming soon)

• 💵 Low-cost private pay

• 💳 Payment plans

• ❤️ Scholarships through our partner sponsors

If funding goals are met, no family will be turned away for financial reasons. Just ask!

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✅ Is a virtual school a better choice for your child?

Answer:
💻 Some families prefer online schools because of flexibility and fewer distractions. Ask yourself:

• Does your child focus better in a quiet space?

• Are they comfortable with using a computer or willing to learn?

• Do you have a stable internet connection at home?

• Would you prefer to keep your child learning from home, but still want teacher support?

If so, a free virtual public school might be the right fit for you. These schools offer:

• Certified Louisiana teachers

• Full curriculum with assignments and report cards

• Technology like laptops (in many cases)

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✅ Is homeschooling a good fit for your family?

Answer:
🏠 Ask yourself:

• Do you want more control over what your child learns?

• Are you or a trusted adult able to guide their learning each day?

• Do you need a flexible school schedule that works with your family’s life?

If you said yes to any of these, homeschooling might be a great fit. You can choose your own materials and teach at home at your pace. The state recognizes this option through the BESE-Approved Home Study Program.

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✅ How do I sign up or get help?

Answer:
📱 Call or text us: 337-350-8881

🖥️ Visit our website: YOU'RE HERE!!!!
📝 We’ll help with:

• Applications

• Homeschool paperwork

• Picking the right option

• Even setting up online school accounts