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Can I stay in high school after the age of 18?
  • You are potentially eligible for admission or readmission if you are nineteen years old or younger as of September 30th of the current academic year, or if you are twenty years or younger as of September 30th of the current academic year and you have enough credits to be classified as a senior.
  • Persons with disabilities may receive a public school education up to age 22.
What is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an education plan that is developed to meet the specific and unique needs of a child age 3-21 with a disability through direct special education and related services. A student with a disability has the right to an IEP.
How do I qualify for an IEP?
To be eligible for special education services, you must be evaluated and found eligible for at least one of the disabilities listed in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which includes:
  • Autism
  • Deaf/Blindness
  • Developmental Delay
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Intellectual Disabilities
  • Speech/Language Impairment
  • Visual Impairment
  • And other health impairments

    Besides having disability listed under the IDEA, you must also complete Louisiana’s special education process which consists of:

    1. Referral: Your local education agency (LEA) has an obligation called Child Find. This requires the LEA to identify, locate, and evaluate students with disabilities who may need services. The Parent/guardian of the child must then agree to the evaluation in order for the child to participate. If the parent/guardian refuses, the LEA cam follow legal procedures to proceed with the child’s evaluations. Parents and guardians can also request an evaluation but the LEA can refuse this request by providing a written explanation of the reason why the request was denied. Regardless of who requests for referral, the evaluation must take place within 60 business days of the request. 

    2. Evaluation: The LEA will provide a notice explaining the evaluation procedures. Note the evaluation procedures may vary from LEA to LEA. The evaluation should match your specific educational needs. If you disagree with the LEA’s evaluation, you have the right to have an independent educational evaluation (IEE). 

    3. Eligibility: When you finished the evaluation, there will be a meeting to discuss the results of the evaluation. During the meeting, you should receive the copy of the evaluation results. This meeting will determine if you are eligible for services and what those services will be.

    4. Development of the IEP: The IEP meeting will include: you, your parent/Guardian, a special education teacher or provider, a representative of the LEA, a general education teacher and anyone else you or the LEA wish to invite to the meeting.You have the right to be notified if the meeting in advance and have the meeting in a time and place that is convenient for you. The IEP should include: (1) You present levels of academic and functional performance- strengths, needs, and comments about how you are in the classroom. (2) IEP goals- specific skills for you to accomplish during the school year. Goals can be behavioral, academic, or social. (3) There should be a description of how the goals will be measured and how the school will track the progress. The IEP should explain the tools used to measure your progress toward your goals. (4) The IEP must provide free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Which means, the IEP meeting team needs to figure out ways for you to participate in a general education setting with children who do not have disabilities. IEP will need to include an explanation to the extent that you will not be able to participate in general education classes. (5) The IEP will include the date you will start receiving services, where, how often, and how long the services will last.

    5. IEP Review: The review meetings must be held every year. The purpose of the meeting is for the team to look at your goals and determine if those goals are being achieved. The meeting will either change or update to include new goals, new evaluation info, and any other relevant information

    6. Reevaluations:Your parent/guardian or a member of the LEA can request a reevaluation to review your education or service-related needs. A usually will not occur more than once a year but a reevaluation must take place at least once every three years unless both the LEA and parent/guardian agree a reevaluation is no necessary.


How long can I stay in school if I have an IEP?
Disabled students who are eligible for an IEP can stay in school until high school graduation, or through the end of the school year in which you turn 22.
How long am I legally required to stay in school? (truancy laws)
Louisiana requires students to attend school from age 7 to 18, or until you graduate from high school if under 18. Students are required to attend school regularly to earn credit and be eligible for promotion to the next grade.
What are my options to continue attending school after high school?
In Louisiana there are many options. Louisiana has community colleges, career schools, four-year public colleges and universities, and four-year private colleges and universities.
  • Community College: Community or junior college awards associate degrees and sometimes certificates in traditional fields such as pre-engineering, film making, veterinarian technology, paralegal, video game design, nursing, construction management, accounting, and many others. Community and junior colleges are similar, except that a junior college is usually a private school.
    • Louisiana’s community colleges are “open admissions” institutions, which means they have an unselective and non-competitive college admissions process. New applicants generally must take the COMPASS Placement Test to determine their level of college readiness. Because costs are often lower and admission is more open at two-year colleges, many students begin their college careers here.
    • If you plan to attend a two-year college and transfer to a four-year college, you should make sure your community college courses will transfer to those colleges that you are interested in and that your courses will count toward your bachelor’s degree.
  • Career Schools (also known as technical, vocational, or trade schools): Career schools may be public or private. They typically offer programs that are two years or less and provide students with formal classes and hands-on experience related to their future career interests.
    • Technical schools teach the science behind the occupation, while vocational schools focus on hands-on application of skills needed to do the job. You may earn a diploma or a certificate, prepare for a licensing exam, or study to begin work as an apprentice or journeyman in a skilled trade.
  • Four-Year Colleges and Universities: Students who attend a four-year college or university commonly earn a bachelor’s degree once they have successfully completed a program of study, which usually takes about four years. A college usually offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in the arts (such as English, history, drama, etc.) or sciences (such as biology, computer science, engineering, etc.). Four-year colleges and universities may be public or private. Public schools are operated or funded by state and local governments. Private schools are not affiliated with a government organization, but may be affiliated with a private foundation or religious groups. Since private schools receive less or no money from state and local governments, they generally cost more than attending a public school in your state. Because costs can vary significantly from school to school, you should make sure to research all of the schools you are interested in.
    • Financial aid options: There are many types of financial aid: grants, scholarships, work study, and loans. Aid can come from the U.S. federal government, the state of Louisiana, the college you attend, or a nonprofit or private organization. Financial aid is awarded by need or merit. Financial aid can be used to pay for a variety of school expenses including: tuition, room and board, and books and supplies.
    • Grants : Most grants are awarded only to students with financial need. Unlike loans, college grants usually do not require repayment. Besides purely need based, grants awards can be tied to a distinct course of study. A grant-for-service require the recipient to agree to a predetermined term of service and working within a chosen field at a critical need facility or an in an underserved community. If the recipient fails to meet these criteria, the grant will revert to student loan and the monies received will have to be repaid plus interest. Grants can come from Federal and State governments, colleges and universities, public and private organizations, and professional associations. The school will notify you if you have to repay a portion of your grant.
    • Scholarships: A scholarship might cover the cost of tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Scholarships will affect your student aid because all your financial aid added together cannot be more than your school’s cost of attendance. You need to notify the school’s financial aid office of your scholarships so the office can subtract the amount from your cost of attendance and any other aid you have. Many scholarships are merit-based meaning it is awarded based on academic achievement, athleticism or talent, or a combination of the two. There are also scholarships awarded to groups of people, women or graduate students. There are even scholarships awarded based on where you are your parents work or if you come from a military family.
    • Loans: A student loan is just like any other loan; it is borrowed money that needs to be repaid with interest. If you plan to take out a loan, consider federal student loans first because they offer fixed interest rates and flexible repayment plans.
    • Work-study: This is a federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school to help pay your education expenses.
    • Need-based aid: Eligibility for this type of aid is based solely on the assets and income of the prospective student and his or her family. Test scores or athletic ability do not affect need-based aid. All federal student aid is need-based. To apply for federal student aid, you need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online at fafsa.edu.gov. After you fill out a FAFSA form you will receive an award letter from every school you are accepted to that you list on the FAFSA form. This letter will explain the federal and nonfederal aid a school will offer you. FAFSA forms have a deadline, be sure to check the website for your particular states deadline.
    • Merit-based aid: Merit includes a variety of talents and interests: academic, artistic, athletic, and so on. Scholarships are the most common type of merit–based aid (though some do have a need-based component), which may come from the school or from outside sources. Assuming need is not a condition. A student with extensive assets and income is just as entitled to a merit-based award as a student with limited assets and income.
How do I fill out a FASFA form?
  • The forms are available starting on October 1st for the next school year. It is recommended that you fill it out as soon as possible to meet the FASFA deadlines for your state.
  • The form is free and is available at https://studentaid.gov and myStudentAid app. First, go to https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch and create a FASFA username and password. Getting a FASFA ID ahead of time can cut down on errors and delays. Having an ID will also enable you to sign the FASFA form electronically. If you are a dependent, one of you parents whose information is reported on the FASFA form will also need a FASFA ID so that they can sign your application electronically. If your parent has a Social Security number (SSN), your parent won’t be able to create a FASFA ID which means you will have to print a signature page at the end of the form.
  • You may need the following documents to help you fill out the FSA application:
    • SSN and if you are a dependent your parents SSN
    • Your driver’s license
    • If not a U.S. citizen, your Alien Registration number
    • Federal tax information or tax returns including your W-2 and if a dependent your parent info and IRS 1040, and/or foreign tax returns
    • Record of your and if a dependent your parents untaxed income such as child support, interest income, and veteran’s non-education benefits.
    • Your and if a dependent also your parents Information on savings, checking accounts balances, investments-stocks and bonds and real estate (excluding home you reside in), business assets or farm assets.
  • If you need help with filling out the information on your FASFA there are various free tools online or by phone to seek help. You can seek help by selecting the blue and white question mark icon next to a FASFA question to view a “tool tip” that provides information about how to answer that question. In the online FASFA form, the tool tip may have a “More Help” link for additional information. You can also select the HELP button at the bottom of the tool tip to reach a FAQs page and “Contact Us” link. On the Contact Us page you have the option of emailing your question or during business hours chat in English or Spanish with live technical support staff. If you still have questions, you can contact your financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend.
  • Eligibility for federal student aid depends on:
    • Your Expected Family Contribution- the information you place on your FASFA form is used to calculate this. Your family’s taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (unemployment/social security).
    • Your year in School
    • Your enrollment status
    • Cost of attendance at the school you will be attending – tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, loan, fees, allowance for childcare if have dependents, costs related to a disability, and/or reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programs.
  • Remember you cannot receive more need-based aid than the amount of your financial need. The following are need-based federal student aid programs:
    • Federal Pell Grant -usually only awarded to undergraduates
    • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
    • Direct Subsidized Loan
    • Federal Work-Study
What are the National Guard and Youth Challenge Program (YCP)?
  • The Youth Challenge Program (YCP) is a free, alternative, 17-month educational program for Louisiana residents between 16 to 18 years of age. The program offers a non-traditional school setting where you learn self-discipline, leadership, and responsibility, while working to obtain a high school equivalency diploma. There is no tuition cost to participate in the program. Students live on the school campus for five months of the program. All uniform, meal, educational, and housing costs are provided free of charge. After graduation, students are assisted by YCP case managers and community mentors to continue their education, enroll in college, begin job training, find employment, or enlist in the military.
  • Although YCP is administered by The Louisiana National Guard, graduates are not required to join the military.
What is the Education Training Voucher Criteria?
The Education Training Voucher Criteria include:
  • Enroll in an accredited, post-secondary educational or vocational program and maintain a 2.0 GPA or satisfactory progress toward completion.
  • Foster youth 16 and up likely to remain in foster care in DCFS or OJJ custody until age 18.
  • Former foster care youth who aged out of foster care at age 18 with DCFS or OJJ who are not yet 21.
  • Youth who were in OJJ custody had to be eligible for Title IV-E funded services prior to turning 18.
  • Youth adopted from foster ae or those entering a guardianship subsidy arrangement with DCFS after the age of 16 but prior to turning 18.
  • Youth participating in the ETV Program at 21 are eligible until 23 (must be continuously enrolled, making satisfactory progress).
  • Youth from out-of-state who meet same criteria.
Are there any alternative education programs I can take instead of finishing High School?
Yes, there are many alternatives for students to participate instead of continuing high school.
  • Independent Studies Program:
    • There are Schools which offer independent studies programs allow students to pursue a certain topic or subject largely by themselves. These programs usually have a faculty advisor whom the student has to check in with regularly.
    • If a student has a great interest in a subject that is not offered as a course at their school an independent studies program can be an option.
    • Check with your school to see it this is available.
  • High School Equivalency Exams:
    • Students and adults can take a high school equivalency exam to earn their high school diploma instead of going to school.
    • There are two exams the Hiset and the GED.
    • HISET: You can take the exam at 16-18 if you are enrolled in an approved Work ready U literacy program, obtain a passing score on the half-length practice test and have an age waiver. You will need official documentation you have withdrawn from high school system. The test consists of 5 subtests- math, science, social studies, reading, and writing. The test is offered in paper or computer format. A person is limited to 3 attempts each year. The cost of Hiset is usually cheaper than GED. 16-18-year olds must also enroll in the State’s official Adult Education Program and take free classes until ready to sit for the exam.
    • GED: Only computer based. Four subsets include: math, science, social studies, and language arts.
    • List of testing centers and prep classes can be found here.
Are there any scholarships for High School Equivalency Test takers?
Yes, up to 60 scholarships per fiscal year are available in voucher amounts up to $90 for first time test takers. There are several criteria to be eligible for a scholarship:
  • Be enrolled and have good standing with the WorkReady-U program
  • Scored ‘prepared or well prepared’ on the ETS, HISET practice test on three of the 5 subtests
  • Have a valid state/government ID
  • Created an ETD HISET account at http://hiset.ets.org/test_takers
  • Complete an application for scholarship
  • Write an essay describing why you are applying for the scholarship and your educational and career goals, 500 word minimum
  • Have a WorkReady U Director/supervisor must complete Section 2 and sign the Scholarship Application form
An award winner will be notified within 10 business days of submission. The amount will be deposited in awardee’s HISET account. The award must be redeemed within 90 days of issuance.
Are there any additional scholarships for students who are entering college with an HSE?
Yes, there is a five for six scholarships awarded to individuals without a high school diploma or equivalency who wish to enroll in a Louisiana community or technical college. The amount awarded to each student is equal to the tuition charged for 6 credit hours.
To be eligible you must: remain in enrolled in an HSE program, apply for admission to a college, and register 6 credit hours of non-remedial classes (if you need assistance with registering call the college’s administration office and identify yourself as a 5 for 6 applicant)
Are there any benefits to aging out of foster care at 18?
Yes, foster children who turned 18 without a permanent placement may enroll in the extended foster care program. Former foster children aged 18-20 who are:
  • enrolled in secondary vocational or education program,
  • enrolled in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment,
  • employed at least 80 hours per month OR
  • have a medical condition that renders the young adult incapable of engaging in any of these activities may enroll in extended foster care
The program is voluntary and allows DCFS to continue to provide aid to these children. DCFS will provide the enrolled youth every month with a stipend to help the child with necessities. DCFS can also help the youth find housing.
Are there any classes to teach me to live on my own after turn 18?
Yes, for foster children DCFS with the Chafee Foster Care Program can help provide service to get foster youth ready for transitioning into adulthood.
At 14 and 15 years old, independent living providers can help you with school, social skills, planning for the future, and more.

At 16 and 17 the providers can help you learn practice skills needed to live on you own.

If you are 18, 19, 20 or 21 years old: The IL providers can help you get the things you will need to know as you become an adult, such as helping you:
  • Open a bank account and budget your money
  • Find the services and programs you may need, including health care, food stamps, etc.
  • Find a place to live
  • Get ready to find a job
  • Find training for a job
  • Apply for a job
  • Find a job
  • Continue your education

List of Independe Living Providers:
  • Alexandria Region - Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana, Inc., 318-427-7590
  • Baton Rouge Region - Empower 225, 225-236-5249
  • Covington Region - Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, 985-635-9575
  • Lafayette Region - Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, 337-781-4406
  • Lake Charles Region - Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, 337-215-0193
  • Monroe Region - Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, 318-255-3717
  • Orleans Region - Goodwill Industries of Southeast Louisiana, Inc., 504-457-2277
  • Shreveport Region - Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana, Inc., 318-868-4936
  • Thibodaux Region - Goodwill Industries of Southeast Louisiana, Inc., 985-262-8666


Louisiana State Bar Association
601 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130
 (800) 421-LSBA(5722) / (504) 566-1600