Louisiana public and charter schools now have an opportunity to earn statewide recognition for their efforts to build stronger relationships with students’ families.

The Louisiana Statewide Family Engagement Center (LASFEC) has launched Louisiana Family Friendly Schools, a new recognition and continuous improvement program designed to celebrate schools that make families meaningful partners in education. Applications for the program are now open statewide.

Schools can earn recognition at one of four levels based on their current family engagement practices. Learning recognizes schools building a foundation for family engagement, while Listening focuses on schools that provide meaningful opportunities to hear from families. Leveraging recognizes schools that turn family input into action, and the highest level, Leading, honors schools where families serve as co-leaders and engagement efforts show sustained, measurable results.

Schools earning a designation will receive statewide recognition as well as materials to share their achievement with families, employees and the community. The program also provides stipends that can be reinvested in family engagement efforts. Awards range from $100 at the Learning level to $3,000 for schools reaching the Leading level. Designations are valid for two years.

The program looks beyond simply counting the number of family nights or other events a school holds. Schools will be evaluated in five areas: relationship building, communications, shared responsibility for learning, advocacy and family voice, and community partnerships. Schools may provide evidence such as family surveys, communication plans, learning resources, family participation and community partnerships.

LASFEC will also provide schools with free assistance, including professional development, coaching, family engagement planning, surveys, data analysis, technical assistance and other resources. The goal is to recognize what schools are already doing while helping them identify ways to strengthen family involvement.

Applications are open now through Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Louisiana public and charter schools can find program information and application materials through the Louisiana Statewide Family Engagement Center.

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