All young people in Louisiana have a right to a public school education. No matter what you decide to do with your pregnancy, you are allowed to stay in school and cannot be forced to attend a different school.

Can I stay in school if I’m pregnant?

If you are a pregnant or parenting student, you should know that under Title IX, you have a right to stay in school so you can meet your education and career goals.

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy, parenting and all related conditions, such as abortion—in educational programs and activities that get federal funding. This means that schools must give all students who might be, are, or have been pregnant the same access to school programs and educational opportunities that other students have. Your professors or administrators should not tell you that you have to drop out of your classes or program or change your educational plans due to your pregnancy.

More information can be found at:

National Women’s Law Center (NWLC)

U.S. Department of Education

What is a GED?

The GED, General Educational Diploma, is for those without a High School Diploma. It is designed for those that never finished high school. Study and take a battery of tests to certify your aptitude, knowledge and skills. Find a local test center near you. The GED, which stands for General Educational Development but is also referred to as a General Education Diploma, is a set of tests that when passed certify the test taker (American or Canadian) has met high-school level academic skills.