Computer science may be required for graduation in Louisiana

This article was originally published in Louisiana Illuminator.

Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, computer science classes may be required for high school graduates in Louisiana.

House Bill 264, authored by Democrat Jason Hughes of New Orleans, passed the Senate Education Committee without objection on Wednesday. The bill adds computer science requirements for any path to a high school diploma in Louisiana public schools.

Computer science would also be required to receive an award from the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students. For the TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors awards, students must take one credit in computer science as part of their math or science curriculum or in lieu of a foreign language.

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For TOPS Tech, students can take computer science as one of their math or science courses or as one of their electives.

The option to use computer science to meet graduation requirements would partially begin in the 2027-2028 school year.

For those graduating in 2028 and pursuing TOPS Opportunity, Performance and Honors awards, Computer Science may be taken alone in lieu of the foreign language requirement. The TOPS Tech pathway does not allow students graduating in 2028 to use computer science to fulfill existing requirements.

Two years ago, then-Sen. Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell, won approval for a bill that would allow students to count two credits of computer science instead of a foreign language to qualify for TOPS.

Hughes’ bill now heads to the Senate.

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