Class of 2020, which includes some students who expected to graduate last year, will miss out on graduation ceremony due to COVID-19 school shutdown.

Instructional minute and other requirements have been waived, leaving school districts able to chose their last day of school.

Education will continue amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Edwards said.

Access to technology and lack of it — often called the digital divide — have emerged as a critical issue in statewide school closures across the country.

The announcement follows a request from state education leaders to cancel the remainder of the academic year.

While tourism- and oil-dependent Louisiana may take a bigger hit than many states, New Orleans’ charter schools have unique protection in federal programs.

Parents awaiting lottery results are likely deciding between multiple schools, some that may require deposits.

The NOLA Public Schools district purchased laptops and wireless hotspots for students who need them during the six-week school closure.

Earlier Thursday, the state said high school seniors could graduate by completing courses online.