New Opportunity for Veteran Dependents at NPSB High Schools

New Opportunity for Veteran Dependents at NPSB High Schools

NATCHITOCHES - The Natchitoches Parish School Board is proud to announce that Natchitoches Central High School and Lakeview High School have officially been approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as instructional facilities.

This designation allows eligible dependent children of veterans to access valuable Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits while still in high school, providing additional support for their educational journey. 

What this Means for Students and Families

• Monthly Benefits: Eligible students may receive up to $1,536 per month in tax-exempt benefits (2025 rate).
• Additional Support: Current VA rules allow high school students to receive 5 extra months of benefits without deducting from the standard 36 months of higher education benefits. 
• Greater Value: This could total up to $7,680 in tax-free benefits for high school students, without reducing the resources available for college.

Who May Be Eligible?
Eligibility for Chapter 35 DEA benefits is determined solely by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Generally, dependents may qualify if they are:

• Children of veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled
• Gold Star dependents

More details are available through the VA: Chapter 35 - Dependents Education Assistance
Questions? Call the VA GI Bill hotline at 888-442-4551

How to Apply

1. Apply for a certificate of eligibility through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
2. Once approved, request an appointment for enrollment verification with Felecia Pinkney, Director of Student Services at fpinkney@npsb.la.

NPSB is honored to support the children of veterans and military families by helping provide access to the benefits they have earned through service and sacrifice.

Official VA Approval Letters

• Lakeview High School Approval Letter
• Natchitoches Central High School Approval Letter

About Natchitoches Parish School Board
The Natchitoches Parish School Board meets the challenges required to raise academic standards and positively impact student achievements throughout all of Natchitoches Parish. We are committed to a policy of educating children by helping them to develop an awareness and appreciation for the achievements, problems and aspirations of all people in our culturally diverse society. For more information, please visit www.npsb.la.