BATON ROUGE - More schools have been approved for Louisiana's voucher program next year, which means the number of students using taxpayer dollars to go to private schools will likely grow as well.

The state Department of Education said another 16 schools were approved to take voucher students next year, bringing the total statewide up to 134.

Students can apply for the program starting today. The deadline to finish the application is March 15.

The taxpayer-financed tuition at private and parochial schools is available to students from low- to moderate-income families who otherwise would attend public schools graded with a C, D or F by the state. Priority is given to students in D- and F-rated schools.

If more students apply than slots are available, the seats are awarded through a lottery process.