How to Start Homeschooling in Louisiana
Are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling in Louisiana? You’re not alone! Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide.
Maybe you’ve homeschooled before, or you’re wondering how to get started. Whatever your situation, we’ll cover everything you need to know about homeschooling laws in Louisiana.
Homeschooling in Louisiana at a Glance
Louisiana – The Pelican State
| Option | BESE Home Study Program | Nonpublic School |
| Required Age | 5-18 | 5-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required | Not required |
| Subjects | Equivalent to public school education | Equivalent to public school education |
| Time Requirements | BESE enrollment satisfies compulsory attendance requirement | 180 instruction days |
| Graduation Requirements | Equivalent to public high school requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | Must be immunized for enrollment | Must be immunized for enrollment |
| Financial Resources Available | Yes, through TOPS | Yes, through the School Expense Deduction |
First, we’ll go over both options available for homeschooling in Louisiana. It’s important to consider the needs of both you and your child when choosing a way to homeschool. Also, please be aware that requirements can vary depending on which option you choose. There are two main ways to homeschool in Louisiana:
- BESE-Approved home study program
- Nonpublic school not seeking state approval
BESE-Approved Home Study Program
For the home study program, parents seek authorization from the Louisiana Department of Education to teach at home.
While there are more regulations with this option, it does come with added benefits. Families under the home study program can accept any state or federal education funds, and high school students can become eligible for the Taylor Opportunity Program Scholarship (TOPS). Your students also have the option of borrowing textbooks from the local school district and can participate in public school sports (with principal approval). All diplomas granted under BESE-approved programs are recognized by all employers and colleges in the State of Louisiana.
Nonpublic School- Not State Approved
Parents who homeschool as a nonpublic school are not seeking state approval and enjoy fewer restrictions than home study program families. High school students who are homeschooled through a nonpublic school for all 4 years will not qualify for the TOPS scholarship.
Homeschool families who choose the nonpublic school option cannot accept government funding, as doing so would exempt you from being a nonpublic school. Instead of a state-awarded diploma, nonpublic school students can receive a diploma from their parents or take the GED exam instead. Nonpublic school families have less regulation, but may also have fewer benefits than home study families.
Parent Qualifications
The State of Louisiana doesn’t require any qualifications for homeschool instructors at this time.
Notice of Intent
If you choose to homeschool as a BESE-approved home study program, you’ll need to send an application to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education within 15 days of beginning your homeschool. You should include curriculum details that show the home study education is equivalent or better than public school education, along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
For each year after, you’ll need to submit your renewal application. This is due by October 1st or 12 months after your initial enrollment, whichever is later.
If you homeschool as a nonpublic school, You can enroll your child online. You will need to send a notification of enrollment to your child’s current public school (if applicable).
The notice should include your child’s name, gender, birthdate, and race. This needs to be done no later than 10 days before your child begins homeschool. You are not required to withdraw your child in writing, although it’s helpful for preventing truancy issues.
Attendance
In Louisiana, students between the ages of 5 and 18 are subject to the compulsory school attendance requirements. Nonpublic school parents need to plan to teach for 180 days per school year. Children who are enrolled in BESE-approved programs can use their enrollment letter to satisfy attendance requirements.
It’s a good idea to take daily attendance at your homeschool. If you choose the nonpublic school option, you’ll need to submit attendance records to the state at the end of the year. You can do this online here.
Homeschool Curriculum
The Louisiana Department of Education doesn’t list required subjects explicitly. However, it does require that home education quality be at least equal to that offered by public schools. Parents should plan to teach the material for their child’s grade level that is provided in public schools. Some core subject areas can include:
- English language arts (reading and writing)
- Math
- Science
- Social studies
- Foreign languages
- Physical education
- Health
For a complete list of the Louisiana academic standards by grade level, you can visit the Louisiana Academic Standards Library.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. The good news is, our family of online homeschool curricula are all fully accredited by the ACS-WASC! When you homeschool with Miacademy or MiaPrep, you can be confident that your child is getting a quality education.
Testing
Homeschool students in Louisiana are not subject to state standardized testing. However, we strongly recommended that high school students take college entrance exams, such as the SAT and ACT, as many schools still require them.
If you are in a home study program, standardized tests are not required, but may be useful to provide when it’s time to renew your application. Application renewals can be submitted with a curriculum sample packet, standardized test scores, or annual teacher statement to provide proof that your student is progressing each year.
Record Keeping
The State of Louisiana only requires you to record attendance, if you choose the nonpublic school option. However, it’s still a good idea to keep some records on hand, especially if you choose the curriculum packet option for Home Study renewal. Curriculum packets may include:
- Outline of all subjects taught
- List of books and materials used
- 1-2 pieces of student work in each subject
- Report cards
- Copies of standardized test results
A homeschool portfolio is a great way to keep important information safe and organized. We suggest keeping at least 2 years’ worth of records in your homeschool portfolio. It’s also a good way for you to keep track of your student’s progress through the years.
Transcripts
High school transcripts are often necessary for college applications. It’s important to keep a list of all the courses, credit hours, final grades, and test scores from grades 9-12. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
With Louisiana nonpublic schools, parents get to determine when their child can graduate. It can be difficult to know when your child is ready for graduation. Some parents look to the High School Planning Guidebook for a better understanding of what their child should know.
For BESE-approved program graduates, the requirements must be at least equivalent to public school graduation requirements. While BESE does not award diplomas, any diploma received under a BESE-approved program is recognized by all Louisiana government institutions, colleges, and universities.
Homeschool students are not eligible for a state diploma, so it’s up to parents to provide a diploma. Some homeschool students often take the HiSET exam, which is recognized in all 50 states as a high school diploma equivalent. Students ages 16 and older are eligible to take the test.
Financial Resources
Home study students in 11th and 12th grade may be eligible for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). TOPS is a program that awards scholarships to students who attend Louisiana public colleges with a certain minimum ACT score. For more information and to see if you qualify, check out the TOPS informational packet and FAQ.
If you’re homeschooling as a nonpublic school, keep in mind that this is not a program approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and does not qualify for TOPS.
All homeschool families can take advantage of the School Expense Deduction, however. This is a tax deduction for qualifying educational expenses, up to $5,000 per dependent. You must keep all records and receipts of expenses and be a full-time resident of Louisiana to participate. For more information, visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue website.
You may also be able to take advantage of the Louisiana Tuition Donation Tax Credit or the Elementary and Secondary School Tuition Deduction.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Louisiana, check out:
- Home Study, from the Louisiana BESE
- Nonpublic Schools, from the Louisiana BESE
- The Homeschool Mom for homeschool groups in Louisiana
Our friendly customer service team is always available to answer any questions you may have! If you have any questions about homeschooling or how Miacademy and MiaPrep align with the laws in your state, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team!
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Louisiana homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
How do I homeschool my child in Louisiana?
To homeschool in Louisiana, you’ll need to start by choosing either the home study or nonpublic school option. Then, you’ll need to submit proper notice, teach the required subjects, and submit attendance depending on the option you chose. The requirements for each method are slightly different, so it’s best to do your research before choosing.
Is homeschooling free in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not help parents buffer the cost of home education. Parents are responsible for providing all curricula and instructional materials as necessary. However, some parents may qualify for the School Expense Deduction on their taxes, which allows parents to write off up to $5,000 in educational expenses per student.
How do I report homeschooling in Louisiana?
To report your homeschool enrollment for a home study program, you’ll need to send an application to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). If you choose to homeschool as a nonpublic school, you’ll need to enroll as a nonpublic school and submit a notification of enrollment when you withdraw from your local school district.
Information accurate as of: 05/26/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.