{"id":4305,"date":"2023-09-12T15:59:10","date_gmt":"2023-09-12T15:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=4305"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:28:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:28:00","slug":"homeschooling-in-louisiana","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/homeschooling-in-louisiana\/","title":{"rendered":"Homeschool in Louisiana 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling<\/a> in Louisiana? You\u2019re not alone! Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you\u2019ve homeschooled before, or you\u2019re wondering how to get started<\/a>. Whatever your situation, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about homeschooling laws<\/a> in Louisiana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling in Louisiana at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Louisiana – The Pelican State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Option<\/strong><\/td>BESE-Approved Home Study Program<\/strong><\/td>Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Required Age<\/td>5-18<\/td>5-18<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Not required<\/td>Not required<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects<\/td>Equivalent to public school education<\/td>Equivalent to public school education<\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>BESE enrollment satisfies compulsory attendance requirement<\/td>180 instruction days<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>Equivalent to public high school requirements<\/td>Determined by parent<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>Immunizations are required unless you file an exemption.<\/td>Immunizations are required unless you file an exemption.<\/td><\/tr>
Financial Resources Available<\/td>Yes, through TOPS<\/td>Yes, through the School Expense Deduction<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First, we\u2019ll go over both options available for homeschooling in Louisiana. It\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. BESE-Approved home study program<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Nonpublic school not seeking state approval<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    BESE-Approved Home Study Program<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    For the home study program, parents seek authorization from the local school district to teach at home. The local school district will designate subjects, bookkeeping, and annual assessments on an individual basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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, such as the high school 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. All diplomas granted under BESE- approved home study programs are recognized by all employers and colleges in the State of Louisiana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approv<\/a>al<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Parent Qualifications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The State of Louisiana doesn\u2019t require any qualifications for homeschool instructors at this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notice of Intent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you choose to homeschool as a home study program, you\u2019ll 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\u2019s birth certificate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For each year after, you\u2019ll need to submit your renewal application. This is due by October 1st or 12 months after your initial enrollment, whichever is later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you homeschool as a nonpublic school, you can enroll your child<\/a> online. You will need to send a notification of enrollment to your child\u2019s current public school (if applicable).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The notice should include your child\u2019s 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\u2019s helpful for preventing truancy issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Attendance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s a good idea to take daily attendance at your homeschool. If you choose the nonpublic school option, you\u2019ll need to submit attendance records to the state at the end of the year. You can do this online here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Homeschool Curriculum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Louisiana Department of Education doesn\u2019t 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\u2019s grade level that is provided in public schools. Some core subject areas can include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n