Homeschool Requirements in Louisiana

Understand Louisiana's Two Home Study Pathways

Louisiana offers two options for homeschooling. The first is direct home study registration with the Louisiana Department of Education, where you design the program and receive approval. The second is enrolling in a BESE-approved home study program provided by an organization.

• Home Study Program: Apply directly to Department of Education
• BESE-Approved Program: Enroll through approved organization
• Most families choose the direct program for maximum autonomy

File Your Home Study Program Application

If choosing the direct home study program, apply to the Louisiana Department of Education within 15 days of beginning instruction. Your application must include curriculum materials and details about your program.

• Contact the Louisiana Department of Education for the application form
• Complete the application with program details
• Include curriculum materials and subject information
• Submit within 15 days of starting homeschooling
• Receive notification of approval or request for modifications

Use Quality Curriculum Equivalent to Public Schools

Louisiana requires that your home study program use a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered in public schools. Your curriculum must include English, mathematics, science, and social studies at a level comparable to public education.

• Curriculum must cover English, mathematics, science, social studies
• Quality equivalent to public school offerings
• Additional subjects like arts, PE, and electives can be included
• You can use traditional curriculum, online programs, or any combination

Submit Annual Progress Documentation

Each year, you must provide evidence of your child's progress. This can be core curriculum samples, standardized test scores, or a progress letter from a certified teacher. You choose which method best fits your program.

• Core curriculum samples: Save examples of work in main subject areas
• Standardized testing: Administer approved test in spring, submit scores
• Teacher evaluation: Have a certified teacher write a progress assessment letter
• Submit by the district deadline (typically by October 1 for prior year)

Renew Your Approval Annually

Your home study program approval must be renewed each year. Submit a renewal application by October 1 of the school year or 12 months after your initial approval, whichever is later.

• Submit renewal application with updated program information
• Include annual progress documentation
• Confirm curriculum remains appropriate and quality
• Maintain ongoing compliance with state requirements

Keep Organized Records and Documentation

Maintain comprehensive records of your home study program including curriculum materials, attendance, progress assessments, and work samples. These documents demonstrate that your program meets Louisiana's standards.

• Keep curriculum materials organized and accessible
• Maintain attendance records showing instructional days
• Save work samples and progress documentation
• Organize assessment results and evaluation reports
• Keep all documents for at least 3-5 years

Consider TOPS Scholarship Eligibility

If you register your student in a BESE-approved home study program (not the direct program), they become eligible for the Louisiana TOPS scholarship program after two years. This provides college funding for eligible students.