Louisiana offers families two distinct ways to educate their children at home, each with its own balance of flexibility and structure. Whether you're drawn to the benefits of an approved home study program or prefer the freedom of operating as a nonpublic school, the Pelican State gives you options to shape your child's learning journey.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start homeschooling in Louisiana with clarity and confidence. Along the way, you can explore Outschool's live, interactive classes to supplement your curriculum or get support with challenging subjects.
Homeschooling options in Louisiana
Louisiana provides two legal pathways for families who want to educate their children at home. Understanding the differences between these options will help you choose the approach that best fits your family's goals and preferences.
BESE-approved home study program
This is Louisiana's more structured homeschool option, overseen by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). You'll need to submit an application within 15 days of beginning your program, and renewals are due annually by October 1 or within 12 months of your initial approval.
This pathway requires you to provide a curriculum of quality equal to public schools and demonstrate annual academic progress. In return, you gain access to important benefits like eligibility for Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) scholarships, the ability to borrow textbooks from your local district, and participation in public school extracurricular activities and athletics.
Nonpublic school not seeking state approval
This option gives families maximum flexibility with minimal oversight. You'll register your homeschool as a private school through the Louisiana Department of Education and report attendance annually by the 30th day of your school term.
While this pathway offers more freedom in curriculum choices and doesn't require annual progress evaluations, students won't be eligible for TOPS scholarships, and you cannot accept any state or federal funding. This option is ideal for families who want maximum independence and are comfortable without public school resources.
Requirements for homeschooling in Louisiana
Getting started with homeschooling in Louisiana means understanding a few key requirements. The specifics depend on which pathway you choose, but here's what you need to know about each.
Enrollment paperwork
- For home study programs: Submit your initial application to the Louisiana Department of Education within 15 days of beginning your program. Include a certified copy of your child's birth certificate with your first application. Renewals must be submitted by October 1 each year or within 12 months of your initial approval.
- For nonpublic schools: Notify your child's previous public school within 10 days of withdrawal, including their legal name, date of birth, gender, and race. Submit annual attendance information to the Louisiana Department of Education by the 30th day of your school year.
Attendance and instruction
Both pathways require 180 instructional days per year. For nonpublic schools, a minimum of 330 minutes (5.5 hours) of instruction per day is expected. Home study programs must provide instruction comparable in quality to what public schools offer at the same grade level.
Curriculum guidelines
- Home study programs must offer a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that taught in public schools, covering subjects like English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
- Nonpublic schools have no mandated subject requirements, giving families complete freedom over what and how they teach.
Recordkeeping
While Louisiana doesn't specify detailed recordkeeping requirements for either option, maintaining organized records is highly recommended. Consider keeping attendance logs, work samples, reading lists, and progress notes. These records can be valuable if your child returns to public school, applies for college, or needs documentation for scholarships.
Testing and assessments
- Home study programs must demonstrate annual academic progress for renewal. This can be shown through:
- A passing score on the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) test
- Scores at or above grade level on an approved standardized test like the California Achievement Test (CAT)
- A written statement from a certified teacher verifying the appropriate curriculum and progress
- Nonpublic schools have no testing or assessment requirements.
Diplomas and graduation
Louisiana does not issue diplomas to homeschool graduates, parents determine when their child has completed graduation requirements and provide the diploma themselves. However, diplomas from BESE-approved home study programs are recognized by all Louisiana public colleges, universities, and state agencies as equivalent to public school diplomas.
Public funding options for homeschoolers in Louisiana
Louisiana offers several ways to help families manage educational costs and expand learning opportunities:
- LA GATOR Scholarship Program: Louisiana's new education savings account (ESA) program provides eligible families with funds for approved educational expenses, including approved tutoring, educational therapies, textbooks, curricula, and dual enrollment courses. You can check out our comprehensive guide, which explains eligibility (including for some homeschooling families), award amounts, and the application process
- TOPS scholarships: Graduates of BESE-approved home study programs may qualify for the TOPS scholarship to help cover tuition at Louisiana public colleges. Students must complete both 11th and 12th grades in an approved home study program and meet certain ACT score requirements. Contact the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance for eligibility details.
- Textbook lending: Under Louisiana law, local school systems must provide textbooks to students in BESE-approved home study programs if surplus copies are available. A refundable deposit may be required.
- Extracurricular activities: As of August 2024, Act 715 allows students enrolled in approved home study programs to try out and participate in extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletics at the public school in their attendance zone. Students must meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students, including GPA and disciplinary standards.
- Special education services: Homeschooled students with diagnosed disabilities may be eligible for some special education services through their local school district. However, students in home study programs generally do not qualify for IDEA services. Contact your district's special education office to learn what's available.
Homeschool with Outschool
Louisiana's homeschool pathways give you the freedom to customize your child's education, and Outschool makes it easy to add engaging, high-quality instruction to your plan.
- Choose from thousands of live, interactive classes across all subjects and grade levels, from core academics to creative enrichment.
- Cover Louisiana's required subjects with expert-led sessions in English language arts, math, science, and social studies.
- Build a schedule that fits your family's rhythm with classes offered throughout the day and flexible enrollment options.
- Support diverse learning needs with courses designed for different learning styles, including options for neurodiverse learners.
- Simplify progress tracking with built-in class records, assignments, and teacher feedback for your homeschool portfolio.
Whether you need help with a challenging subject or want to spark your child's curiosity in new areas, Outschool gives you the tools to create a well-rounded homeschool experience.
How to get started
Ready to begin your homeschool journey in Louisiana? Here's a step-by-step guide based on your chosen pathway.
If you're using the BESE-approved home study program:
- Withdraw your child from their current school if they're enrolled, and request their records.
- Submit your initial application to the Louisiana Department of Education within 15 days of starting your program. Include a certified copy of your child's birth certificate.
- Create your curriculum plan covering subjects comparable to public school standards. You have full control over materials and methods.
- Provide 180 days of instruction per school year.
- Document academic progress for your annual renewal. Choose from standardized testing, portfolio review by a certified teacher, or other approved methods.
- Submit your renewal application by October 1 each year or within 12 months of your previous approval.
If you're using the nonpublic school option:
- Notify your child's previous school within 10 days of withdrawal with required information (name, date of birth, gender, race).
- Choose your curriculum and schedule with complete freedom, no state approval needed.
- Provide 180 school days of instruction with at least 330 minutes per day.
- Report attendance to the Louisiana Department of Education by the 30th day of your school year.
- Do not accept any state or federal funding, as this would disqualify your school from nonpublic status.
Find support through homeschool communities in Louisiana
Connecting with other homeschooling families can make your journey more enjoyable and provide valuable resources along the way. Louisiana has a strong network of support groups ready to help.
Statewide organizations
Local groups and co-ops
- Shreveport Area Secular Homeschooling (SASH): A welcoming support group for homeschoolers in the Ark-La-Tex region. They provide social and educational support through meetups, activities, and community connections.
- Northshore Home Educators: An inclusive, non-directed support group open to all homeschool families in St. Tammany Parish, regardless of background, beliefs, or homeschooling methods. Activities take place in Slidell and the surrounding areas.
- Inclusive Homeschool Network of Northeast Louisiana: A welcoming community for homeschooling families in northeast Louisiana, offering support and connection regardless of educational philosophy.
Homeschooling in Louisiana: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Starting your homeschool journey naturally brings questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions Louisiana families ask.
What's the difference between home study and nonpublic school options?
The home study option requires annual applications, progress documentation, and state oversight, but provides access to TOPS scholarships and public school activities. The nonpublic school option offers more freedom with minimal reporting requirements but excludes students from state scholarships and some public school benefits.
Can my homeschooled child participate in public school sports?
Yes, as of August 2024. Students in BESE-approved home study programs can try out for and participate in extracurricular activities and athletics at their zoned public school. They must meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students, including maintaining a minimum GPA.
How do homeschoolers qualify for TOPS scholarships?
Students must be enrolled in a BESE-approved home study program for both 11th and 12th grade and achieve the required ACT scores. Unlike public school students, homeschoolers are not required to complete the TOPS core curriculum, eligibility is based primarily on test scores.
Do I need teaching credentials to homeschool in Louisiana?
No. Louisiana law does not require any specific qualifications for homeschool parents. You simply need to commit to providing a quality education and meeting the requirements of your chosen pathway.
How do homeschoolers receive a diploma in Louisiana?
Parents issue diplomas to their homeschool graduates, the state does not provide them. However, diplomas from BESE-approved home study programs are recognized by Louisiana public colleges and state agencies as equivalent to public school diplomas.
Can homeschoolers use the new LA GATOR ESA program?
The LA GATOR program and traditional homeschooling are separate options. Students cannot be enrolled in a home study program or nonpublic school while receiving LA GATOR funds. Families interested in using ESA funds would need to structure their education through the LA GATOR program requirements rather than traditional homeschool registration.
Create an education that fits your family
Homeschooling in Louisiana gives you the flexibility to design an educational experience tailored to your child's needs and your family's goals. With two clear pathways to choose from and a supportive community ready to help, you have everything you need to get started with confidence.
Whether you choose the structure of an approved home study program or the freedom of operating as a nonpublic school, the key is finding what works best for your family. And when you need extra support along the way, Outschool offers live classes taught by passionate educators who can help bring your homeschool vision to life.
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