Louisiana Homeschool Requirements

Overview

Louisiana offers homeschool families a straightforward path with low-to-moderate regulation. The state requires an annual application to the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), but approval is routine - functioning more like a registration system than a true approval process. Once approved, you have broad freedom in how you educate your children.

The legal foundation comes from R.S. 17:236.1, which establishes the Home Study Program, and R.S. 17:236, which covers compulsory attendance and approved schools. Louisiana does not require standardized testing, does not review your curriculum, and does not conduct home visits.

Most families use the Home Study option (Option 1), which involves filing an application with LDOE. A second path exists through enrollment in a BESE-approved non-public school, which includes some umbrella and correspondence schools.

Compliance Paths

Louisiana offers two compliance paths for homeschool families. The Home Study Program through LDOE is by far the most popular.

Option 1: Home Study Program (Most Common)

Under this option, you submit an annual application to LDOE and receive approval. Once approved, you have full control over your curriculum, teaching methods, schedule, and assessment. The state requires a "sustained curriculum of a quality at least equal to that offered by public schools," but does not review or evaluate your actual materials.

Option 2: BESE-Approved Non-Public School

Some families choose to enroll in a BESE-approved correspondence school, umbrella school, or church-affiliated school. This option provides more institutional structure and may be preferred by families who want recognized school affiliation or additional support.

Getting Started

Starting homeschool in Louisiana involves submitting a Home Study Application to the Louisiana Department of Education. The process is straightforward and approval is routine.

If Your Child Has Never Been in Public School

1. Submit Home Study Application to LDOE - online or by mail, within 15 days of beginning instruction
2. Receive approval letter - LDOE processes your application (routine approval)
3. Choose your curriculum - select materials for a "sustained curriculum of quality"
4. Begin instruction - provide 180 days of instruction

If Your Child Is Currently Enrolled in Public School

1. Submit Home Study Application to LDOE
2. Send a withdrawal letter to the current school
3. Request student records from the school
4. Receive LDOE approval (usually quick)
5. Begin homeschooling

Notification & Application

Louisiana uses an application-based system through LDOE. While the state calls it "approval," the process is routine and functions like a registration.

What to Include in Your Application

• Parent/guardian name and contact information
• Child's name, date of birth, and grade level
• Address where instruction will occur
• Statement of intent to provide home study
• Signature affirming compliance with requirements

Required Subjects

Louisiana does not specifically enumerate required subjects for home study. Instead, the law requires a "sustained curriculum of a quality at least equal to that offered by the public schools." This gives parents broad discretion in choosing what and how to teach.

What "Sustained Curriculum of Quality" Means

• Regular, ongoing instruction - not sporadic or occasional
• Age-appropriate content - suitable for your child's level
• Comparable quality - the quality (not specific content) should be comparable to public school

Typical Subjects Covered

Most families also include subjects like physical education, health, fine arts, and foreign language, but these are not specifically mandated by statute.

Attendance Requirements

Louisiana requires 180 days of instruction or the equivalent in hours. You set your own schedule - there is no requirement to follow the public school calendar, and you can distribute your 180 days however you choose throughout the year.

Annual Evaluation

Louisiana does not require any annual evaluation, testing, or formal assessment for home study students. There are no standardized tests, no portfolio reviews, and no progress reports to submit to anyone.

This is one of the key advantages of Louisiana's home study law. You are the sole judge of your child's educational progress.

Optional Testing

While not required, some families choose to administer standardized tests for their own purposes:

• ACT - the primary college admissions test used by Louisiana universities
• SAT - for broader college admissions options
• Iowa Test of Basic Skills - to benchmark academic progress
• Stanford Achievement Test - another widely used benchmark

Records & Portfolio

Louisiana requires you to submit your annual application to LDOE and maintain records at home. Beyond the application itself, you are not required to submit any records, work samples, or reports to the state.

Required Records

• LDOE application/approval letter - proof you are an approved home study program

Recommended Records to Keep

• Attendance log - tracking your 180 days of instruction
• Curriculum documentation - what materials you used each year
• Work samples - examples of student work showing progress
• Grade records - especially important for high school years
• Withdrawal letter copy - if you withdrew from public school
• Transcripts - essential for college-bound students

Special Programs & Opportunities

TOPS Scholarship (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students)

Louisiana's premier merit scholarship is available to homeschool students who meet the requirements. TOPS can cover tuition at Louisiana public universities.

• Meet ACT score requirements - varies by TOPS tier
• Complete the TOPS core curriculum - document courses on your transcript
• Meet GPA requirements - parent-assigned grades on transcript
• Apply through LOSFA (Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance)

LHSAA Sports Access

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) has provisions allowing homeschool students to participate in athletics at their zoned public school. Students must meet academic and eligibility requirements. This is better access than many states, though specific rules vary by school and sport.

School Choice Programs

Louisiana has been expanding school choice options. Currently available or in development:

• Course Choice Program - check current eligibility for homeschoolers
• GATOR Account (ESA) - check current legislation for homeschool eligibility
• Louisiana Scholarship Program - private schools only (not available to homeschoolers)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Louisiana's home study process is not complicated, but new families still make avoidable errors. Here are the most common ones.

1. Missing the October 1 renewal deadline. This is the single most important date for Louisiana homeschool families. Set a reminder in August and submit early. Late applications can create compliance headaches.
2. Not filing an application at all. Some families assume that since approval is routine, they can skip the application. You cannot. The application is legally required, even though it functions like a registration.
3. Waiting too long after starting to file. New homeschoolers must file within 15 days of beginning instruction. Do not start homeschooling and forget to submit your application.
4. Not withdrawing properly from public school. If your child is enrolled in public school, send a withdrawal letter and keep a copy. Without proper withdrawal, the school may pursue truancy action.
5. Not keeping any records. While not required to submit records to the state, having zero documentation puts you at risk. At minimum, keep your approval letter, an attendance log, and curriculum documentation.
6. Assuming TOPS scholarship is automatic. Homeschoolers can qualify for TOPS, but you must proactively document the core curriculum on your transcript and ensure your student meets ACT requirements. Plan for this from freshman year.
7. Being intimidated by the "approval" requirement. Many families delay starting because they fear rejection. Approval is routine. If you submit the required information, you will be approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Louisiana really an "approval" state?

Technically yes, but practically no. LDOE must approve applications that meet the basic requirements. They do not review your curriculum, test your students, or evaluate your teaching. It is effectively a registration system that happens to use the word "approval."

What if my application is denied?

This is extremely rare. If it happens, you have the right to appeal. Contact HSLDA or a Louisiana homeschool organization for assistance.

What does "sustained curriculum of quality" mean?

Regular, ongoing instruction that is age-appropriate. This standard is broadly interpreted and the state does not evaluate your actual curriculum materials. As long as you are providing consistent, genuine education, you meet this requirement.

Do I need to submit my curriculum to LDOE?

No. You only submit the application with required information. LDOE does not review or approve curriculum choices.

Can my homeschooler play public school sports?

Possibly. LHSAA has provisions for homeschool student participation, but there are specific academic and eligibility requirements. Contact your local school and check current LHSAA rules for details.