A Home Study Program is a parent-led education option done at home. It meets state attendance rules. Parents choose the curriculum and teaching methods based on state laws.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is a home study program?
A Home Study Program is an education option led by parents at home. It meets your state's requirements for attendance. Parents take charge of choosing the curriculum and teaching methods. Some states use the term 'home study program' like 'homeschooling'. In places like Louisiana, it means a specific approved program with state oversight. Knowing how your state views HSP helps you understand the rules you need to follow.
Louisiana's home study program
Louisiana shows how HSP can be a specific legal category. Families must apply to BESE within 15 days of starting their program and renew every year. Parents pick the curriculum and set grade levels. Kids can join sports teams. The diploma from an HSP is just as valid as a state diploma. Interestingly, Louisiana doesn’t require state tests for HSPs, which is different from many other states. This makes it one of the most formalized home study options in the country.
Registration requirements vary by state
States have different rules for Home Study Programs. Eleven states, like Idaho and Texas, don’t require any notification. Most states ask for some annual notice, usually 10-15 days before the school year starts. High-regulation states may require submitting curriculum, testing, and evaluations. It's important to check your state's laws through HSLDA's state guides or your local homeschool organization to know what your HSP needs.
The bottom line
No matter if your state calls it a 'home study program' or 'homeschooling', the idea is the same: parents educate their kids at home. In states like Louisiana, HSP has specific legal requirements. In most places, it's just another name for homeschooling. Understand your state's rules, register if needed, and focus on giving your kids a great education.
