Louisiana offers two pathways for homeschooling: the Home Study Program and BESE-approved non-public schools. Parents have the freedom to choose their curriculum and teaching methods, with minimal state oversight.
Louisiana is home to approximately 30,000 homeschooled students, making it one of the active homeschooling communities in the nation (NCES estimates, 2023). As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
Your homeschool options in Louisiana
In Louisiana, you have two main ways to homeschool. Both are overseen by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
Home Study Program: This is the most popular choice. You apply directly to BESE each year. If you fill out the application correctly, it gets approved easily. You teach your child at home without needing to get a specific curriculum approved or undergo testing. Just renew your application yearly.
BESE-Approved Non-Public School: Some families choose to enroll in a non-public school that is approved by BESE. This could be an umbrella school or a cooperative. They take care of your registration, and you might get extra services like transcripts or graduation ceremonies. However, you still teach at home.
Most families find the Home Study Program easier and cheaper. The BESE school route is good for those who want more support or need an accredited diploma.
Both options let you choose your curriculum freely, as Louisiana doesn’t require specific subjects or teaching methods.
How to start homeschooling in Louisiana
Starting homeschooling in Louisiana is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:
Louisiana's requirements
The state has very few legal requirements. Here’s what you must do:
- File your initial application within 15 days of starting.
- Renew your application every year, usually by October 1.
- Provide 180 days of instruction similar to public school.
- Keep an attendance log.
What's not required
You don’t need to worry about:
- Standardized testing at any grade.
- Specific subjects or curriculum.
- Parent qualifications (no degree needed).
- Submitting portfolios or progress reports.
- Home visits or inspections.
- Evaluations by licensed professionals.
Attendance flexibility
Louisiana requires 180 days of instruction, but you have some leeway. Many families interpret this as needing to provide about 180 days of instruction, not strictly following a calendar. The state won’t check your records unless there’s a complaint.
Trust and responsibility
Louisiana trusts parents to educate their children. The state mainly handles registration, leaving you free to choose how to teach.
Record-keeping recommendations
While Louisiana has minimal requirements, keeping good records is still a smart move. Here’s what to track:
- Attendance log showing 180 instructional days.
- Basic curriculum outline.
- Work samples to show progress.
- Course records, reading logs, and project documentation. These will help when creating high school transcripts.
High school records
For high school, you’ll need detailed records for college applications. Include course titles, credits, grades, and a cumulative GPA. Start this in 9th grade or earlier, especially for subjects like lab sciences.
Suggested record system
- Attendance log (dates of instruction)
- Annual curriculum summary
- Work samples (every quarter or unit)
- Reading list (books completed)
- Course grades (if assigned)
- Extracurricular activities
High school, graduation & beyond
As a homeschool parent in Louisiana, you decide what graduation looks like for your child. Here are the key points:
Diploma authority
Families in the Home Study Program issue their own diplomas. Schools approved by BESE provide diplomas too, which some may accept more widely. No state approval is needed.
Creating transcripts
Make detailed transcripts for college. Include course titles, credit hours (120-180 hours = 1 credit), grades, and GPA. Many families plan high school years to ensure transcripts are complete.
College admission in Louisiana
Public universities in Louisiana accept homeschoolers. You’ll usually need ACT/SAT scores and transcripts. Each school has its own admission requirements, so check early.
Tops scholarship
Louisiana offers the TOPS scholarship for residents attending in-state colleges. Homeschoolers can qualify if they meet ACT score and course requirements.
Dual enrollment
Louisiana colleges offer dual enrollment, allowing students to earn college credit in high school.
Sports and extracurricular access
Louisiana allows homeschool students to participate in public school sports. Here’s how:
Legal basis
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:236.1, homeschool students can join LHSAA-sanctioned sports at their zoned public school.
Eligibility requirements
Students must meet the same academic, age, and behavior standards as enrolled students. You’ll need to show that your child is making academic progress, usually through your BESE approval and attendance records.
Process
Contact the athletic director at your zoned school before the sports season. Ask about tryout dates and any requirements. Some schools are more welcoming than others, but the law supports your right to participate.
Beyond lhsaa sports
There are also homeschool sports leagues in areas like Baton Rouge and New Orleans. These leagues offer competition without going through public schools.
Financial assistance
In Louisiana, there’s limited funding for homeschool families. Here’s what you need to know:
ESA program
The Louisiana Student Scholarships for Excellence (ESA) helps students with disabilities cover private school tuition and educational services. While regular homeschooling expenses aren't covered, therapies may qualify.
School choice scholarships
This program offers scholarships for low-income students to attend private schools, not specifically for homeschooling.
Practical funding reality
Louisiana doesn’t reimburse typical homeschool expenses. Families usually pay for curriculum and materials out of pocket. Available programs mainly support private school enrollment.
Special situations
Here are some special situations to consider:
Starting mid-year
You can withdraw from public school at any time. Just submit your BESE Home Study application within 15 days and notify the school.
Moving to Louisiana
When moving, file your Home Study application within 15 days of establishing residency. Previous homeschool records can help, but they aren’t required.
Special needs students
Homeschooled students with disabilities may qualify for Louisiana’s ESA program for therapies. Local school districts must evaluate suspected disabilities, providing some services through a plan.
Returning to public school
If your child returns to public school, they may have to take a placement assessment to determine the right grade level.
Multiple children
You can file one application for all children. Each child will get individual approval from BESE.
The bottom line
Louisiana has a straightforward homeschooling system. Just file your BESE application and provide 180 days of instruction. You have the freedom to teach according to your values without state testing or curriculum approval.
This freedom means responsibility. Louisiana won’t tell you what to teach or how to measure progress. Those choices are yours. Some families thrive with this independence, while others prefer more structure. Know what works for your family and kids.
Your first step
Submit your Home Study Program application to BESE within 15 days of starting instruction. The Louisiana homeschool community is active and supportive, with many groups ready to help newcomers.
