Taking the plunge into homeschooling can feel intimidating. From lesson plans to curriculum choices to compliance with state laws, it can feel like there is a lot to coordinate. However, understanding state homeschool requirements brings families one step closer to enjoying the freedom that homeschooling affords. In Louisiana, parents have two options for homeschooling their children:
- Registering as a Board of Education-approved home study program
- Registering as a home-based private school not seeking state approval
Louisiana Homeschool Mandates for Option 1
Louisiana compulsory attendance laws require children to be in school from ages 7 through 18. In 2022-2023, the state will require children to attend school beginning at age 5.
Under the Board of Education-approved home study choice (option 1), parents must:
- Request approval from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education within 15 days of beginning a homeschool program. This request must contain required information, including certified copies of student birth certificates.
- Submit an annual application to continue homeschooling by the later of October 1 or twelve months after initial approval.
- Teach for 180 days each year.
- Teach subjects equivalent to what is being taught in the public schools, in the same grades as the public schools.
- Maintain student immunization records.
Parents must submit one of the following along with the annual application:
- A file containing a list of their academic curriculum, an outline of each subject, samples of student work, copies of standardized tests, and any outside educational evaluations; or
- Evidence of the student’s passing score on the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program Test; or
- Evidence of the student’s score on a standardized test approved by the state board of education; or
- A statement from a certified teacher of the student’s grade level asserting the level of education is equivalent to that of the public schools.
Students enrolled in a home education program may be eligible for a Louisiana Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award based on ACT scores.
Louisiana Homeschool Mandates for Option 2
High school students who attend a home-based private school not seeking state approval (option 2) are not eligible for the TOPS award. However, these homeschools have fewer state regulations. To operate a homeschool under option 2, parents must:
- Notify the student’s prior school, if any, within ten days of beginning a home education program. This notice must contain required information.
- Refrain from accepting any state or federal funds.
- Provide an annual notice of attendance to the Louisiana Board of Education by the 30th day of the school term.
- Teach for 180 days each year.
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in Louisiana
If your children currently attend a public or private school, you will need to withdraw them to homeschool. In many cases, sending a withdrawal letter by certified mail to your school district will suffice.
Special Education Provisions
Louisiana has no additional requirements for parents wishing to homeschool their special needs children. Home study students are not eligible for special education services. However, students homeschooling under the private school option may be eligible for some special education services.
Record Keeping
Louisiana requires parents homeschooling under option 1 to keep records of their:
- Initial request for home education approval
- Annual renewal letter
- Annual file (curriculum, subject outlines, student work samples, standardized test scores, and outside academic evaluations)
Regardless of the home education option, it is wise to keep a file for each student containing:
- Attendance records
- Information on subjects taught and curriculum used
- School district correspondence, including forms filed
- Immunizations
- Samples of student work
- Standardized test scores and evaluations
With a clear understanding of Louisiana homeschool laws and the wide availability of resources, homeschooling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. LightSail’s comprehensive language arts platform provides children with the tools to grow reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. At the same time, LightSail’s built-in assessments and progress-tracking capabilities give parents peace of mind about meeting Louisiana’s homeschool requirements.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. State laws are constantly changing. Consult an attorney or call your state’s Department of Education for any questions regarding the legalities of homeschooling.
