How to start homeschooling in Louisiana
The legal steps, in order, checked against Louisiana law.
Short answer: Louisiana families usually educate at home through a BESE approved home study program or a nonpublic school not seeking state approval. Home study requires an application to the state board within 15 days of starting and a yearly renewal with evidence of progress. A nonpublic school not seeking approval submits enrollment information each year.
Checked against La. R.S. 17:236.1 on Nov 8, 2026. Compulsory school ages: 5 to 18. This is what the law says, not legal advice.
Louisiana gives you 2 legal ways to homeschool. Pick one and follow its steps.
BESE approved home study program
Parents who want state recognized home study, including a diploma with the same rights as a state approved nonpublic school diploma and possible TOPS eligibility.
Steps
- Apply to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education through the Louisiana Department of Education online application within 15 days after starting the program. Include a certified copy of the child's birth certificate and certify that the program will offer a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to public schools at the same grade level.
- Choose your curriculum and decide your child's grade level for the year.
- Teach the program. A parent or tutor may teach, and there are no teacher qualifications.
- Before renewal, gather evidence of progress: a packet of materials, a standardized test showing grade level work or one grade level of progress per year, or a statement from a certified teacher.
- Submit a renewal application by October 1 of the school year, or within 12 months of initial approval, whichever is later, or when the child moves to the next grade level.
| Notice to the state | Yes To: The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, through the Louisiana Department of Education When: Within 15 days after starting the program, then a renewal by October 1 or within 12 months of approval, whichever is later Official form |
|---|---|
| Subjects | A sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level. No specific subjects are listed in statute. |
| Time | The department says a child must participate in the home study program for at least 180 days in the school year to comply with compulsory attendance. |
| Parent qualifications | None required by law |
| Testing or evaluation | At each renewal, one of: a packet of materials such as subject outlines, book lists, work samples, test copies, and third party statements; a standardized test score at or above grade level or showing one grade level of progress per year; or a statement from a teacher certified at the child's grade level. State testing is not required but may be arranged through the local school board. |
| Records to keep | The materials needed to support each renewal application. |
The law: La. R.S. 17:236.1 La. R.S. 17:236(A) Louisiana Department of Education, BESE Approved Home Study Program Guidelines
Other legal routes
Louisiana law also allows these. We have not confirmed their full rules, so ask the state education department before you choose one.
- Nonpublic school not seeking state approval: Families who prefer to operate or enroll in a private school that does not seek state approval and do not need TOPS or a diploma with state standing.
Leaving public school mid-year
The Louisiana Department of Education says no documentation is required to withdraw a child and a public school cannot refuse to let a parent withdraw. For home study, it suggests applying before withdrawing when possible, and sending a copy of the approval letter to the prior school. School districts receive monthly copies of home study approval letters. For a nonpublic school not seeking approval, the school must notify the former public school within 10 days of enrollment.
High school, transcripts and diplomas
Under La. R.S. 17:236.1(G), a diploma from a BESE approved home study program has the same rights and privileges as a diploma from a state approved nonpublic school for public colleges and state and local agencies. Parents create and issue the diploma, without state seals. TOPS eligibility requires enrollment in approved home study for grades 11 and 12 and meeting TOPS ACT requirements. A diploma from a nonpublic school not seeking approval does not carry the same weight as a state issued diploma, and its students are not TOPS eligible. Public schools evaluate returning students to set grade level and credits.
Public school sports and activities
Yes, for approved home study students. The department says that under Act 715 a public school may not disqualify a student from extracurricular activities or interscholastic athletics solely because the student is in approved home study, if the student lives in the school's attendance zone. The student tries out in the same manner as other students and must meet the same grade point average and discipline requirements.
After the paperwork
Common questions
Do I have to tell the state I am homeschooling in Louisiana?
Yes, under the bese approved home study program route, you notify the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, through the Louisiana Department of Education within 15 days after starting the program, then a renewal by October 1 or within 12 months of approval, whichever is later.
Is testing required for homeschoolers in Louisiana?
At each renewal, one of: a packet of materials such as subject outlines, book lists, work samples, test copies, and third party statements; a standardized test score at or above grade level or showing one grade level of progress per year; or a statement from a teacher certified at the child's grade level. State testing is not required but may be arranged through the local school board.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Louisiana?
A sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level. No specific subjects are listed in statute.
What ages must be schooled in Louisiana?
Ages 5 to 18, per state law.
Sources
- La. R.S. 17:236.1
- La. R.S. 17:236(A)
- Louisiana Department of Education, BESE Approved Home Study Program Guidelines
- La. R.S. 17:221 (compulsory ages)
- BESE-Approved Home Study Program, Louisiana Department of Education
We read each source on Nov 8, 2026 and recheck every guide each quarter. Laws change. If something here no longer matches the state, write to us and we will fix it.