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Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Louisiana

What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in Louisiana, and how to reach the services that remain available.

What happens to your child's services

LDOE guidance says students in a BESE-Approved Home Study Program or a nonpublic school not seeking state approval do not qualify for district special education services or Section 504 accommodations. Federal child find still requires that your child be identified and evaluated if a disability is suspected.

Primary source: La. R.S. 17:236(A); LDOE home study and nonpublic guidelines; 34 CFR 300.111; 34 CFR 300.130

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

Federal IDEA requires that all children with disabilities residing in the state, including those attending private schools, be identified, located and evaluated. This includes homeschooled children.

34 CFR 300.111

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Dual enrollment

Not provided by state law. LDOE says home study students and students in nonpublic schools not seeking state approval do not qualify for IDEA special education and related services.

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Equitable services

Not available for BESE-approved home study: state law treats home study as day-school attendance solely for purposes of compulsory attendance, and LDOE says home study students do not qualify for IDEA services. LDOE says the same for nonpublic schools not seeking state approval, but federal rules extend equitable services to children in private schools that meet the federal school definition, and no state text settles whether these schools meet it.

Before you withdraw

  1. 1

    Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.

  2. 2

    Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional.

  3. 3

    File your homeschool notice as your state requires. Our wizard prepares it for you.

  4. 4

    Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need them if you re-enroll.

Special education help

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Education savings available

Louisiana offers LA GATOR Scholarship Program. See eligibility and amounts

Common questions

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Louisiana?
LDOE guidance says students in a BESE-Approved Home Study Program or a nonpublic school not seeking state approval do not qualify for district special education services or Section 504 accommodations. Federal child find still requires that your child be identified and evaluated if a disability is suspected.
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Louisiana?
Child Find: Federal IDEA requires that all children with disabilities residing in the state, including those attending private schools, be identified, located and evaluated. This includes homeschooled children.

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Requirements sourced from La. R.S. 17:236. Last reviewed October 2026