Homeschooling in Louisiana? Here’s your plan.
some requirementsThousands of Louisiana families homeschool successfully. The process has more steps than some states, but every one is manageable, and we'll walk you through it.
Louisiana gives homeschooling families more than one legal route, and the BESE-approved Home Study Program keeps the paperwork to one application a year. You apply online with the Louisiana Department of Education, and at renewal you choose how to show your child's progress from three options.
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Louisiana homeschool requirements include conditions and exceptions. Compare the pathways below and read the conditions alongside each supported requirement.
Source: La. R.S. 17:236. Last reviewed October 2026. Current through the Louisiana legislative session that ended June 1, 2026. State education department page checked for changes October 27, 2026.
- Regulation level
- Moderate
- Compulsory ages
- 5–18
- Notification required
- Yes — approval required to Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) on behalf of BESE Within 15 days after the home study program begins (initial application)
- Assessment required
- No
- Required subjects
- None mandated
- Primary statute
- La. R.S. 17:236
- Five by September 30 of the school year, until age 18 or earlier high-school graduation. Statutory kindergarten deferral and qualifying alternative education provisions apply.
- Five by September 30 of the school year, until age 18 or earlier high-school graduation. Statutory kindergarten deferral and qualifying alternative education provisions apply.
Conditions and exceptions
Age rules
- Five by September 30 of the school year, until age 18 or earlier high-school graduation. Statutory kindergarten deferral and qualifying alternative education provisions apply.
Home Study Program Approved by BESE
- Apply online through the LDOE home study application (paper application by mail in limited circumstances). BESE notifies the local superintendent of the application (R.S. 17:236.1(A)).
- Renewal applications are due by October 1 of the school year or within 12 months of the initial approval, whichever is later.
- LDOE suggests giving your prior school a copy of your home study approval letter. Districts also receive their home study approval letters from LDOE monthly.
- Louisiana law lists no specific subjects. The curriculum must be of quality at least equal to public schools at the same grade level. LDOE renewal guidance asks for work samples per core subject taught (Math, English, Social Studies, Science).
- No subject list; the standard is a curriculum at least equal in quality to public schools at the same grade level.
- Official R.S. 17:236(B) says the statutory 180-day minimum session has not applied since the 2005-2006 school year (BESE may set rules). LDOE guidance still describes 180 days, so planning at least 180 days follows the state agency's current guidance.
- A test result is one of three ways to support a renewal application: a passing competency-based exam, or a CAT or other approved standardized test at or above grade level (R.S. 17:236.1(D)(1)-(2)). A packet of materials or a certified teacher's statement can be used instead.
- A standardized test at or above grade level is one optional way to support the annual renewal (R.S. 17:236.1(D)(2)).
- Only if you choose test scores for the renewal: at or above grade level, or progress of one grade level per year in home study.
- Each renewal must include one of: a packet of materials, standardized test verification, or a certified teacher statement (R.S. 17:236.1(C)-(D)). Test results are reported only if you choose that option.
- R.S. 17:236.1 requires an initial application and, for each renewal, one form of evidence: a packet of materials, a qualifying test result, or a statement from a certified teacher (R.S. 17:236.1(C)-(D)). It requires no attendance record.
- LDOE says a child must participate in the approved home study program for at least 180 days in the school year to meet the compulsory attendance law; it does not require a log.
- R.S. 17:236.1 requires an initial application and, for each renewal, one form of evidence: a packet of materials, a qualifying test result, or a statement from a certified teacher (R.S. 17:236.1(C)-(D)). It requires no grade record. Copies of the student's work and of standardized tests are among the materials a renewal packet may include (R.S. 17:236.1(C)(1)).
- A work-sample packet is one renewal option, not a universal requirement. For renewal, parents submit either a packet (subject outlines, books and materials, copies of the student's work, tests, third-party statements) or one alternative: a qualifying test score or a certified teacher's statement (La. R.S. 17:236.1(C)-(D)).
- BESE, through LDOE, reviews the renewal materials you submit and may ask for more if they are inadequate (R.S. 17:236.1(C)(2)-(3)). The law does not provide for inspection of records at your home.
- Email is optional. Immunization statement applies at age 11 under the guidance; do not submit immunization documents to LDOE. Initial birth certificate and renewal evidence are separate attachments.
- Initial application only. Renewals instead include one of: a packet of materials, standardized test verification, or a certified teacher statement (R.S. 17:236.1(C)-(D)).
- The parent certifies the program on the application (online checkbox or signed paper form). No notarization is required.
- The 15-day clock is tied to beginning the home-study program. Continue satisfying compulsory-attendance requirements while arranging the transition.
- Provide one of the three renewal documentation options. A curriculum packet is an alternative to standardized test scores or the qualified teacher statement; optional packet contents are not all universally mandatory.
- LDOE suggests giving the prior school a copy of the home study approval letter once it arrives. No withdrawal document is required, and districts receive approval letters from LDOE monthly.
Registered Nonpublic School (Non-State-Approved)
- Submitted online through the LDOE attendance submission form. Students who came from a public school also need a written notice of enrollment to that school within 10 days.
- The report reflects total attendance as of the 30th day of the school term; no calendar submission date is stated. Notice of enrollment to a student's former public school is due within 10 days of enrollment.
- This is a written notice of enrollment from the nonpublic school (not a parent withdrawal form), required only for students coming from a public school, within 10 days of enrollment. It must include at least the student's legal name, date of birth, gender, and race.
- No state qualification for a nonpublic school that receives no public funds; the school (or church) sets its own staff requirements.
- Official R.S. 17:236(B) says the statutory 180-day minimum session has not applied since the 2005-2006 school year (BESE may set rules). LDOE guidance still describes 180 days, so planning at least 180 days follows the state agency's current guidance.
- State testing is not required under the nonpublic-not-seeking-approval option. School-level policies and transfer assessments are separate matters.
- State testing is not required. LEAP testing for grades 4 and 8 is available on request through the local school system.
- The school (often the parent who operates it) keeps the attendance records. On request of the local public school system, the school must state whether a student is enrolled and meeting compulsory attendance (LDOE guidelines, citing R.S. 17:221).
- If a college, employer, military branch or other third party asks for proof of the student's education, the parent or school administrator provides it.
- On request of the local public school system, the school must state whether a student is enrolled and meeting compulsory attendance, and must report enrollment status within ten days if asked (LDOE guidelines, citing R.S. 17:221 and 17:232(D)). This is a report, not a review of records.
State-Approved Nonpublic School
- You do not file anything to use this option; you enroll your child in a state-approved school. The school applies to the state Department of Education for approval (Bulletin 741 §107(D)).
- The school's approval is the school's process: the Department of Education reviews schools seeking approval each year and recommends approval to BESE (Bulletin 741 §107(G)).
- The school, not you, deals with the Department of Education and BESE for its approval (Bulletin 741 §107(G)).
- Approved schools file an annual school report by October 15. Bulletin 741 sets no fixed date for an initial approval application.
- The school files an annual school report with the Department of Education (Bulletin 741 §527(A)).
- You do not send a withdrawal letter. Within 10 days of enrolling your child, the school sends a written request to the public school your child last attended (Bulletin 741, applies to every nonpublic school).
- A written request/notice from the school to the public school the student previously attended, within 10 days of enrollment. Applies to students coming from a public school.
- You do not need teaching qualifications. The school's teachers of secular subjects must meet Bulletin 741 §303 (Louisiana certification, a qualifying degree and coursework, or a temporary authorization).
- For secular subjects, §303 provides alternative qualification routes: Louisiana certification, specified degree/coursework, or temporary authorization. Grade/subject-specific provisions and exceptions also apply; “other” does not mean no qualification requirement.
- Your duty is to send your child to the school (R.S. 17:221(A)(1)(b)). The approved school teaches the Bulletin 741 program of studies, which sets subject and time requirements by grade (for example, grades 1 through 8 spend at least 50 percent of the school day on reading, language arts and mathematics, Bulletin 741 §2103).
- Your duty is to send your child to the school (R.S. 17:221(A)(1)(b)). The approved school follows the grade-specific Bulletin 741 program of studies.
- The approved school's calendar must include 57,750 minutes of instructional time a year; the school may change the minutes per day and days per year (Bulletin 741 §117(A)).
- The school's calendar must include 57,750 minutes (962.5 hours) of instruction a year (Bulletin 741 §117(A)).
- 57,750 minutes equals 962.5 hours annually. Schools may vary daily minutes and the number of days while meeting the annual total; excluded activities and authorized exceptions appear in §117.
- State assessment participation is the approved school's choice. A school that wants to award the state diploma takes part in the state assessment program; a school that does not may still award a school diploma (Bulletin 741 §2111(C)-(D)).
- The school keeps registration and attendance records and each student's permanent record (Bulletin 741 §505(A)).
- Your duty is to send your child to the school (R.S. 17:221(A)(1)(b)). The approved school keeps registration and attendance records and an up-to-date permanent record of each student's personal data and progress (Bulletin 741 §505(A)).
- Bulletin 741 has no provision for review or inspection of a family's records.
- The school keeps the attendance records (Bulletin 741 §505(A)).
- The school keeps the attendance records.
- The school submits its annual school report (Bulletin 741 §527(A)); you file nothing each year.
- The annual school report is filed by the school, not the parent.
- The school, not you, contacts the public school your child last attended, within 10 days of enrollment.
The essentials under the Home Study Program Approved by BESE
- 1Notification requirements vary by pathway
- 2Instructional time requirements vary by pathway
- 3Reporting requirements vary by pathway
- 4Renew your filing annually by October 1 of the school year, or within 12 months of initial approval, whichever is later
Louisiana offers 3 options. See all below.
What to know about homeschooling in Louisiana
Homeschooling in Louisiana is governed by La. R.S. 17:236 and La. R.S. 17:236.1. Under the BESE-Approved Home Study Program, you submit the online application to the Louisiana Department of Education within 15 days after your home study program begins, with a copy of your child's birth certificate for the first application. No notarization is required, and no teaching certificate is required.
Louisiana law lists no specific subjects for home study. The standard is a sustained curriculum of a quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level. The Department's guidance describes 180 days of instruction, so planning at least 180 days follows the state agency's current guidance.
You renew every year by October 1, or within 12 months of your initial approval, whichever is later. Each renewal includes one of three things: a packet of materials showing the year's work, verification of a standardized test score, or a statement from a certified teacher.
Louisiana also has the LA GATOR Scholarship (Act 1 of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session), an education savings account. Students in an approved home study program are not eligible while in that program, so a family must leave the home study pathway to participate, and GATOR participants take annual ELA and math assessments. Award amounts and eligibility phases are set each year, so check the program's current terms before applying.
Homeschooled students may also qualify for the TOPS college scholarship. TOPS has specific rules for home study students, so review the current requirements with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance early in high school.
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Build My Plan →Legislation tracking records
Saved bill activity for Louisiana. These records may be out of date. Check the linked legislative record for the current status and effective date. A tracking record alone does not update the requirements on this page.
HB1108
Recorded status: activeCreates the "Homeschool Proud" specialty license plate
Claims and source coverage
Every fact checked against official state law
- Facts backed by official law
- 102 / 102
- Quoted word for word from the law
- 102
- Confirmed not required by law
- 0
Explore the individual claims and cited sources behind this state's requirements.
37
source records linked
Additional reference links: 3 sources including the state DOE and HSLDA.
Review status
Last reviewed October 2026. We check Louisiana's official sources for changes twice a week.
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How homeschooling works in Louisiana
Louisiana offers 3 options to homeschool. The most common is highlighted.
Louisiana has three pathways. The BESE-Approved Home Study Program (La. R.S. 17:236) is an annual application to the Louisiana Department of Education, with no required subject list and a choice of three ways to document progress at renewal. The Registered Nonpublic School pathway (La. R.S. 17:233) uses a nonpublic school that reports enrollment to the Department each year; state testing is not required, and the state sets no subject list or teacher qualification. In the State-Approved Nonpublic School pathway, the school carries the duties: it files an annual report by October 15, meets an annual instructional-time requirement of 57,750 minutes, follows state rules for teacher qualifications in secular subjects, and chooses whether to take part in state testing. Your duty is to enroll your child and see that your child attends.
| Home Study ProgramMost common | Non-State-Approved | State-Approved Nonpublic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing | Approval required | Annual | None |
| Hours/days | 180 days/yr | 180 days/yr | None |
| Records | None | Attendance | None |
Home Study Program Approved by BESE
Notification
Varies by pathway
La. R.S. 17:236.1(A)-(B) (application to BESE; initial application within 15 days after the program begins) ·
Required subjects
See curriculum requirements in the cited source
La. R.S. 17:236.1(B)-(C) (sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level) ·
Testing / assessment
None required
Instructional time
Varies by pathway
La. R.S. 17:236(B) (statutory 180-day minimum not applicable since 2005-2006); LDOE BESE-Approved Home Study Program Guidelines ·
Sourced from La. R.S. 17:236. Last reviewed October 2026 · 36 individual claims tracked
Registered Nonpublic School (Non-State-Approved)
Notification
simple notice to Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE)
LDOE Nonpublic Schools Not Seeking State Approval Guidelines (citing La. R.S. 17:232(C)) ·
Required subjects
See curriculum requirements in the cited source
Testing / assessment
None required
Instructional time
180 days/year
Sourced from La. R.S. 17:236. Last reviewed October 2026 · 25 individual claims tracked
State-Approved Nonpublic School
BESE Bulletin 741 (Nonpublic), LAC 28:LXXIX
Notification
None required
BESE Bulletin 741 (Nonpublic) §107, §527 ·
Required subjects
See curriculum requirements in the cited source
BESE Bulletin 741 (subjects comparable to public schools per state approval standards) ·
Testing / assessment
None required
BESE Bulletin 741 (Nonpublic) §2111 (state diploma and state assessment participation) ·
Instructional time
See instructional-time requirements in the cited source
BESE Bulletin 741 (Nonpublic) §117 (57,750 minutes per year) ·
Sourced from BESE Bulletin 741 (Nonpublic), LAC 28:LXXIX. Last reviewed October 2026 · 30 individual claims tracked
Forms and filings
Home Study Program Approved by BESE Notification & Plan
Issued by: Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) on behalf of BESE
When due: Within 15 days of beginning home study or withdrawing child from school
View form →Registered Nonpublic School Notice of Intent
Issued by: BESE/LDOE
Louisiana-specific tips
Practical guidanceSports and extracurriculars. Louisiana law allows homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic athletics and extracurricular activities at their resident public school, subject to LHSAA rules. Your child must meet academic, age, and residency requirements comparable to enrolled students.
TOPS scholarship. Homeschooled students can qualify for TOPS, with ACT score requirements and documentation rules for home study students. Check the current requirements with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance and submit the FAFSA or TOPS online application by the state deadline.
Dual enrollment. Homeschooled students may take courses at Louisiana post-secondary institutions. Policies and costs vary by institution, so contact the college directly.
LA GATOR tradeoffs. Participating means leaving the home study pathway and taking annual ELA and math assessments. Families with children who have disabilities should review how the program affects their child's rights under IDEA before applying.
IEP and special needs. Home study students are generally not eligible for district special education services. Child Find evaluations are still available from your local district.
Withdrawal process. No withdrawal document is required for home study. Submit your application within 15 days after your home study program begins. The Department suggests giving your child's prior school a copy of your approval letter once it arrives, and districts also receive approval letters from the Department each month.
Education savings / school choice programs
LA GATOR Scholarship Program
2025-26 awards: up to $15,253 for a student with a disability (tiered by disability), $7,626 for a family at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, and $5,243 for other students. Amounts are a percentage of the prior year's average state and local per-pupil funding and depend on legislative funding.: A Louisiana resident at least 5 and not older than 21 by September 30, 2026 who was in LA GATOR in 2025-26, is entering kindergarten, was enrolled in a public school on both October 1 and February 1 of 2025-26, or has household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. Not available to a child in a BESE-approved home study program or in a nonpublic school not seeking state approval (LDOE home study and nonpublic school guidelines).
Explore Louisiana homeschool guides
How to Start
Step-by-step guide to getting started in Louisiana
Compliance Checklist
Every requirement in one checklist
Documents & Templates
Forms, letters, and what to file
Deadlines & Calendar
Filing dates and assessment deadlines
Assessment Requirements
Testing rules and what scores mean
High School
Transcripts, diplomas, and college prep
Special Needs
IEP services, therapy access, and rights
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Last reviewed October 2026 · How we verify