by Rita Onyx
This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.
There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.
Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in Louisiana. Know the Louisiana homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.
Quick Facts:
There are 2 ways to homeschool:
- Home study program
- Home-based private school
Requirements:
- Children between 7-18 of age must be in school
- You DO need to notify your local school district
- There are NO teacher qualifications
- There ARE state mandated subjects
- There ARE required assessments or testing BUT only for the home study program
- There ARE immunization requirements
How to Homeschool as a Home Study Program
- Apply to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for approval within 15 days of starting to homeschool
- Renew the application yearly every October 1st or 12 months after initial approval (whichever is later)
- Include in your application a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate (NOT A PHOTOCOPY)
- Instruction must be for at least 180 days
- Subjects must include what is taught in the public schools in Louisiana
- Show evidence of immunizations for meningococcal disease when your child turns 11yrs old or provide a waiver for religious, medical, or personal reasons
Upon renewal you can submit:
a) an outline of each subject taught
b) list of books, materials used
c) copies of the child’s work
d) standardized tests
e) statements of third parties who have observed your child’s progress
- OR
a) A passing score on the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP)
b) A score on a California Achievement Test (CAT)
c) A score from another standardized test approved by the state board of education
- Written statement by a teacher certified to teach at your child’s grade level that verifies that the child is being taught in accordance with what is being taught in public schools
How to Homeschool Under the Home-Based Private School
- This option will have your homeschool treated as a private school
- Notify the public school within 10 days of enrollment in a home-based private school
- Include:
a) Legal name
b) Date of birth
c) Gender
d) Race
e) Optional: You can request a copy of your child’s transcript
- Do not accept any federal or state funds
- Annually report to the Louisiana Department of Education your school’s total attendance as of the 30th day of your school term
- Instruction must be for at least 180 days
Helpful links:
https://www.louisianabelieves.com/schools/home-study
https://www.homeschoollouisiana.org/resources/how-do-i-start-homeschooling/
https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/louisiana.html
Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education
- Louisiana Department of Education
1201 North Third
P.O. Box 94064
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064
Phone: 225-219-5172
Toll-Free: 877-453-2721
Fax: 225-342-0781
Email: customerservice@la.gov
Website: https://www.louisianabelieves.com/
- U.S. Department of Education, Louisiana