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Starting homeschool is easier with community. Louisiana has robust support groups—both statewide organizations and local chapters—where families share resources, ask questions, form friendships, and navigate homeschooling together.
Key Takeaways:
- Homeschool Louisiana is the primary statewide organization, with 501(c)(3) status and local chapters across the state
- Regional support groups exist in every major Louisiana metro area
- Support groups range from faith-based (Christian) to inclusive secular networks
- Most groups meet monthly and coordinate co-ops, field trips, and community events
- Facebook is the primary communication tool for Louisiana support groups
Primary Statewide Organization: Homeschool Louisiana
Organization Overview
Homeschool Louisiana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry serving homeschooling families statewide.
Contact Information:
- Address: 511 Turquoise Street, New Orleans, LA 70124
- Phone: 225-725-5230
- Website: homeschoollouisiana.org
- Email: Check website for current email contacts
Mission: Support homeschooling families, provide resources, facilitate community connection, and advocate for homeschool rights in Louisiana.
Structure and Services
Homeschool Louisiana operates as an umbrella organization with local chapters and support groups across the state.
What Homeschool Louisiana offers:
- Connection to local support groups in your area
- Statewide events and conferences
- Educational resources and materials
- Advocacy on homeschool legislation
- Networking and friendship opportunities
- Group purchasing discounts (curriculum, testing, etc.)
How Homeschool Louisiana Works
Local chapters: Most major Louisiana cities and regions have a local Homeschool Louisiana chapter. These chapters:
- Meet monthly for education, encouragement, and community
- Coordinate co-ops and group activities
- Share resources and group buys
- Provide mentoring for new homeschoolers
Connection process:
- Call Homeschool Louisiana: 225-725-5230
- Ask for your local chapter contact and information
- Attend a monthly meeting to connect with families in your area
- Get involved in co-ops, field trips, and community events coordinated by your local chapter
Cost
Homeschool Louisiana is affordable:
- Membership: Often free or minimal annual dues ($20–$50)
- Individual meetings: Free to attend
- Special events: Small fees ($10–$25) for workshops or conferences
Cost is intentionally kept low to ensure access for all families.
Regional Support Groups and Chapters
Baton Rouge Area
Greater Baton Rouge homeschooling is active with multiple support groups and academic co-ops.
Primary connections:
- Homeschool Louisiana Baton Rouge chapter
- Berean Homeschool Co-op
- Cornerstone Homeschool Co-op (Zachary area)
- Bethel Homeschool Group
- Multiple Facebook groups focused on Baton Rouge homeschooling
How to find: Call Homeschool Louisiana and ask for Baton Rouge chapter contact. Alternatively, search Facebook for “Baton Rouge homeschool” or “Baton Rouge homeschool co-op.”
New Orleans Area
New Orleans has one of Louisiana’s most active homeschool communities.
Primary connections:
- Homeschool Louisiana New Orleans chapter
- St. Bernard Christian Homeschool Association
- St. Bernard/Jefferson Parish support groups
- Orleans Parish support groups
- Numerous Facebook groups for New Orleans area families
Advantages: New Orleans has extensive field trip resources (Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, Jazz Museum, NOMA, etc.), multiple co-ops, and a large homeschooling population.
How to find: Contact Homeschool Louisiana New Orleans chapter directly or search Facebook for “New Orleans homeschool.”
Shreveport and Ark-La-Tex Region
North Louisiana has active secular and faith-based homeschool communities.
Primary connections:
- SASH (Shreveport Area Secular Homeschooling)
- Shreveport Christian homeschool groups
- RCH (Ruston Central Louisiana) Christian co-op
- Regional support groups in Texarkana border area
Character: North Louisiana groups often combine Texas and Louisiana families due to regional proximity.
How to find: Search “Shreveport homeschool” or “Ark-La-Tex homeschool” on Facebook. Contact Homeschool Louisiana for north Louisiana chapter info.
Lafayette and Acadiana Region
Lafayette area has multiple active groups serving Acadiana families.
Primary connections:
- Homeschool Louisiana Lafayette chapter
- Acadiana support groups (Lafayette, Breaux Bridge, St. Martinville areas)
- Faith-based and secular options available
- Classical Conversations community in Lafayette
Regional character: Strong Cajun cultural influence, outdoor/outdoor-learning emphasis, active field trip culture.
How to find: Contact Homeschool Louisiana for Lafayette chapter or search “Lafayette homeschool” on Facebook.
Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana
Southwest Louisiana has community support groups, though smaller than major metros.
Primary connections:
- Lake Charles area support groups
- Southwest Louisiana homeschool networks
- Faith-based and secular options
How to find: Contact Homeschool Louisiana for southwest chapter referral or search “Lake Charles homeschool” on Facebook.
Other Louisiana Regions
Additional support groups exist in:
- Alexandria/Central Louisiana: Local chapters
- Monroe/Northeast Louisiana: Regional groups
- Smaller towns: Often serve 1-3 parish communities
Universal finding method: Contact Homeschool Louisiana (225-725-5230) for any region of the state. They maintain current contact information for all local chapters.
How Support Groups Work (Typical Structure)
Monthly Meetings
Most support groups meet once monthly for:
- Educational components: Guest speakers, workshops, curriculum reviews
- Social time: Coffee, conversation, friendship building
- Resource sharing: Group buys, co-op coordination, field trip planning
- Questions and answers: Veteran homeschoolers answering questions from new families
Typical attendance: 20–100 families depending on group size and location
Facebook Groups
Nearly all Louisiana support groups use Facebook as their primary communication tool.
Why Facebook:
- Easy announcements of meetings and events
- Real-time Q&A between meetings
- Curriculum sales/exchanges
- Group buy coordination
- Casual community connection
How to participate:
- Search for your local group on Facebook
- Request to join
- Introduce yourself (many groups require new member introductions)
- Read community guidelines
- Start engaging with questions, advice, event sharing
Co-op Coordination
Support groups often coordinate or host co-ops (covered in ).
Field Trips and Social Events
Groups organize:
- Monthly field trips (museums, nature centers, parks, historical sites)
- Park days (free informal gatherings)
- Seasonal celebrations (Christmas parties, end-of-year picnics, back-to-school socials)
- Co-op outings
- Sometimes overnight trips or extended educational experiences
Cost: Field trips typically $0–$25 per family for admission and logistics.
Faith-Based vs. Secular Groups
Faith-Based Groups (Christian)
Most Louisiana support groups have Christian foundations, including:
- Homeschool Louisiana (Christian ministry)
- Church-based co-ops
- Faith-integrated support groups
Character: Integrated Christian worldview, often meeting at churches, faith-based curriculum recommendations, prayer and spiritual component at gatherings.
If interested: These groups openly welcome all Christian families and are explicit about their foundation.
Secular and Inclusive Groups
Secular groups serving Louisiana include:
- SASH (Shreveport Area Secular Homeschooling)
- LAHEN (Louisiana Home Education Network) – inclusive of all philosophies
- Various Facebook groups with secular focus
Character: Curriculum-neutral, worldview-neutral, focused on pedagogy and learning approaches rather than faith integration.
If interested: Search Facebook for “Louisiana secular homeschool” or “inclusive homeschool Louisiana.”
Choosing the Right Support Group for Your Family
Consider
Faith alignment: Do you want a faith-based group, secular group, or inclusive group? Be clear on your preference.
Meeting frequency: Can you commit to monthly meetings? Some groups have higher participation expectations.
Geographic location: Is the group close enough to attend regularly? Some families drive 30+ minutes; others want local.
Curriculum and method philosophy: Does the group emphasize your educational approach (classical, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, eclectic)?
Community culture: Visit or observe. Do these families feel like your people? Is the tone welcoming and supportive?
Practical offerings: Does the group offer co-ops, field trips, and activities you value? Or is social connection your primary goal?
Trial Approach
Don’t commit without visiting:
- Find a local group
- Attend a monthly meeting as a visitor (most welcome visitors)
- See how you feel—do you belong?
- Attend a second or third meeting to confirm
- Join formally if it feels right
It’s completely acceptable to try one group, find it’s not a fit, and try another. There’s no obligation to stay in a group that doesn’t click.
New Homeschooler Benefits from Support Groups
Joining a support group immediately after starting homeschool provides:
Practical help:
- Experienced families answering curriculum questions
- Group buys reducing curriculum costs
- Co-op access for enrichment and socialization
- Field trip coordination
Emotional support:
- Validation (you’re not alone or crazy)
- Encouragement during challenging seasons
- Friendship with families in the same boat
- Mentoring from families further along
Resource access:
- Shared materials (borrowed curricula, lesson plans)
- Used curriculum exchanges
- Group discounts on testing and programs
Child socialization:
- Park days and social events
- Co-op academic and social settings
- Friendships with other homeschool children
Getting Started
Step 1: Contact Homeschool Louisiana
Call: 225-725-5230 Web: homeschoollouisiana.org Ask for: Local chapter contact in your area
Step 2: Join Local Facebook Group
Search Facebook for “[Your City] Homeschool” or “[Your Region] Homeschool Support Group.”
Request to join, introduce yourself, and ask about upcoming meetings.
Step 3: Attend a Meeting
Go to a monthly meeting as a visitor. Come with an open mind. Connect with families.
Step 4: Try a Co-op or Activity
Most groups coordinate co-ops, field trips, or social events. Participate in something and see how you feel.
Step 5: Decide on Involvement Level
Some families are highly active (volunteer, organize events). Others attend meetings monthly. Both are valuable. Find your level.
Resources Beyond Support Groups
Online directories:
- homeschoolinginlouisiana.com: Comprehensive statewide resource directory
Statewide resources:
- Homeschool Louisiana conferences and workshops
- LAHEN legislative updates and advocacy
Outside Louisiana (if needed):
- SENG (Secular, Eclectic, Homeschooled) for secular families
- HECOA for Christian families
- Facebook groups for various homeschool philosophies
Bottom Line
Support groups transform homeschooling from a solo endeavor into a community experience. Louisiana’s robust support network means you can:
- Find families aligned with your philosophy
- Access enrichment through co-ops
- Get practical curriculum and planning advice
- Build lasting friendships
- Provide socialization for your children
Starting homeschool without support is possible. Starting with community makes it significantly easier and more enjoyable.
Next Steps
covers co-ops coordinated by support groups.
walks through the full homeschool startup process, including support group connection.
Call Homeschool Louisiana this week: 225-725-5230. Tell them where you live. Get a local chapter contact. Attend a meeting. You’ll feel less alone immediately.