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Louisiana has two distinct legal pathways for homeschooling, each with different requirements and benefits. Understanding which option fits your family is the first decision you’ll make as a homeschooling parent in Louisiana.
Key Takeaways:
- Louisiana offers two legal homeschool options: BESE-Approved Home Study (most common) and Nonpublic School registration
- Home Study requires annual state approval, 180 instructional days, and evidence of student progress
- No teaching degree required in either option
- Home Study graduates are eligible for TOPS scholarships and their diploma carries the same weight as a state-issued diploma
- Testing requirements are flexible with three acceptable evidence-of-progress options
The Two Louisiana Homeschool Options
Louisiana law (La. R.S. § 17:236.1) gives you two distinct choices. Each has advantages and trade-offs, and your decision will shape your entire homeschooling journey.
Option 1: BESE-Approved Home Study Program (Most Common)
Most Louisiana homeschooling families choose the BESE-Approved Home Study Program. This is the “mainstream” option—regulated by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
What it requires:
- Initial application to BESE within 15 days of starting homeschool
- Annual renewal application by October 1
- 180 instructional days per year
- 900 instructional hours per year for grades 1-8
- 990 instructional hours per year for grades 9-12
- Curriculum of quality “at least equal to public schools”
- Annual evidence of satisfactory progress (three options available—see Testing & Assessment section)
- Maintenance of attendance and progress records
What you get:
- Your diploma carries the same weight as a state-issued diploma
- Students are eligible for TOPS scholarships (major benefit for college-bound students)
- Students can participate in public school interscholastic athletics at their local school
- Recognized as legitimate education by colleges and universities
- No curriculum pre-approval required; you have complete control over what you teach
- No teacher certification required
Option 2: Nonpublic School Registration (Maximum Autonomy)
Some families choose to register as a nonpublic school instead. This option offers maximum flexibility but comes with significant trade-offs.
What it requires:
- Annual registration with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE)
- That’s it—no curriculum requirements, testing, or documentation needed
What you don’t get:
- Students are NOT eligible for TOPS scholarships
- Students are NOT eligible for public school athletics
- Less recognition by some institutions, though most colleges still accept homeschool transcripts
- This option is rarely chosen by Louisiana families because the lack of TOPS eligibility and public school sports access makes Option 1 more attractive
Who Can Homeschool in Louisiana?
Age requirement: Children ages 7-18 must be in a qualified educational program.
No teacher certification required: You do not need a teaching degree, credential, or any formal education background to homeschool in Louisiana under either option. Parents with high school diplomas can teach all subjects at all grade levels.
Required Subjects in Louisiana
If you choose the Home Study option, Louisiana requires you to cover these subjects:
Grades K-8:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
Grades 9-12:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
- Health and Physical Education
- Fine Arts Survey
- Foreign Language
Curriculum autonomy: You select the curriculum. BESE does not pre-approve or restrict specific curriculum choices. Popular options include Abeka, BJU Press, Sonlight, Classical Conversations (with multiple locations throughout Louisiana), Teaching Textbooks, Saxon Math, and online options like Time4Learning and Easy Peasy.
Testing & Assessment Requirements
This is where Louisiana’s flexibility shines. You have three options for demonstrating annual progress:
Option A: Standardized Testing
Administer a BESE-approved standardized test (LEAP, CAT, or another BESE-approved test). Scores must show the child is at or above grade level, or shows progress equal to one grade level per year.
Option B: Portfolio/Submission of Materials (Most Commonly Used)
Compile a packet including:
- Subject outlines
- Book lists
- Student work samples
- Third-party observations (can be from a homeschool co-op instructor, tutor, or other educator)
This is the path most Louisiana homeschoolers choose because it’s flexible, doesn’t require standardized testing, and showcases your child’s real learning.
Option C: Teacher Certification Statement
Have a certified teacher review your curriculum and submit a statement verifying the quality meets state standards.
Important note: Louisiana does NOT require homeschool students to participate in LEAP testing, unlike public school students. This is a significant advantage for families who prefer not to standardize-test their children.
Record Keeping Requirements
Maintain records including:
- Attendance records (180 days)
- Progress documentation
- Evidence of curriculum quality
- Any assessments or work samples
These records must be available if BESE requests them, though routine audits are uncommon. Annual renewal typically requires submitting your progress evidence along with your application.
State-Specific Benefits & Programs
TOPS Scholarship (Tuition Opportunity Program for Students)
Home Study graduates qualify for Louisiana’s major merit scholarship—a significant advantage for college. The scholarship is based on ACT scores:
- ACT 19+: Opportunity Award
- ACT 23+: Performance Award
- ACT 25+: Honors Award
- ACT 27+: Tech Award
This is exclusive to Home Study graduates; Nonpublic school students do not qualify.
Louisiana Tax Benefits
Louisiana offers a 50% state tax deduction on qualified homeschool expenses, up to $6,000 per child per year—one of only five states offering this benefit.
GATOR ESA (Education Savings Account)
Launched in 2025, this $5,243-$15,253 per student ESA program helps low-income families, families with students with disabilities, kindergarteners, and public school transfer students. Phase 2 opens the program to all income levels. Keep in mind that accepting an ESA requires waiving IDEA (special education) rights.
Sports Participation
Home Study students may participate in athletics at their local public school. The LHSAA (Louisiana High School Athletic Association) adopted voluntary rules allowing Home Study participation, though you must submit a written request within the first 11 days of the school year.
Nonpublic school students are not eligible for public school athletics.
Compulsory Attendance Ages
Louisiana law requires children ages 7-18 to be enrolled in a qualified educational program. You don’t need approval before this age, though you can begin homeschooling earlier if you wish.
Getting Started: Next Steps
- Decide which option (Option 1 is recommended for most families)
- Prepare your Notice of Intent (required for Home Study)
- Plan your curriculum
- Set up your schedule and record-keeping system
- Submit your initial application to BESE within 15 days of starting
For detailed guidance on each step, see , , and .
Key Statute References
- La. R.S. § 17:236.1 — Home Study Program regulations
- La. R.S. § 17:236 — Compulsory attendance requirements
- BESE Home Study Application and Guidelines available at www.louisianabelieves.com
Summary
Louisiana’s homeschool laws are parent-friendly. You have curriculum freedom, flexible testing options, no teacher certification requirement, and meaningful benefits (TOPS scholarships, tax deductions, sports participation) for choosing the Home Study path. The key is understanding your two options upfront and making an informed decision based on your family’s priorities.
For specific state forms and current application deadlines, contact the Louisiana Department of Education directly or visit Homeschool Louisiana for additional guidance and community support.