Louisiana Homeschool Planning: Creating Your First Year Timeline

by | May 1, 2026 | Getting Started, Homeschooling in Louisiana

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Planning your first homeschool year month by month takes the overwhelm out of getting started. This timeline walks you through every major decision and task, from initial decision through your first annual renewal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Start planning 3 months before your intended start date
  • File Notice of Intent within 15 days of beginning instruction
  • Choose your legal option and curriculum before month one of school
  • Your first year includes September startup, October renewal, and May completion
  • Build in flexibility for adjustments during month one

PRE-SCHOOL PLANNING (3 Months Before Start)

Month 1: Decision & Research

Week 1:

  • Confirm homeschool is the right choice for your family
  • Research Louisiana’s two options (Option 1 most common)
  • Read for complete legal framework
  • Decide: Option 1 (BESE-Approved Home Study) or Option 2 (Nonpublic School)?

Week 2:

  • Choose your school start date (e.g., September 1, January 1)
  • Identify your educational philosophy (classical, traditional, online, hybrid, etc.)
  • Research local homeschool communities and co-ops
  • Set realistic budget ($650-5,475/child annually)

Week 3:

  • If child is in public school: Begin planning withdrawal process
  • Notify current school (give formal notice if withdrawing mid-year)
  • Request student records (transcripts, test scores, IEP if applicable)
  • See for template

Week 4:

  • Research 3-4 curriculum options matching your philosophy
  • Visit co-op open houses or request information
  • Finalize start date; mark calendar
  • Create preliminary timeline of key dates

Action items due:

  • Decision made (Option 1 vs 2)
  • School withdrawal notice submitted (if applicable)
  • Budget set

Month 2: Curriculum Selection & Space Planning

Week 1:

  • Review curriculum samples (most publishers provide free previews)
  • Read reviews on curriculum websites and homeschool blogs
  • Compare costs (consider used options, tax deductions, ESA)
  • Decide on core subjects (ELA, Math, Science, History minimum)

Week 2:

  • Make final curriculum choices
  • Check reviews on Reddit’s r/homeschool and state-specific groups
  • Order curriculum (allow 1-2 weeks delivery)
  • Request sample/preview materials if unsure

Week 3:

  • Plan your learning space (dedicated room, table, corner)
  • Identify storage for materials and records
  • Gather basic supplies (notebooks, pencils, folders)
  • Set up digital organization (cloud storage for records)

Week 4:

  • Curriculum arrives; review it
  • Set up learning space
  • Create preliminary schedule (expected start time, subjects, flow)
  • See for schedule examples

Action items due:

  • Curriculum ordered
  • Learning space planned
  • Basic supplies gathered

Month 3: Legal Prep & Final Organization

Week 1:

  • Prepare Notice of Intent form
  • Student info (name, DOB, age, grade)
  • Parent info
  • Curriculum list
  • Subjects to be taught
  • Educational philosophy (brief)
  • See for details

Week 2:

  • Set up record-keeping systems
  • Attendance tracker (calendar or spreadsheet)
  • Portfolio folder (if using portfolio assessment)
  • Student file (transcripts, records, work samples)
  • Progress documentation system
  • See for details

Week 3:

  • Choose your assessment method (standardized testing, portfolio, teacher statement)
  • Join co-op or community if pursuing hybrid
  • Confirm curriculum delivery
  • Plan your first week’s schedule (specific times, subjects)

Week 4:

  • Final space setup
  • Finalize curriculum arrival
  • Brief your child on homeschool start (positive, exciting tone)
  • Prepare Notice of Intent for filing (ready to submit day 1)

Action items due:

  • Notice of Intent prepared
  • Record-keeping systems set up
  • Assessment method chosen
  • First week schedule finalized

SCHOOL YEAR (September onward, example timeline)

September: Launch & File

Week 1 (Instruction starts, e.g., Sept 1):

  • Begin instruction with chosen curriculum
  • Mark your calendar—start date is NOW
  • Establish daily routine and rhythm
  • File your Notice of Intent within 15 days (by Sept 15 if starting Sept 1)
  • Track attendance (mark day 1 on calendar)

Week 2-3:

  • Continue instruction
  • Observe what’s working and what isn’t
  • Let child adjust to new routine (expect resistance or burnout; normal)
  • Confirm Notice of Intent was received by BESE

Week 4:

  • Assess first-month adjustments
  • Pacing: Is curriculum speed right?
  • Timing: Is your schedule sustainable?
  • Engagement: Is child motivated?
  • Make small adjustments (not overhaul; too soon)
  • Continue tracking attendance

Action items due:

  • Notice of Intent filed with BESE (deadline Sept 15)
  • 15-20 days of instruction completed
  • Attendance tracking started

October: Establish Routine & Prepare Renewal

Entire month:

  • Continue instruction with established rhythm
  • Watch for patterns emerging (what works, what needs adjustment)
  • Collect first work samples if using portfolio assessment
  • Maintain attendance record

By October 1:

  • Annual renewal application must be submitted by October 1 (applies to all enrolled families, not just new ones)
  • Renewal includes:
  • Updated application form
  • Evidence of progress (choose your method):
  • Option A: Register for standardized test (LEAP, CAT, etc.) for spring administration
  • Option B: Begin portfolio collection (work samples, curriculum list, book list)
  • Option C: Contact certified teacher about review (if pursuing this method)
  • See for detailed options

Action items due:

  • October 1: Annual renewal application submitted with initial progress plan
  • 30-35 instructional days completed
  • Attendance tracking current
  • Assessment plan finalized

November-April: Instruction & Documentation

Monthly tasks:

  • Continue instruction
  • Monthly attendance tracking (are you on pace for 180 days?)
  • If portfolio: Collect work samples monthly
  • Watch child’s engagement and progress
  • Adjust curriculum pace if needed

Specific checkpoints:

November:

  • Mid-year checkpoint: Are you on track for 180 days?
  • Goal: 60-70 days completed by month-end (Nov 30)
  • If behind: Adjust schedule; add instructional days
  • If using portfolio: Begin organizing October-November materials

December-January:

  • Holiday break (winter vacation counts as non-instructional days)
  • Resume instruction in January
  • Continue attendance tracking

February:

  • Spring semester check: How’s the year going?
  • If portfolio: Organize materials January-February
  • If testing: Confirm spring test date (April/May)

March:

  • Spring break (count as non-instructional)
  • Resume after break
  • If testing: Prepare for spring administration

April:

  • Standardized testing window (if using Option A)
  • Final push toward 180 days (should be near completion)
  • Organize portfolio materials (if Option B)
  • Finalize any third-party observation letters (if Option C)

May:

  • Complete 180 instructional days (goal: by mid-May)
  • Celebrate completion
  • Organize final work samples
  • Prepare documentation for next year’s renewal

Action items:

  • 150-180+ instructional days completed
  • Work samples collected (if portfolio)
  • Test taken or portfolio compiled
  • Documentation organized

June-August: Prep for Year 2

June:

  • Rest and celebrate first year completion
  • Reflect on what worked and what didn’t
  • Gather feedback from child

July:

  • Plan year 2 curriculum (adjust based on year 1 learning)
  • Order next year’s materials
  • Update your systems based on first year experience

August:

  • Final prep for year 2
  • Join community/co-op for year 2 (if applicable)
  • Schedule: Review and adjust

First-Year Key Dates Checklist

CRITICAL DEADLINES:

| Date | Task | Details | |——|——|———| | Day 1 | School begins | Mark on calendar; start instruction | | Day 15 | Notice of Intent due | Must file within 15 days of start | | Oct 1 | Annual renewal due | Submit with initial progress plan | | By May | 180 days completed | Final checkpoint; finish by mid-May |

CHECKPOINTS:

| Month | Milestone | Notes | |——-|———–|——-| | Sept | Launch | Establish routine; file Notice of Intent | | Oct | Renewal | Submit annual renewal + progress plan | | Nov | Mid-year check | On pace for 180 days? Adjust if needed | | Jan | Spring semester | Resume after break | | April | Testing window | Standardized test (if chosen) | | May | Complete 180 days | Finish instruction; celebrate |

First-Year Adjustment Expectations

Don’t expect perfection.

Typical first-year rhythm:

  • Week 1-3: Novelty and excitement; high engagement
  • Week 4-6: Honeymoon phase ends; resistance appears; pacing questions emerge
  • Week 8-12: New normal established; routine solidifies; adjustments made
  • Month 3+: You’re in a groove; periodic adjustments only

This is normal. Most families adjust within 8 weeks.

Troubleshooting Common First-Year Issues

If curriculum is too fast: Slow down. Skip review sections. You’re in control.

If curriculum is too slow: Speed up or move to next level. No one’s timing applies but yours.

If your child is unmotivated: Examine the curriculum fit, not your child’s capacity. Different approach often fixes this.

If you’re behind on days: Add instructional days; extend your year slightly. You have flexibility.

If you miss October 1 renewal: File as soon as you realize. Late filing doesn’t automatically disqualify you; it creates compliance paperwork.

Month-by-Month Planning Template

Use this for your specific dates:

Start date: _______________ Notice of Intent due: _______________ Annual renewal due: October 1 Target completion date: _______________ First co-op class/activity: _______________

Summary

Your first year isn’t one year; it’s really four: three months planning, nine months executing, three months reflection and prep for year two.

Start planning three months early. Make major decisions (legal option, curriculum, philosophy) before instruction begins. File your Notice of Intent within 15 days. Submit your renewal by October 1. Complete 180 days by May. Adjust and iterate based on what you learn.

This is the blueprint. Your execution will be uniquely yours. That’s exactly right.

For complete startup guidance, see . For curriculum selection, see . For scheduling your year, see .

Your first year is a foundation. Get the legal requirements right, pick reasonable curriculum, establish sustainable routine, and connect with community. Everything else builds from there.