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One of Louisiana’s biggest advantages is testing flexibility. You’re not locked into one approach. You have three distinct paths to demonstrate your child’s progress to BESE, and you can even switch between them year to year.
Key Takeaways:
- Three options for proving progress: standardized testing, portfolio submission, or certified teacher review
- LEAP is not required for homeschool students (unlike public school students)
- Standardized test scores must show grade-level performance or one year’s growth
- Portfolio method is most popular among Louisiana homeschoolers
- No testing required if you choose nonpublic school registration (but you lose other benefits)
Louisiana’s Three Assessment Options
Every year, you must submit evidence of “satisfactory progress” to BESE as part of your renewal. Louisiana lets you choose how to demonstrate that progress.
Option 1: Standardized Testing
Administer a BESE-approved standardized test and submit the scores with your renewal application.
Approved tests include:
- LEAP (Louisiana Educational Assessment Program)
- CAT (California Achievement Test)
- Iowa Assessments
- Other tests BESE has approved
You can choose one subject to test, or test multiple subjects. Most families test in English Language Arts and Math at minimum.
What the scores need to show:
- Student achieves a score at or above grade level, OR
- Student shows progress equal to one grade level gained per year
For example, if your child was in 4th grade last year and scored at a 4.5 level, and now scores at a 5.2 level, that shows one year’s progress and meets the requirement.
Pros of standardized testing:
- Objective, clear documentation
- Easy to understand and submit
- Identifies learning gaps quickly
- Gives you national comparison data
Cons of standardized testing:
- Cost ($50-150 per child per test)
- Does not capture all forms of learning (creativity, character, hands-on skills)
- May create test anxiety
- Takes instructional time away from learning
- Some homeschoolers philosophically oppose standardized testing
Important: Louisiana does NOT require homeschool students to take LEAP. Unlike public school students, you have the option to choose portfolio or teacher review instead. This is a meaningful advantage.
Option 2: Portfolio/Submitted Materials (Most Popular)
Compile a packet of materials showing your child’s learning throughout the year and submit it to BESE.
What to include in your portfolio:
- Subject outlines: Brief summaries of what was taught in each required subject
- Book lists: Titles read, articles used, resources consumed
- Student work samples: Essays, math problems solved, projects completed, lab reports
- Third-party observations: Letters from co-op teachers, tutors, or other educators who have observed your child’s work (this is important—it adds credibility)
- Progress notes: Your own observations of growth and learning
Third-party observations are key. This doesn’t mean a certified teacher necessarily—it can be a co-op instructor, a music teacher, a tutor, or even a mentor who has worked with your child. They provide independent verification that your child is learning.
Pros of portfolio method:
- Captures real, authentic learning
- No standardized testing anxiety
- Flexible and customizable
- Shows growth in non-academic areas (character, creativity, initiative)
- Reflects your homeschool philosophy
- Most Louisiana families use this option
Cons of portfolio method:
- Requires significant organization throughout the year
- More subjective (though third-party observations help)
- Takes time to compile at year-end
Pro tip: Keep a “portfolio folder” throughout the year. As your child completes work you want to keep, add it immediately. By renewal time, you’re just organizing what you’ve already collected, not scrambling to remember what happened in January.
Option 3: Certified Teacher Statement
Have a certified teacher (with a Louisiana teaching credential) review your curriculum and your child’s work, then submit a statement affirming that:
- The curriculum is of quality at least equal to public schools
- The student is making satisfactory progress
- Teaching methods are appropriate
Pros:
- Professional, third-party credibility
- Simple to submit (just the letter)
- Less paperwork than portfolio
Cons:
- Finding a willing certified teacher can be difficult
- May involve paying a fee
- Least common option in Louisiana
Important: LEAP Is NOT Required
Here’s a crucial distinction: Public school students in Louisiana must take LEAP (Louisiana Educational Assessment Program). Homeschool students do not. You can choose standardized testing if you want, but you’re never mandated to use LEAP specifically, and you’re never required to standardize-test at all.
This means you can pursue portfolio-based assessment indefinitely if that aligns with your educational philosophy. Many unschooling or classical education families take advantage of this.
High School Testing & College Preparation
For college-bound students, consider:
- ACT: Major college entrance exam; required for TOPS scholarships in Louisiana (scores 19-27+ depending on award level)
- SAT: Alternative college entrance exam
- Subject tests: Some colleges request subject-specific assessments
These are different from your BESE progress assessment. You’d take ACT/SAT as part of college preparation, not to satisfy Louisiana’s homeschool requirements. However, ACT scores also help satisfy Option 1 (standardized test) if your child takes the test.
Dual Enrollment Testing
If your high school student enrolls in courses at a Louisiana community college or university, those courses and grades become part of their official transcript automatically. This provides powerful, college-level documentation of progress.
Timeline for Annual Assessment
- Throughout the year: Collect work samples, maintain third-party observation notes
- By September 30: Complete whichever assessment method you’re using
- By October 1: Submit renewal application with your evidence of progress
Switching Between Methods
You don’t have to use the same method every year. For example:
- Year 1: Portfolio (with third-party observations)
- Year 2: Standardized testing
- Year 3: Back to portfolio
Many families switch based on their situation. Working parents might use standardized testing one year (simpler submission). Families in strong co-ops use portfolios every year.
Special Considerations
If Your Child Has Learning Challenges
Portfolio method often works best—it can show progress even if grade-level performance isn’t achieved. Growth from one year to the next (even if below grade level) demonstrates learning.
If Your Child Is Advanced
Standardized testing can show advanced performance clearly. Portfolios can also showcase advanced work through work samples and complex projects.
If You’re Unschooling
Portfolio with third-party observations works well. You document real learning through activities and projects, and your co-op instructor or mentor confirms growth.
Documentation Tips
Whatever method you choose:
- Keep organized files
- Date work samples
- Get third-party observations in writing (emails are fine)
- Save test scores and official reports
- Write brief reflection notes on progress
You won’t submit everything with every renewal, but having organized records means you’re ready if BESE requests documentation during a compliance review.
For More Information
For detailed guidance on getting started, see . For planning your first year and setting up systems, see .
Louisiana’s flexible assessment approach lets you prove progress in the way that makes most sense for your child and your homeschool philosophy. Choose the method that aligns with your values and makes renewal manageable.