Louisiana Notice of Intent to Homeschool: Template & Filing Guide

by | May 1, 2026 | Homeschooling in Louisiana, Laws & Requirements

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Your Notice of Intent is the official document that launches your homeschool with the State of Louisiana. It’s straightforward to complete, but timing is critical—you have only 15 days from when you start instruction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Initial Notice of Intent must be filed within 15 days of starting homeschool
  • File with BESE (Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education)
  • Annual renewal application is due by October 1
  • Form is simple: student information, subject outline, curriculum list
  • Filing is done online or by mail

What Is the Notice of Intent?

The Notice of Intent (also called the initial application) is your formal notification to BESE that you’re homeschooling under the BESE-Approved Home Study Program option. It’s not a request for permission—Louisiana doesn’t require pre-approval. It’s notification that you’re operating within the legal framework.

Once you file, BESE will send confirmation and your file is opened for annual renewal tracking.

Timeline: When to File

Compulsory age: Ages 7-18 must be in a homeschool program. You don’t need approval to start, but you must notify BESE.

Deadline: Within 15 days of beginning instruction. If your child was previously in public school, this is 15 days from your withdrawal date. If starting homeschool fresh, it’s 15 days from your first instructional day.

Mark this deadline clearly. Late filing can trigger compliance notices from BESE.

What Information to Include

The Notice of Intent requires basic information:

Student Information

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Age/grade level
  • Previous school (if transferred from public school)

Parent/Guardian Information

  • Name(s)
  • Contact information (address, phone, email)

Program Details

  • Curriculum materials you’ll use (list the major textbooks or curriculum programs)
  • Subjects you’ll teach (list the required subjects plus any electives)
  • Planned start date
  • Expected completion date

Brief Educational Plan

  • Short description of your teaching philosophy or approach (classical, Charlotte Mason, online, traditional textbook-based, etc.)
  • Time structure (part-time homeschool, full-time, etc.)

Sample Notice of Intent Structure

If you’re filing manually or need a template:

LOUISIANA BOARD OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION HOME STUDY PROGRAM—NOTICE OF INTENT

Student Information:

  • Name: [Student Full Name]
  • Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
  • Grade: [Current Grade]
  • Age: [Age]

Parent/Guardian Information:

  • Name: [Parent Name]
  • Address: [Address]
  • Phone: [Phone]
  • Email: [Email]

Program Information:

  • Program Start Date: [Date]
  • Expected Completion: [Date]
  • Previously Enrolled School: [School Name, if applicable]

Curriculum/Materials: [List major curricula and resources—examples: Abeka Grade 5, Saxon Math 5/4, Apologia Who is God?, Mystery of History, Sonlight Literature]

Subjects:

  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • [Add electives if applicable]

Educational Philosophy/Approach: [Brief description—example: “Classical approach using Sonlight curriculum, emphasizing literature-based learning and character development”]

Where to File

Online filing (preferred): Visit the Louisiana Department of Education website or BESE portal. Most documentation is now online.

By mail: Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Student Standards and Assistance P.O. Box 94064 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064

Contact BESE directly:

  • Phone: (225) 342-4511
  • Website: www.louisianabelieves.com
  • Look for “Home Study Program” or “Homeschool” information

After You File: What Happens Next

  1. BESE sends you confirmation that your Notice of Intent was received
  2. Your file is opened with BESE
  3. You begin instruction within your 15-day window
  4. You maintain records throughout the year
  5. In October, you submit your annual renewal with evidence of progress

Annual Renewal (Different from Initial Notice)

After the first year, you submit an annual renewal application by October 1. This is different from the initial Notice of Intent.

The renewal includes:

  • Basic student/parent information update
  • Evidence of satisfactory progress (standardized test scores, portfolio, or teacher statement)
  • Confirmation you’ve completed 180 instructional days

If You’re Switching from Public School

If your child was in public school:

  1. Notify the public school of withdrawal (see )
  2. Request your child’s records (transcripts, test scores, IEP if applicable)
  3. File your Notice of Intent with BESE within 15 days
  4. Begin homeschool instruction

The 15-day clock starts from your withdrawal from public school, not from when the school officially processes the withdrawal. Be proactive in communicating timing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Filing too late: The 15-day window is strict. Set a calendar reminder immediately.
  • Incomplete curriculum list: Be specific. “Math textbook” is vague; “Saxon Math 5/4” is better.
  • Not saving confirmation: Print or save your BESE confirmation email. You’ll need it for your records.
  • Updating address without notifying BESE: If you move during the year, update your contact information with BESE so you receive renewal notices.

If You Miss the 15-Day Deadline

If you miss the initial filing deadline, contact BESE immediately. Late filings don’t automatically disqualify your homeschool, but they create compliance issues. BESE may require documentation of instruction already completed and may impose conditions on your renewal.

It’s better to file as soon as you realize you missed the window than to delay further.

Choosing Your Legal Option

If you’re at this stage, you’ve likely chosen Option 1 (BESE-Approved Home Study) over Option 2 (Nonpublic School registration). The Notice of Intent confirms Option 1.

If you had instead chosen Option 2 (Nonpublic School), you’d file a different registration form with the Louisiana Department of Education, not BESE. Most families choose Option 1 because of TOPS scholarship eligibility and public school athletics participation.

Next Steps

  1. Gather your student and parent information
  2. Decide on your curriculum and list major materials
  3. Write a brief educational philosophy statement
  4. File online (preferred) or by mail within 15 days of starting
  5. Save your confirmation
  6. Begin instruction
  7. Mark October 1 on your calendar for annual renewal

For detailed guidance on getting started, see . For curriculum selection help, see .

The Notice of Intent is a simple administrative step that formally launches your legal homeschool. Get it filed on time, and you’re compliant from day one.