Louisiana Homeschool Laws & Requirements

Compulsory School Attendance Age

Louisiana compulsory attendance generally applies to children from age 5 through age 18 unless the student has graduated or qualifies for another statutory exception.

BESE-Approved Home Study Program

A family using the BESE-approved home study route applies directly to the Louisiana Department of Education. An initial application must be submitted no later than 15 days after the home study program begins. Approval is valid for one year for the grade level listed on the application.

After initial approval, families must submit a renewal application by October 1 of the school year, within 12 months of the initial approval, whichever is later, or when the student advances to the next grade level.

Instructional Days and Curriculum

A child using the BESE-approved home study route must participate in the home study program for at least 180 days during the school year. Parents select the curriculum. Louisiana requires the program to use a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level.

Parent Teacher Qualifications

Louisiana does not require the parent or tutor in a BESE-approved home study program to hold a teaching certificate.

Annual Renewal Documentation

For renewal, parents generally provide evidence that the student made academic progress. The Louisiana Department of Education allows several methods, including a curriculum packet with samples of work, qualifying standardized test results, or a statement from a certified teacher who reviewed the program.

Standardized Testing

Students in a BESE-approved home study program are not required to participate in Louisiana state assessments merely because they are homeschooled. Standardized test scores may, however, be used as one method of documenting progress for renewal.

Graduation

Parents operating a BESE-approved home study program create and issue the student's diploma. Louisiana law provides that a diploma from a BESE-approved home study program carries the rights and privileges afforded to a diploma from a state-approved nonpublic school for Louisiana governmental and public postsecondary purposes. The diploma is not issued by BESE or the Louisiana Department of Education.

Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval

Louisiana also permits families to educate through a nonpublic school that does not seek state approval. This option requires annual reporting of enrollment/attendance information to the Louisiana Department of Education. The school maintains its own student records and attendance records. Students in this route are not treated as BESE-approved home study students, and the diploma does not receive the same statutory treatment as a BESE-approved home study diploma.

Alabama Church School Services for Louisiana Families

Louisiana families may use Alabama Church School for curriculum, academic records, report cards, transcripts, diplomas, attendance resources, graduation documentation, and educational support. ACS enrollment does not replace Louisiana-specific filing or approval requirements. Families should choose the Louisiana legal route that applies to them and complete the required Louisiana paperwork.