Louisiana Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

In Louisiana, families have two primary options for legally homeschooling their children:

  1. Registering as a Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval:

    • Notification: Submit an annual online registration to the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) by the 30th day of the school year.
    • Instructional Requirements: Provide at least 180 days of instruction per year, with a minimum of 330 minutes (5.5 hours) per day.
    • Curriculum: No specific subject requirements; parents have the flexibility to choose the curriculum.
    • Recordkeeping: Not mandated, but maintaining records like attendance and coursework is advisable.

  2. Enrolling in a BESE-Approved Home Study Program:

    • Application: Submit an initial application to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) within 15 days of starting the program.
    • Instructional Requirements: Provide at least 180 days of instruction per year, with a minimum of 330 minutes (5.5 hours) per day.
    • Curriculum: Must offer a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that in public schools at the same grade level.
    • Renewal: Annually renew the application by October 1st, providing evidence of student progress. 

 

Support Groups and Resources in Louisiana:

  • Homeschool Louisiana

  • Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)

 

Louisiana Department of Education