Louisiana is widely considered a homeschool-friendly state, offering families a high degree of flexibility through two primary legal pathways. Whether you prefer the structured oversight of a state-approved program or the autonomy of a private school model, Louisiana law provides clear guidelines for compliance.

Compulsory Attendance and the Law

In Louisiana, children must be enrolled in school from age 5 through 18. According to La. R.S. 17:221, if a child turns 18 during the school year, they are required to finish the current semester. Parents must initiate their homeschool program as soon as they withdraw their child from public or private school to avoid truancy issues.

Choosing Your Pathway

Louisiana families must choose one of two legal options to homeschool. Each has specific benefits and requirements.

1. Board-Approved Home Study Program

This pathway is the most common for families who plan for their children to attend college in Louisiana. It is governed by La. R.S. 17:236.1 and is overseen by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

• Benefits: Students in this program are eligible for the TOPS Scholarship (a state-funded merit scholarship for Louisiana colleges) and are often eligible for federal financial aid more easily. They also have the right to participate in interscholastic athletics if the local school board allows it.
• Notification: You must apply within 15 days of starting your homeschool program and renew the application every year by October 1st (or 12 months after your initial approval).
• Requirements: You must provide 180 days of instruction. The curriculum must be of “a quality at least equal to that offered by public schools.”
• Assessment: Every year, you must submit evidence that the student is progressing. This can be a standardized test score (at or above grade level), a teacher’s evaluation, or a portfolio of the student’s work.

2. Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval (Registered Nonpublic)

This pathway is governed by La. R.S. 17:236 and allows you to operate your homeschool as a private school. This is the “low regulation” option.

• Benefits: There are no testing or portfolio requirements. It offers the maximum amount of privacy and instructional freedom.
• Notification: You must register your school online with the Louisiana Department of Education every year. You are essentially certifying that your school meets the legal definition of a school.
• Requirements: You must teach for at least 180 days per year. While the state does not mandate specific subjects, it is recommended to cover core academic areas.
• Drawbacks: Students in this pathway may find it more difficult to qualify for the TOPS scholarship without meeting additional testing requirements, and they may not have the same access to public school sports.

The Louisiana GATOR Scholarship (ESA)

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Louisiana will launch the GATOR (Giving All Taxpayers Options for Resources) Scholarship Program. This Education Savings Account (ESA) will provide state-funded accounts to help families pay for educational expenses, including homeschool curricula, tutoring, and testing.

Important Note for Homeschoolers: If you accept ESA funds, you will be subject to specific accountability requirements, including mandatory annual testing in math and English language arts using a state-approved norm-referenced test. The GATOR program will phase in over several years, becoming available to all Louisiana families by 2027.

Step-By-Step Compliance Guide

1. Withdraw your child: If your child is currently in public school, send a formal withdrawal letter to the principal to avoid truancy. Request a copy of their records.
2. Select your pathway: Decide between Home Study (best for scholarships) or Registered Nonpublic (best for flexibility).
3. File your notification:
   • For Home Study, use the Louisiana Department of Education’s online portal to submit an initial application.
   • For Registered Nonpublic, complete the simple online registration form.
4. Plan your 180 days: Ensure you keep a log or calendar showing that you have met the 180-day instructional requirement.
5. Maintain Records: Regardless of your pathway, keep copies of your notification/approval, attendance records, and samples of student work. If you choose the Home Study pathway, schedule your annual testing or evaluation well in advance of your renewal date.

Resources and Links

• Louisiana Department of Education - Home Study Page
• Louisiana State Legislature - R.S. 17:236.1
• HSLDA Louisiana State Page
• TOPS Scholarship Information