How to homeschool in Louisiana

BESE-approved home study program · La. R.S. 17:236.1

You apply to the Louisiana Department of Education (on behalf of BESE) for approval to teach your child at home. The approval lasts one year, and each renewal must show your child received a curriculum at least equal to public school at the same grade level. Students need two years of approved home study (grades 11 and 12) to qualify for TOPS scholarships.

Notice

• Send to: the Louisiana Department of Education (BESE-Approved Home Study Program).
• When: Initial application within 15 days after the home study program begins; renewal by October 1 of the school year or within 12 months of initial approval, whichever is later (or when the child advances to the next grade).
• How often: annually.
• How: Online through the LDOE EdLink home study application; a paper application can be mailed to LDOE, ATTN: Approved Home Study Program, P.O. Box 94064, Baton Rouge, LA 70804 only if you cannot apply online.

Instruction time

At least 180 days per school year.

Required subjects

• A sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level (no specific subject list in the statute; LDOE's renewal packet asks for work in the core areas of math, English, social studies, and science).

Records to keep

• A copy of each approval letter.
• Outline of subjects taught and list of books and materials used.
• Samples of your child's work in each core subject.
• Any standardized test results or evaluator statements used for renewal.

Testing / evaluation

At each annual renewal, submit ONE of: (1) a packet showing the curriculum (subject outline, book/material list, a third-party statement of progress, 1-2 work samples per core subject, report card or test copies); (2) standardized test results (e.g. LEAP, CAT, Stanford, ITBS, ACT, SAT) showing the child at or above grade level or progressing one grade level per year; or (3) a statement from a teacher certified at the child's grade level that the child is being taught a curriculum at least equal to public school. State testing itself is not required.

Parent qualifications

None; a parent or tutor may teach.

Also

• Grade level is chosen by the parent and cannot be changed retroactively.
• Home study students are not eligible for special education services under IDEA or Section 504 accommodations through the program.

What the notice must include

• Child's name, grade level, and date of birth.
• Parent or legal guardian's name, phone number, and physical and mailing address (email optional).
• Parish or city/community school district.
• Type, name, address, phone, and district of the school the child previously attended.
• For children 11 and older: meningococcal immunization status (immunized, not immunized for religious/personal reasons, or medical exemption).
• Signed assurance that you are the parent/guardian, the information is true, and the program will offer a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to public schools at the same grade level.
• Initial application only: a certified copy of the child's birth certificate (short-form card accepted).
• Renewal only: evidence of progress (see assessment).

Checklist

• Submit initial home study application with a certified copy of the birth certificate: within 15 days after starting home study.
• Teach at least 180 days and keep work samples and a list of materials: ongoing through the school year.
• Submit renewal application with evidence of progress (packet, test score, or certified-teacher statement): each year by October 1, or within 12 months of initial approval, whichever is later.
• Optional: give a copy of the approval letter to the school your child left: after approval.

Nonpublic school not seeking state approval (registered home school) · La. R.S. 17:236; R.S. 17:232(C); R.S. 17:221.3

You operate your home as a small private school that does not seek state approval. You submit your school's name, address, leader, and enrollment count to the Department of Education once a year; the state does not review your curriculum or your child's progress. Students in this option are not eligible for TOPS scholarships or the LA GATOR scholarship, and their diplomas are not treated the same as a state-recognized diploma.

Notice

• Send to: the Louisiana Department of Education (annual attendance/enrollment submission); plus a written notice of enrollment to the public school the child last attended, if any.
• When: Report total attendance as of the 30th day of your school term (annually); notify the former public school within 10 days of enrolling the child.
• How often: annually.
• How: Online attendance submission form on LDOE EdLink (mail only in hardship situations); a confirmation letter is emailed and is valid for one year.

Instruction time

At least 180 days per school year (a school under R.S. 17:236 must operate a minimum of 180 days).

Required subjects

• Not specified by the state for this option.

Records to keep

• Attendance records (LDOE says these schools are to maintain student attendance records).
• The annual Attendance Submission Confirmation letter (needed with a signed Certification of School Attendance form to get a learner's permit or driver's license).

Testing / evaluation

None required (4th and 8th grade LEAP available on request through the local school system).

Parent qualifications

None.

Also

• If asked by the local school system, you must state within 10 days whether a child is enrolled and meeting compulsory attendance.
• Not eligible for TOPS or the LA GATOR scholarship program.

What the notice must include

• Name of the school (not the name of an existing approved school or of your curriculum).
• Address of the school (your home/school location).
• School leader's name.
• Total student enrollment.
• Assurance that the information is true and correct.
• Notice to former public school: the child's legal name, date of birth, gender, and race.

Checklist

• Withdraw your child from public school (no paperwork required by the state): before starting, if currently enrolled.
• Send written notice of enrollment (legal name, birthdate, gender, race) to the public school your child last attended: within 10 days of enrolling your child, if they attended public school this year or last.
• Submit annual enrollment/attendance to LDOE online and save the confirmation letter: each year, as of the 30th day of your school term.
• Keep daily attendance records: ongoing.