How to homeschooling in Louisiana

Options for homeschooling

: 2

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: Yes

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Louisiana homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in Louisiana is a legal option for parents who want to take charge of their child’s education. Louisiana’s compulsory education laws require children aged 7 to 18 to attend school. When homeschooling, parents must provide an educational program that meets state requirements. The state offers two main ways to homeschool legally, each with its own requirements:

Register as a home study program

Parents must submit an application to the Louisiana Department of Education annually.
The program must provide an education comparable to that offered by public schools.
Renewal of the program requires proof of academic progress, such as standardized test scores or grade reports.

2. Operate as a home-based private school

Parents must notify the Louisiana Department of Education of their intent to operate a private school.
This option has fewer state oversight requirements, but parents are still responsible for ensuring their child receives a quality education.

Louisiana requires that homeschoolers include subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies to match the educational standards offered in public schools.

Forms and additional information can be found on the Louisiana State Department of Education website.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Louisiana

Homeschooling in Louisiana provides tremendous flexibility and opportunities for families. Here’s how to get started:

Submit the right notice to the Louisiana Department of Education. To ensure a smooth start to your homeschooling adventure, be sure to either submit an application (for the home study option) or a notification of intent to homeschool (for the home-based private school option).

Choose a curriculum that will satisfy the requirements and your family’s needs. Time4Learning is a popular choice for Louisiana homeschoolers due to its comprehensive curriculum and flexibility. It offers core subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies, which align with Louisiana’s homeschooling requirements.
Create a learning plan. Set a schedule and plan lessons to ensure consistent progress and meet educational goals. Parents can plan out their homeschool schedule through our member-favorite tool, the Activity Planner.
Keep records. If you’re registering as a home study program, then you will definitely need to have academic progress recorded. While the home-based private school option does not require homeschoolers to submit records, maintaining work samples, attendance logs, and progress reports is good practice. Either way, Time4Learning’s automated grading and recordkeeping tools can make staying organized so easy.
Connect with homeschool communities. Join local or online groups for support, resources, and social opportunities!

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Louisiana's high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschoolers in Louisiana receive diplomas differently than students in public or private schools.

Parents can issue their own homeschool diploma upon the completion of their student’s high school coursework.
Homeschool diplomas are recognized as valid, but it is recommended to maintain thorough records to verify courses completed, grades, and credits.
Additionally, students using the home study program option can qualify for the state’s TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) scholarships if they meet specific criteria.

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Louisiana’s standardized test requirements for homeschoolers

Standardized testing requirements vary depending on the homeschooling option you choose.

Home-based private schools are not required to submit standardized test results.
Families registered under Louisiana’s home study program must show academic progress for renewal, which can include options like standardized test scores, evaluations, or a written statement explaining the student’s progress.
While testing is not mandatory in every situation, some parents choose to participate to measure their child’s academic growth or prepare for future exams.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Louisiana

Homeschoolers in Louisiana can apply to colleges just like traditional students. We always suggest reaching out to admissions offices to understand specific requirements, but here are common ways homeschoolers can strengthen their application:

A clear and professional transcript showing grades and courses completed. As a Time4Learning member, you can download a transcript template directly from our parent portal.
A portfolio of student work, especially for advanced courses, volunteer work, passion projects, and dual enrollment. This is a great way to showcase your student's well-roundedness. As a Time4Learning member, you can easily print weekly reports from your parent dashboard and organize them in a binder.
Personal essays – A chance for homeschoolers to highlight their unique educational journey, accomplishments, passions, and goals.
Letters of recommendation – Typically provided by co-op leaders, tutors, mentors, or supervisors from extracurricular activities or volunteer work.

Students aiming for scholarships like TOPS must ensure they meet all the necessary GPA, course, and standardized test requirements under the home study program.

Many Louisiana homeschoolers have gone on to attend top-tier institutions, and with proper documentation, your child will have a variety of higher education options to choose from!

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Louisiana

Louisiana offers an Education Savings Account (ESA) program that some homeschool families may use for educational expenses. These accounts may cover costs such as curriculum resources, online programs like Time4Learning, tutoring, and other educational materials.

Check the Louisiana Department of Education for details about eligibility, accepted uses of funds, and how to sign up for an ESA.