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Homeschool laws · Louisiana

How to homeschool in Louisiana

Students who use the nonpublic school route through high school are not eligible for TOPS awards.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Louisiana. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

Louisiana requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. Home study: apply to the state board (BESE) within 15 days of starting, and renew every year by October 1. Nonpublic school: notify the former public school within 10 days and file an attendance report each year.

Minimum school time

180 days a year.

Required subjects

Home study: a curriculum equal in quality to public schools.

Parent qualifications

None.

Testing or evaluation

Home study renewal needs evidence of progress, such as a passing state test score, a standardized test at grade level, or a certified teacher’s statement.

Records to keep

Home study: the materials for the yearly renewal.

Compulsory school ages

5–18

Legal ways to homeschool in Louisiana

  • Home study program (state approved)
  • Nonpublic school not seeking state approval

Each option has its own rules. The table above mainly describes the first option listed; read the source before choosing.

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    Home study: apply to the state board (BESE) within 15 days of starting, and renew every year by October 1. Nonpublic school: notify the former public school within 10 days and file an attendance report each year.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan 180 school days

    180 days a year. Pick your start date and breaks, and the calendar shows the exact day you reach 180 days.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Louisiana asks for: home study: the materials for the yearly renewal. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Plan the test or evaluation

    Home study renewal needs evidence of progress, such as a passing state test score, a standardized test at grade level, or a certified teacher’s statement.

    Log test scores
  5. 05

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

Louisiana homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Louisiana?

Home study: apply to the state board (BESE) within 15 days of starting, and renew every year by October 1. Nonpublic school: notify the former public school within 10 days and file an attendance report each year.

How many days do you have to homeschool in Louisiana?

180 days a year.

What subjects are required in Louisiana?

Home study: a curriculum equal in quality to public schools.

Does Louisiana require testing for homeschoolers?

Home study renewal needs evidence of progress, such as a passing state test score, a standardized test at grade level, or a certified teacher’s statement.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Louisiana?

No. Parents do not need any particular qualification.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Louisiana and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states