Louisiana Homeschool Laws
Louisiana gives families two ways to homeschool. The first is a BESE-approved home study program. You apply to the state board within 15 days of starting. Then you renew every year, usually by October 1. Your first application includes a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate. The second option is a nonpublic school not seeking state approval. If your child left a public school, notify that school within 10 days. Each year, you also report your school’s attendance to the state. This kind of school may not accept any public funds. School is required for children ages 5 through 18. About 50,000 Louisiana students were homeschooled in 2024-25.
Day to day, both options require 180 days of school each year. Home study families teach a curriculum equal in quality to public schools. Each renewal must show your child’s progress. You may send work samples, a test score, or a certified teacher’s statement. Home study students may join public school sports and other activities. They may also earn a TOPS college scholarship. The second option has fewer rules but no TOPS award. Neither option requires a teaching license. A 2026 law also protects parent-led microschools. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.
Children ages 5 (by September 30) through 18 must attend school or comply with Louisiana’s homeschool law. A child under 5 who legally enrolls in school is also covered (HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in Louisiana).
Louisiana offers two homeschool options (HSLDA: How to Comply with Louisiana’s Homeschool Law; Louisiana Department of Education: BESE-Approved Home Study Program):
- Option 1: BESE-approved home study program. A child in an approved program complies with the attendance law. Approval is annual.
- Option 2: Nonpublic school not seeking state approval. The school may not accept any federal, state, or local funds, directly or indirectly.
Both options require 180 days of instruction each year (HSLDA). About 50,000 Louisiana students were homeschooled through one of these two pathways in 2024-25 (The Advocate).
Option 1: Home study students are not required to take state assessments (LDOE). Each annual renewal must show that your program offered a sustained curriculum equal in quality to public schools at the same grade level. You may send a packet (subject outlines, book lists, work samples, test copies, or third-party statements). Instead, you may send a passing LEAP score, an at-grade-level score on the CAT or another state-approved standardized test, or a statement from a teacher certified at your child’s grade level (HSLDA).
Option 2: No testing or evaluation is required (HSLDA; The Advocate).
Option 1: Teach a curriculum of a quality equal to public schools, at the same grade level, including the Declaration of Independence in elementary school and the Federalist Papers in high school (HSLDA). Parents choose the curriculum and the grade level; LDOE keeps no list of approved programs (LDOE).
Option 2: HSLDA’s guide lists no subject requirements for this option (HSLDA).
Option 1: Apply to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) within 15 days after beginning to homeschool. Renew by October 1 of each school year or 12 months after first approval, whichever is later. Include a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate with the first application (HSLDA). Applications and renewals go to LDOE (LDOE).
Option 2: If your child attended public school, send written notice to that school within 10 days of enrolling in your nonpublic school. Include your child’s legal name, date of birth, gender, and race; you may also request a transcript. Each year, report your school’s total attendance as of the 30th day of your school term to LDOE (HSLDA).
None. Families may join co-ops or microschools. Under Act 885 of 2026, a parent-driven learning microschool may not be required to register or report to any government agency, and its use of a home or building does not change zoning or occupancy classification (Act 885 text; HB 1203 history).
None (HSLDA: Louisiana Homeschool Laws). Parents have complete control of and responsibility for their child’s education in a home study program (LDOE).
Yes, for Option 1. Students in a BESE-approved home study program may take part in interscholastic athletics (LDOE). Act 545 of 2026 (HB 363) extends public school extracurricular activities and athletics to home study and virtual school students at the public school for their attendance zone. Students try out or apply in the same manner, time, and place as enrolled students. No public school may belong to an athletic association that denies eligibility solely because of home study enrollment (Act 545 text; HB 363 history).
Option 2 students are not covered by this law (Act 545 text; The Advocate).
TOPS: Students who enroll in home study by the end of 10th grade may earn a TOPS award based on ACT scores. Option 2 students who stay in that option through high school are not eligible (HSLDA).
Diplomas: LDOE says a diploma from a BESE-approved home study program carries the same weight as a state-issued diploma (LDOE).
Costs: Parents pay all home study costs; state funding is not available (LDOE). LA GATOR scholarship students cannot be in a home study program at the same time (LA GATOR policy).
- Louisiana Department of Education: BESE-Approved Home Study Program
- HSLDA: Louisiana Homeschool Laws, How to Comply with Louisiana’s Homeschool Law, Compulsory School Age in Louisiana, and Public School Access in Louisiana
- Louisiana Legislature: HB 363 (Act 545 of 2026) and enrolled text; HB 1203 (Act 885 of 2026) and enrolled text
- LDOE: LA GATOR Policy
- The Advocate: Acadiana families, educators share why they homeschool (October 12, 2026)
Last reviewed: November 7, 2026
*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.