How to homeschool in Louisiana
The rules for 2026–27 in plain words: what to send, when, what to teach and what to keep.
✓ Checked against Louisiana law on Oct 20, 2026 · See what changed
What changed
Nothing since we began checking Louisiana’s own pages every week in October 2026.
The usual way: As a home study program. Approved by the state each year, with proof of progress.
- Ages
- 5 to 18
- Notice
- Each year
- Tests
- Each year
- Set time
- 180 days
What to do
- Home study application to BESE, with a copy of the birth certificateWithin 15 days of startingLouisiana’s form or page for it
- Renewal, with proof of progress (work samples, a test, or a certified teacher’s statement)By Oct 1, or 12 months after your first approval if that’s laterLouisiana’s form or page for it
- Proof of the meningococcal vaccine (or a waiver) to BESE, at ages 11 and 16in Grades 6, 11
- Teach your children at homeYou can teach, with no set qualifications. Teach at least what public schools teach at the same grade.
- Keep work samples; test results; curriculum outlines and reading listsWhat Louisiana asks you to keep.
Other legal ways
As a private school (not state approved)
A nonpublic school at home: no state funding or TOPS awards.
You can teach, with no set qualifications. Teach at least what public schools teach at the same grade. Not eligible for state funding or TOPS awards.
- Notice to the public school principal, if your child leaves public school (Within 10 days of leaving)
- Attendance report to the Louisiana Department of Education (Within 30 days of the school year starting)
Source: legis.la.gov
This is a plain summary, not legal advice. Laws change; check with your state or district if you’re unsure. Also see Kentucky, Maine, or all 50 states + DC.