Louisiana Homeschool State Laws

Please note that laws and regulations may have changed since this update, so it’s always a good idea to consult with the Louisiana Department of Education or a local homeschooling organization for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Here is a summary of homeschooling laws in Louisiana:

• Notification: In Louisiana, homeschooling is known as “home study” or “nonpublic school.” Parents or legal guardians who wish to homeschool their children are required to submit an annual “Home Study Program” form to the Louisiana Department of Education. This form must be submitted by August 1st of each school year or within 30 days of establishing the homeschool.
• Curriculum: As a homeschooling parent in Louisiana, you have the freedom to choose and develop your own curriculum. There are no specific curriculum requirements or subject restrictions outlined in the state law.
• Teacher Qualifications: The parent or legal guardian serving as the primary instructor in a homeschool program must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Instruction Time: Homeschoolers in Louisiana are not required to follow the same number of instructional hours as public school students. However, the law states that “regular and thorough instruction” must be provided.
• Testing and Evaluations: Louisiana law requires that homeschooled students participate in a standardized test or assessment administered by a certified teacher or other qualified professional. The test must be taken annually, beginning at the end of the third grade. The test results do not need to be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education.
• Recordkeeping: Homeschooling parents are responsible for maintaining records of their children’s homeschooling activities and progress. This may include attendance records, samples of student work, and test scores. These records do not need to be submitted to the state but should be kept on file in case of review or evaluation.
• Special Education Services: Homeschooled students with disabilities may be eligible for certain special education services provided by the local school district. Parents can contact their local school district or the Louisiana Department of Education for more information about available services.

It’s important to reiterate that homeschooling laws can change, so I strongly recommend verifying this information with the Louisiana Department of Education or a local homeschooling organization to ensure compliance with the most current regulations.

Updated October 2023