see our guide to homeschool compliance by state
Homeschool in Louisiana — Laws, Requirements, and How to Start
Louisiana is classified as a moderate-oversight state for homeschooling because families must file an application with the local school board within 15 days of beginning home instruction, provide instruction equivalent to the public school curriculum, and meet a 180-day annual attendance requirement. Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 17:236.1 governs home study programs in the state. Approval from the school board is typically granted automatically — Louisiana law does not give the local school board discretion to deny a home study application filed by a qualifying family. Louisiana does not require standardized testing and does not mandate portfolio reviews or home visits. Louisiana’s Catholic and Christian homeschool community is one of the most vibrant in the South, particularly in the greater New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport areas. discover our enrollment
Louisiana families looking for structured, faith-based education can explore Zion Academy’s full range of Louisiana curriculum and programs serving students in all 50 states.
What Are the Legal Requirements to Homeschool in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires homeschool families to file an application with the local school board, provide instruction equivalent to the public school curriculum, and maintain 180 days of annual attendance. Louisiana does not require standardized testing, curriculum approval, or teacher credentials beyond basic literacy and numeracy competency.
What Is Louisiana’s Home Study Application Requirement?
Louisiana requires families to file an application with the local city or parish school board within 15 days of beginning home study instruction. The application notifies the district that the family is operating a home study program. Louisiana law generally provides for automatic approval of qualifying applications — the school board does not have discretionary authority to deny a family’s right to homeschool when the application is properly filed. [VERIFY: Confirm the current application form and any specific requirements with your local Louisiana school board or HSLDA.org, as district-level procedures can vary between parishes.] Families should file the application promptly to ensure their home study program is in legal compliance from the first day of instruction.
The Louisiana home study application typically requires:
1. Parent’s name and address
2. Name, age, and grade level of each child being home-studied
3. A statement that the parent will provide instruction equivalent to the public school curriculum
4. The parent’s signature and date
What Subjects Must Louisiana Homeschoolers Teach?
Louisiana requires home study instruction to be equivalent to the public school curriculum. Louisiana public schools teach core subjects including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies — and home study families are expected to provide equivalent coverage. Louisiana does not publish a specific mandatory subject list for home study families, but the equivalency standard encompasses the full range of subjects taught in public schools at the corresponding grade levels. Families who use an accredited online school that covers all standard academic subjects automatically satisfy the equivalency requirement.
What Is Louisiana’s 180-Day Attendance Requirement for Homeschoolers?
Louisiana requires home study to be provided for a minimum of 180 days per year. This is the same number of instructional days required of Louisiana public school students. Families are responsible for tracking attendance to document compliance with this requirement. Attendance records are maintained by the family and are not routinely submitted to the school board unless requested. An accredited online school tracks attendance automatically for each day the student engages with coursework, providing built-in documentation of the 180-day requirement.
Are Standardized Tests Required for Louisiana Homeschoolers?
Louisiana does not require standardized testing for home study families at any grade level. No test results are required to be submitted to any state or local agency. Louisiana home study students are not required to participate in the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) or any other state assessment program. Families may choose to use standardized tests for their own academic tracking, but this is entirely optional.
Does Louisiana Require a Teaching Degree to Homeschool?
No. Louisiana does not require a teaching certificate or college degree for parents who operate a home study program. [VERIFY: Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 17:236.1 sets basic competency requirements for home study instructors — confirm the current specific requirements with HSLDA.org.] In practice, any parent who can provide competent instruction in the required subjects may legally homeschool in Louisiana.
How to Start Homeschooling in Louisiana Step by Step
Starting homeschool in Louisiana requires filing the home study application with the local school board within 15 days of beginning instruction, selecting a curriculum that provides equivalent coverage of public school subjects, and establishing a schedule that will meet the 180-day requirement. The application process is straightforward and approval is typically automatic.
How Do You Withdraw Your Child from Public School in Louisiana?
A Louisiana parent withdraws a child from public school by notifying the school in writing and filing the home study application with the local school board. The school district cannot deny a parent’s right to establish a home study program once the application is properly filed. Louisiana does not require parents to submit curriculum details or an educational plan with the withdrawal notice. Once the application is filed and the school is notified, instruction may begin.
A Louisiana school withdrawal notice should include:
1. The date of the notice
2. The child’s full name, date of birth, and current grade level
3. A statement that the child is being placed in a home study program under Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 17:236.1
4. The effective date of withdrawal
5. The parent’s name, address, and signature
What Curriculum Options Work Best for Louisiana Homeschool Families?
Louisiana homeschool families are free to select any curriculum that provides instruction equivalent to the public school curriculum. The state does not approve or reject specific educational materials. Families may use textbook programs, online programs, classical education, unit studies, or accredited online schools. An accredited online school such as everything about accredited online homeschool program provides structured courses covering all required academic subjects with organized transcripts and a diploma recognized by Louisiana colleges and universities — including LSU, Tulane, and Loyola New Orleans.
Common curriculum approaches for Louisiana homeschool families include:
1. Accredited online school — full curriculum coverage, official transcripts, recognized diploma
2. Traditional textbook curriculum — publisher-based workbooks organized by subject and grade
3. Classical education — Latin, great books, logic, and rhetoric for a rigorous academic framework
4. Catholic-aligned homeschool curriculum — popular in Louisiana’s large Catholic community
5. Eclectic approach — combining programs across subjects based on the child’s learning style
How Do Louisiana Homeschoolers Handle Attendance Records?
Louisiana requires home study families to maintain attendance records documenting the 180-day requirement. These records are kept by the family and are not routinely submitted to the school board. Beyond attendance, Louisiana does not mandate specific record formats. Many Louisiana families maintain course logs, grade records, and samples of student work — particularly for high school students who will need transcripts for college applications. For guidance on organizing a Louisiana home study program from start to finish, see starting homeschool guide.
What Funding and Resources Help Louisiana Homeschool Families?
Louisiana has one of the strongest Catholic and Christian homeschool communities in the South, with active support networks in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. State-level financial support for homeschoolers has been expanding in recent years.
Does Louisiana Have an Education Savings Account or Voucher Program?
[VERIFY: Louisiana has a long history with school choice programs, including the Louisiana Scholarship Program (vouchers for lower-income students to attend private schools). As of early 2025, the availability of any ESA or direct funding program for home study families should be confirmed with the Louisiana Department of Education or HSLDA.org, as program eligibility and availability can change with each legislative session.] Louisiana has been one of the more school-choice-friendly Southern states, and the legislative environment may have expanded options for home study families.
What Homeschool Co-ops and Support Groups Exist in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a rich homeschool support ecosystem, particularly in the Catholic and Christian communities. Louisiana Citizens for Home Education (LCHE) is the primary statewide advocacy and support organization for Louisiana home study families. Local co-ops in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette offer enrichment classes, fine arts programs, science labs, and social activities. Louisiana’s strong Catholic heritage has produced numerous faith-based co-ops and support networks throughout the state.
Key Louisiana homeschool support organizations include:
1. Louisiana Citizens for Home Education (LCHE) — lche.org — primary statewide organization
2. Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) — hslda.org — legal support and advocacy
3. Catholic homeschool networks throughout the New Orleans and Baton Rouge dioceses
4. Local co-ops in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette metro areas
Can Louisiana Homeschoolers Participate in Public School Activities?
[VERIFY: Louisiana does not have a statewide law requiring public schools to allow home study students to participate in extracurricular activities or sports. Individual school boards may have discretionary policies, but there is no statewide mandate as of the current date.] Louisiana homeschool families seeking extracurricular programs typically access these through co-ops, Catholic school networks, church leagues, and private homeschool athletic organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in Louisiana
Is homeschooling legal in Louisiana?
Homeschooling is fully legal in Louisiana under Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 17:236.1, which establishes a legal framework for home study programs operated by parents. Louisiana’s home study law has been in place for decades and is well-established. No school board has the authority to deny a qualifying home study application filed by a parent who meets the statutory requirements. Approval is routinely granted to all properly filed applications.
Can a Louisiana homeschool student receive a diploma?
Yes. Louisiana home study students can receive a diploma issued by their home study program or by an accredited online homeschool program. An accredited diploma is recognized by Louisiana colleges, universities, and employers. Louisiana family enrollment plans. LSU, Tulane, Loyola New Orleans, and other Louisiana institutions have established processes for evaluating homeschool graduates, and an accredited transcript from an online school strengthens any admissions application significantly.
What happens if a Louisiana family misses the 15-day application deadline?
A Louisiana family that begins home study instruction without filing the application within 15 days should file the application as soon as possible after discovering the oversight. Filing promptly after the start of instruction substantially reduces any compliance risk. Families who are uncertain about their legal status should consult HSLDA or the Louisiana Citizens for Home Education for guidance on resolving the filing delay. The application process itself is not designed to screen or reject families — it is administrative tracking.
Does Louisiana require the home study application to be renewed annually?
[VERIFY: Confirm whether Louisiana requires annual renewal of the home study application with your local school board or HSLDA.org, as renewal requirements can vary between parishes and can change with legislation.] Many Louisiana families file a new application at the beginning of each school year as a best practice to maintain clear documentation of their home study status. Confirming the local school board’s expectation when the initial application is filed is the simplest way to stay in compliance year after year.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects our understanding of current homeschool laws as of 2026. Homeschool laws, regulations, and funding programs change frequently at the state, county, and district level. This page does not constitute legal advice. Families should verify current requirements directly with their state’s department of education, consult HSLDA.org for up-to-date legal guidance, or speak with a qualified attorney before making educational decisions based on this information.
Zion Academy is accepted in Louisiana — Families across Louisiana choose Zion Academy’s accredited online homeschool program for Christian education from kindergarten through 12th grade. enrollment plans for Louisiana families
For a complete overview of homeschool laws across all states, visit homeschool requirements by state.