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Homeschooling in Louisiana

Homeschooling in Louisiana

How to homeschool in Louisiana: two legal options, BESE approval, the LA GATOR ESA program (up to $7,626/yr), Act 715 sports access, and TOPS eligibility.

By Homeschool Hive·Verified March 2026

At a Glance

Louisiana homeschool law overview

Compulsory Ages
7-18
Legal Options
2 (Nonpublic School or BESE-Approved Home Study)
Notification Required
Yes, within 15 days of starting (Home Study); Annual registration (Nonpublic)
Teacher Qualifications
None required
Standardized Testing
Required for BESE Home Study option only
State Funding
LA GATOR ESA: up to $7,626/yr

Important Notice

This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local school district or consult a qualified attorney.

Requirements

What you need to know to start homeschooling in Louisiana

Compulsory Attendance Ages

Louisiana requires compulsory school attendance for children ages 7 through 18 under La. R.S. 17:221. Children must attend school or an approved home study program until they turn 18 or graduate.

Two Legal Homeschool Options

Louisiana offers two distinct legal pathways to homeschool your children. The option you choose affects testing requirements, TOPS scholarship eligibility, and public school sports access. Choose carefully -- each option has very different implications.

Option 1: Nonpublic School (Not Seeking State Approval)

This option, sometimes called the "private school option," is the simpler and less regulated pathway under La. R.S. 17:236. Your homeschool essentially registers as a nonpublic school not seeking state approval.

  • Registration: Complete an annual registration form with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) indicating your intent to homeschool.
  • Teacher Qualifications: None required.
  • Required Subjects: None mandated by the state.
  • Testing: No standardized testing required.
  • Record-Keeping: No annual records are required to be submitted.
  • Limitations: Students are not eligible for the TOPS college scholarship program and may not have access to public school extracurricular activities.

Option 2: BESE-Approved Home Study Program

This is the more regulated option under La. R.S. 17:236.1, but it comes with significant benefits including TOPS eligibility and public school access. Your program must be approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

  • Initial Application: Submit an application to LDOE within 15 days of beginning your home study program.
  • Renewal: File a renewal application annually by October 1 affirming that your program continues to meet requirements.
  • Curriculum Standard: Your program must offer a "sustained curriculum of a quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level."
  • Teacher Qualifications: None required.
  • Testing: Required annually (see Evaluations section).
  • Benefits: Students are eligible for the TOPS scholarship program (after at least 2 years in the program), may borrow textbooks from the local school district, and have access to public school sports under Act 715.

Teacher Qualifications

Neither option requires formal teacher qualifications. You do not need a teaching certificate, college degree, or specific training to homeschool in Louisiana.

Withdrawing from Public School

If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, submit your application or registration to LDOE, then notify the school in writing of your child's withdrawal. For the BESE Home Study option, submit your application within 15 days of beginning instruction.

Evaluations

Annual evaluation and assessment options

Option 1: No Testing Required

If you homeschool under the Nonpublic School option (not seeking state approval), there are no testing or assessment requirements. You are not required to submit any academic records, test scores, or progress reports to the state.

Option 2: Annual Testing Required

If you homeschool under the BESE-Approved Home Study option, you must submit annual evidence of your child's academic progress as part of your renewal application. The state accepts several forms of evidence:

  • Verification that the child has taken the competency-based education examination and scored at or above the passing level established by BESE for public school students at their grade level.
  • Verification that the child has taken the California Achievement Test (CAT) or another BESE-approved standardized test and scored at or above their grade level, or has progressed at a rate equal to one grade level per year in the home study program.
  • A core curriculum sample or a progress letter from a certified teacher may also satisfy the annual requirement.

TOPS Scholarship Implications

If your student plans to pursue the TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) scholarship, they must be enrolled in the BESE-Approved Home Study option for a minimum of two years. TOPS has specific core curriculum and ACT score requirements that home study students must also meet.

Record-Keeping Best Practices

Regardless of which option you choose, maintaining thorough records is recommended. Keep attendance logs, curriculum documentation, work samples, test scores, and any correspondence with LDOE. These records are essential for TOPS eligibility, college applications, and protecting your legal standing.

Financial Resources

Vouchers, scholarships, and tax credits

LA GATOR Scholarship Program (Education Savings Accounts)

Louisiana's Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program, created by Act 1 of the 2024 Legislature and signed by Governor Jeff Landry, provides eligible families with Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). This is a major new funding source for homeschool families.

  • Standard Award: Up to $7,626 per student for the 2025-2026 school year for families earning 250% or less of the federal poverty level.
  • Students with Disabilities: Up to $15,253 per student, tiered by disability type.
  • Phase-In: The program launched in August 2025 for low-income families, students with disabilities, kindergartners, and public school transfers. It will become universal (all income levels) in a future phase.
  • Eligible Expenses: Nonpublic school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies, textbooks, curricula, dual enrollment courses, uniforms, and more.
  • Platform: Families apply and manage funds through the Odyssey app administered by LDOE.
  • 2026-2027 Applications: Will open in spring 2026.

Textbook Access

Under state board policy, families in the BESE-Approved Home Study program can borrow textbooks from their local school district if surplus copies are available. A refundable deposit fee may be required.

Federal Financial Resources

  • Coverdell ESA: Up to $2,000 per year per child in tax-free savings for K-12 expenses.
  • 529 Plan: Louisiana's START Saving Program offers a state-match benefit of 2%-14% on contributions depending on income. Starting in 2026, up to $20,000 per year can be withdrawn tax-free for K-12 expenses.
  • Federal Tax Credit: Up to $1,700 for donations to certified scholarship-granting organizations.

Explore Louisiana Homeschooling

More resources for your homeschool journey

Homeschool Groups

Find co-ops, clubs, and support groups in Louisiana

Upcoming Events

Field trips, classes, and activities in Louisiana

Funding & Scholarships

Up to $7,626 available for Louisiana families

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about homeschooling in Louisiana

What are the requirements to homeschool in Louisiana?

Louisiana offers two legal pathways. Option 1 (Nonpublic School) under La. R.S. 17:236 requires only an annual registration form — no specific subjects, testing, or records are mandated. Option 2 (BESE-Approved Home Study) under La. R.S. 17:236.1 requires an initial application within 15 days of starting, annual renewal by October 1, a curriculum of quality equal to public schools, and annual standardized testing. Neither option requires teacher qualifications.

How do I start homeschooling in Louisiana?

For Option 1, submit a registration form to the Louisiana Department of Education at any time — you can begin immediately. For Option 2, submit your BESE Home Study application within 15 days of beginning instruction. If withdrawing from public school, notify the school in writing of your child's withdrawal. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

What subjects are required for homeschooling in Louisiana?

Option 1 (Nonpublic School) has no mandated subjects — you have complete curriculum freedom. Option 2 (BESE Home Study) requires a "sustained curriculum of a quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level," but does not prescribe specific subjects or materials. Louisiana does not specify minimum instructional hours or days per year for either option.

Do homeschoolers have to take standardized tests in Louisiana?

Only under Option 2 (BESE-Approved Home Study). Students must take a standardized test such as the California Achievement Test (CAT) and score at or above grade level, or demonstrate one grade level of progress per year. A progress letter from a certified teacher may also satisfy this requirement. Option 1 (Nonpublic School) has no testing requirement whatsoever.

Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Louisiana?

No. Neither homeschool option requires formal teacher qualifications. You do not need a teaching certificate, college degree, high school diploma, or any specific training to homeschool your children in Louisiana under either the Nonpublic School or BESE-Approved Home Study pathway.

Can homeschoolers play public school sports in Louisiana?

Yes, if you are in the BESE-Approved Home Study program (Option 2). Under Act 715, signed in June 2024 and effective August 2024, public schools cannot disqualify a student from extracurricular activities or athletics solely because they are in an approved home study program. Students must live within the school's attendance zone and meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students.

What records do Louisiana homeschoolers need to keep?

Option 1 (Nonpublic School) has no state-mandated record-keeping requirements. Option 2 (BESE Home Study) requires annual submission of evidence of academic progress — typically standardized test results or a progress letter from a certified teacher — as part of your renewal application. Regardless of option, maintaining attendance logs, curriculum documentation, work samples, and test scores is strongly recommended for college applications and TOPS eligibility.

What is the LA GATOR ESA program?

The LA GATOR (Giving All True Opportunity to Rise) program, created by Act 1 of the 2024 Legislature, provides state-funded Education Savings Accounts. For 2025-2026, eligible families receive up to $7,626 per student (or $15,253 for students with disabilities) to spend on tuition, curricula, tutoring, educational therapies, and other approved expenses. The program is currently income-limited but will expand to universal eligibility in a future phase.

How do I qualify for TOPS as a homeschooler in Louisiana?

You must be enrolled in the BESE-Approved Home Study program (Option 2) for a minimum of two consecutive years before graduation. You must also complete the required TOPS core curriculum and meet the ACT score thresholds for your desired award level (Opportunity, Performance, Honors, or TOPS-Tech). Students under Option 1 (Nonpublic School) are not eligible for TOPS scholarships.