Louisiana Homeschool Notice of Intent

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.