← Back to all states
🎺

Louisiana

Moderate

Homeschool legal: ✅ Yes ·Last verified: 2026-03 ·State code: LA

Overview

Instruction days
180 days per year
Legal status
Homeschooling is legal in this state
Regulatory body
Louisiana Department of Education / Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) for Option 1
Official website
https://doe.louisiana.gov/topic-pages/louisiana-school-choice/home-study

Notice Requirements

Notice required
Yes — notice must be filed
Deadline
BESE Option 1: apply within 15 days of beginning; renew annually by October 1. Nonpublic Option 2: written notification to the school the student previously attended within 10 days of enrollment
Frequency
Annual — must re-file each school year
Reporting
Required (annually)

Assessment Requirements

Assessment required
Yes
Accepted methods
  • BESE Option 1 (required): choose one annually — (a) LEAP (Louisiana Educational Assessment Program) standardized test; (b) California Achievement Test (CAT) or other BESE-approved standardized test at/above grade level or showing one grade level of progress per year; (c) written statement from a teacher certified at the child's grade level verifying instruction in a sustained curriculum equal to public school standards
  • Nonpublic Option 2: no state-mandated assessment; school sets its own standards

Curriculum & Qualifications

Required subjects
BESE Option 1: curriculum must be 'of quality at least equal to that being taught in the public schools' — local district may designate specific subjectsNonpublic Option 2: no mandated subjects
Teacher qualifications
No specific teaching credentials required
Portfolio
No portfolio requirement

Additional Notes

Louisiana's two-pathway system creates a meaningful trade-off: BESE Option 1 offers state diploma recognition, TOPS scholarship eligibility, and sports access but requires annual application, renewal, 180 days, and annual assessment. Option 2 is minimally regulated but forfeits those benefits. Most families weigh the TOPS scholarship value (significant for in-state college tuition) against the regulatory burden. The Louisiana Home Education Network (LAHEN) and Homeschool Louisiana (homeschoollouisiana.org) provide support.

Tips for Homeschooling in Louisiana

  1. 1

    File your notice on time: "BESE Option 1: apply within 15 days of beginning; renew annually by October 1. Nonpublic Option 2: written notification to the school the student previously attended within 10 days of enrollment". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

  2. 2

    Choose your assessment method early. Options include: BESE Option 1 (required): choose one annually — (a) LEAP (Louisiana Educational Assessment Program) standardized test; (b) California Achievement Test (CAT) or other BESE-approved standardized test at/above grade level or showing one grade level of progress per year; (c) written statement from a teacher certified at the child's grade level verifying instruction in a sustained curriculum equal to public school standards, Nonpublic Option 2: no state-mandated assessment; school sets its own standards. Many families find portfolio reviews the least stressful.

  3. 3

    Join a local Louisiana homeschool co-op or support group. Peer connections help with curriculum sharing, field trips, and social opportunities for your learner.

Open Louisiana Checklist →

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with Louisiana Department of Education / Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) for Option 1 or a qualified education attorney.