Everything You Need To Know About Homeschooling In Louisiana

For most of the last twenty years, I have been homeschooling my two children. My youngest graduates in 2026, and when she does, I will have somehow successfully educated my two tiny humans at home. Seems crazy when I look back, because it’s A LOT to take on. Being in charge of your child’s education is a HUGE responsibility! One that shouldn’t be taken lightly or decided impulsively. However, it’s been an amazing journey, and I think most people are up to the challenge! Which is why I put together this guide on everything you need to know about homeschooling in Louisiana.

How do I homeschool in Louisiana?

BESE Approved Home Study:

Under this option, homeschoolers must submit a home study application for approval no later than 15 days after starting their home study program. And applications must be submitted each year with the following information:

• Student Information, including name, date of birth (optional), age (optional – paper application only), grade, and school year
• Family Information, including the name of parent or legal guardian, address, parish or city school district, phone number, and email (optional)
• A statement addressing the immunization status for meningococcal disease for a child aged 11 years old.
• Disclosure of Information Statement
• Birth Certificate

Renewal applications must include one of the following: 

• Curriculum “Packet” that demonstrates that the home study program offered is at least equal to that being offered by public schools at the same grade level.
• Standardized Test Scores
• Teacher Evaluation by a certified teacher who states the child is being educated following the curriculum that is of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level

While this option requires more from the parent and more oversight from the state, it has its pros.

Students enrolled in an approved home study program can participate in interscholastic athletic activities at a public or state-approved nonpublic high school that is also a member of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.

Also, students enrolled by the end of 10th grade are eligible for TOPS.  More Information and the application for the Home Study Program can be found here.

Registered Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval (AKA Private School)

This is the easiest option for homeschooling in Louisiana. It is the one we used until each child entered 10th grade. You are basically declaring your homeschool a private school, not seeking state approval with this option.

All you have to do is fill out the online form stating your school’s name, school year, contact information, and the total number of students enrolled.

That’s it! No tests, no evaluations, no packets to put together.

More information on the Registered Nonpublic School Not Seeking State Approval can be found here.

If you are withdrawing your child from a public school and using this option, you must also send the school an Enrollment Notification Letter within 10 days of the withdrawal. You can find a sample letter in the Louisiana Homeschool Support Group on Facebook.

What are the free homeschooling programs in Louisiana, aka online virtual schools?

There is another option in Louisiana if you wish to keep your child at home but don’t feel comfortable going the traditional homeschool route.  

These are:

• University View
• Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy
• Discovery Flex: Hybrid Virtual School
• Jefferson Parish Virtual High School

These are public and public charter schools that can be done online at home. Each has a different enrollment and other requirements.

Are there any homeschool groups in the New Orleans area?

Ok, the word that all homeschoolers dread… socialization. The first question asked when you tell someone you homeschool is  usually, “What about socialization?”

Apparently, this S word only happens in schools, where I clearly remember being told by teachers that “school isn’t the place to socialize,” in some people’s heads.

Homeschoolers can get socialization. In fact, there is so much to do that, if we wanted, we could socialize with other homeschoolers five days a week.

There are a variety of homeschool groups that offer field trips, park days, co-op classes, dances, and other activities.

• SERVE
• NOLA Metro Homeschool Community
• NOLA Homeschoolers
• CHEF of GNO
• St. Tammany Parish Homeschoolers 
• Agnus Dei Catholic Homeschool 
• Louisiana Homeschool Support

There are just a few of the many homeschool groups in the New Orleans area and around the state of Louisiana.  And many of the homeschoolers I know are members of different groups because they each have something to offer our kids. My personal favorites are SERVE and NOLA Homeschoolers.

In addition to groups, there are after-school activities such as:

• Clubs such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4H.
• Classes – dance, karate, music, art, etc
• Sports at local playgrounds

So there you have it, homeschooling in Louisiana! It’s simple and easy, and there are a ton of groups to find the right level of socialization for your family.

Do you have any questions about homeschooling in Louisiana or homeschooling in general?  Did we miss your local homeschool group or organization on our list? Let us know in the comments!