Homeschool by State
Homeschooling in Louisiana
What to know in Louisiana
Enrolling in an approved home-study program satisfies Louisiana's compulsory attendance law.
Compulsory attendance age
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Attendance is generally required beginning at age five by September 30 through age eighteen, subject to graduation, lawful kindergarten deferral, and other statutory provisions.
Initial application and birth certificate submission
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Parents must apply within fifteen days after beginning the program. The initial application requires birth-certificate documentation and an assurance of sustained instruction at least equal in quality to public schools at the same grade level.
Annual renewal and educational quality evidence
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Renewal must be submitted by October 1 or within twelve months of initial approval, whichever is later. Renewal requires evidence of educational quality through a curriculum or work packet, qualifying test evidence, or an appropriately certified teacher's evaluation.
Teacher qualifications
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
According to the LDOE March 2026 guide, parents or tutors need no teaching certification.
Curriculum selection
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Parents choose curriculum and grade placement; the LDOE does not provide a curriculum approval list.
School session benchmark
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
R.S. 17:236 generally uses a 180-day school-session benchmark, alongside the home-study standard of sustained instruction.
Meningococcal status assurance
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
The application includes a meningococcal-status assurance for the indicated age or grade, with options for medical, religious, or personal reasons.
Recordkeeping
This is a suggestion, not a legal requirement.
Read the explanation
Parents should keep approval and application records, a calendar, subjects, learning materials, and progress evidence.