Once considered an unconventional choice, homeschooling is now the preferred option for many American families. It offers the flexibility to tailor education to each child's strengths and interests.
Homeschooling allows parents to design the curriculum, reduce downtime from overcrowded classrooms, and incorporate field trips and real-world experiences. Families choose homeschooling for various reasons, similar to why they might choose public, private, or charter schools: they want the best education for their children and to set them up for lifelong success
Despite its benefits, homeschooling faces misconceptions and unfair criticism. Some believe it makes children antisocial or that parents are overly controlling. School districts and education departments can also create unnecessary red tape that hinders learning.
If you're navigating homeschooling challenges in Louisiana, the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can help. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out an online form.
Homeschooling in Louisiana
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Louisiana's public school enrollment has dropped significantly, with around 31,000 fewer students in traditional public and charter schools—a 4.3% decline. While some students may have moved, switched to private schools, or started homeschooling, about 19,166 students are unaccounted for and may have left the education system entirely. This trend mirrors a nationwide decline, with public schools losing 1.2 million students between fall 2019 and fall 2021.
Research on homeschooling shows that, like any educational choice, the effort families and students put into it affects the results. Children who are given social opportunities tend to be more social, and families who emphasize academic performance tend to see better academic achievement.
Unschooling has become a popular option for many Louisiana families. This method lets parents create a flexible learning environment where children explore subjects of interest at their own pace, fostering a love of learning and independence. It is perfectly legal so long as you're technically homeschooling under the non-public school option.
Louisiana Homeschooling Requirements
In Louisiana, there are two ways to homeschool students. Many families opt for homeschooling as a home study program. Parents need to apply to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for approval of their home study program within 15 days of starting homeschooling. They must renew this application annually by October 1 or 12 months after the initial approval, whichever is later. The program will be approved if parents confirm that it offers a quality curriculum similar to public schools. A clear copy of the child's birth certificate must be included with the application.
The other option is to create a private, home-based school. Parents taking this route must notify the public school their child attended within ten days. The notice should include the child's name, date of birth, gender, and race. Parents can also request your child's transcript.
Both options require families to educate children for 180 days each academic year.
Notifying the School
If your child was previously enrolled in public school, you must notify the school in writing within ten days of starting your homeschool program. Include your child's legal name, date of birth, gender, and race, and you can request a copy of their transcripts at this time.
It's a good idea to send this notification via certified mail for proof of receipt and keep a copy for your records. Maintaining clear communication with the school can help ensure a smooth transition and avoid any misunderstandings about your child's enrollment status.
Annual Notice of Attendance
You need to provide attendance information every year you homeschool. This simply involves indicating your school's location and the number of students attending.
Submit this information by the 30th day of each school year. Louisiana prefers that you enter this information online using this form. If you can't or don't want to use the online system, contact the Department of Education.
You need to provide 180 days of instruction each school year, with at least 330 minutes (5.5 hours) of instruction per day. Aside from this requirement, families can set a schedule that suits them best. Remember to keep thorough records of your homeschooling activities, including attendance logs and instructional materials, to ensure compliance and for your own reference.
Recordkeeping Requirements
No matter which option you choose for homeschooling in Louisiana, keeping accurate records of your child's progress is essential. One effective way to track this progress is by compiling an annual homeschool portfolio.
Maintaining comprehensive records will make future transitions, such as moving back to a traditional school, applying for college, or enlisting in the military, much smoother.
Items you may want to include in your portfolio are:
- Results of any standardized tests your child takes while homeschooling
- An overview of the curriculum used, along with samples of completed assignments, quizzes, tests, and written work
- A general progress report for each homeschooler for the current school year
- For high school students, a detailed transcript
Louisiana Academic Standards
Approved Home Study programs must follow the Louisiana Academic Standards, which outline what children need to learn at each grade level but not how to teach it. While you must teach certain subjects, you can choose your curriculum and educational materials. Home educators can also decide the appropriate grade level for their child.
Louisiana's standards cover seven subject areas: English language arts (reading and writing), math, science, social studies, foreign languages, physical education, and health. More details can be found in the Academic Standards library.
Approved Home Study students can borrow textbooks from their local public school for their grade level (a deposit may be required). Contact your local school if you're interested.
Louisiana Homeschool Networks and Cooperatives
Many families find the friendship and support of statewide homeschool organizations or local groups and co-ops beneficial to their homeschooling experience. These groups can answer questions, and provide social and academic events, and more. However, there is no formal requirement to join these groups, nor is there any government oversight of them.
Joining a homeschool network or co-op can enhance your homeschooling journey by offering resources, organizing group activities, and creating a sense of community. These networks often host field trips, sports events, and group classes, providing valuable opportunities for socialization and enrichment.
Vaccine Requirements for Louisiana Homeschool Students
Nonpublic homeschool students are not required to follow immunization requirements. However, Approved Homeschool Students aged 11 and older must provide a statement of meningococcal immunization or a waiver for medical, religious, or personal reasons.
It's important to stay informed about any updates to vaccination laws and regulations that may affect your homeschooling status. If you choose to submit a waiver, ensure that it meets all legal requirements and keep a copy for your records.
Extracurricular Activities for Homeschoolers in Louisiana
Louisiana homeschoolers have many options for athletics and physical education. Approved Home-study students can join public school sports and extracurricular activities with the principal's approval. If you're interested, contact your local school.
In addition to public school programs, many homeschooling groups and co-ops organize their own sports teams, clubs, and events. These can include everything from soccer and basketball to drama clubs and science fairs. Participating in these activities can provide valuable opportunities for socialization, skill development, and community involvement. Be sure to explore all available options to find the best fit for your child's interests and needs.
Special Education Challenges
Homeschooling families with special needs students have limited options for receiving special education services in Louisiana under current homeschool laws.
The home study option does not include access to services from the local school district. Similarly, the private school option offers no individual rights to special education services available to public school students.
However, school districts may collaborate with families to provide some special education support and services for students designated as attending a non-public private school.
Families can also seek support from local and national organizations dedicated to homeschooling and special education. These organizations often offer resources, advice, and connections to other families in similar situations. Private tutors, therapists, and online programs can help fill the gap, providing specialized instruction tailored to your child's unique needs. Be sure to explore all available resources and advocate for your child's right to an appropriate education.
Tax Deductions for Families That Homeschool
One of the unique benefits of homeschooling in Louisiana is the ability to deduct some of your homeschooling expenses from your taxable income, a perk that few other states offer. Year-round Louisiana residents who homeschool are eligible to deduct 50% of qualified education expenses, up to $5,000 per dependent.
Graduation Requirements for Homeschoolers
Homeschoolers in Louisiana have no specific graduation requirements. Parents have full responsibility for deciding on appropriate courses and assigning credits. They also set their own criteria for when their homeschooled high schooler is ready to receive a diploma.
However, all public secondary secondary educational institutions, state departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and other state and local government entities recognize diplomas from home study programs. If you want to compare your homeschooled student's high school goals to those of public school students, the Louisiana Department of Education provides general graduation requirements on its website.
Advocate for Your Child's Educational Choice
You want the best for your child, which is why you've chosen to homeschool them. If you have questions about your child's rights as a homeschooled student in Louisiana or the requirements you need to meet as a homeschooling parent, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is here to help. Our experienced attorneys have supported parents from across the country – including Louisiana – with a range of K-12 education issues.
We are well-versed in Louisiana's homeschool, special needs, and interscholastic athletics laws, rules, and regulations. Our skilled attorneys are prepared to ensure your child receives all the benefits they deserve under Louisiana law and that you comply with all state requirements.
Call us today at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in helping your child thrive in a homeschool setting.
