Louisiana homeschool checklist for this year

Things to do, with their deadlines

• Within 15 days after starting

  Apply to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), through the Louisiana Department of Education, for approval of a home study program.

  Source: La. R.S. 17:236.1, approval of home study programs (Louisiana Legislature)

The state's own form: Home study application (online, Louisiana Department of Education).

All year

• All year

  Keep count of the days. The Department of Education's guidelines say a child between 5 and 18 who is not in a public or nonpublic school or a BESE-approved home study program for at least 180 days in the school year could put the parents in violation of the compulsory attendance law.

  Source: Department of Education: BESE-Approved Home Study Program Guidelines (3/27/2026)
• This year

  State tests are not required for home study students; a parent may ask the local school board to give them. At each yearly renewal the parent sends one of three things: a packet of materials about the year's curriculum, standardized test scores, or a statement from a certified teacher who examined the program.

  Source: Department of Education: BESE-Approved Home Study Program Guidelines (3/27/2026); La. R.S. 17:236.1, approval of home study programs (Louisiana Legislature)
• All year

  The law names no register to keep. At renewal the packet option lists a subject outline for the year, a list of books and materials, copies of the student's work and any standardized tests. The Department's guidelines add a statement from a third party who saw the child's progress.

  Source: La. R.S. 17:236.1, approval of home study programs (Louisiana Legislature)

Good habits (not in the law)

• Keep a copy of everything you send, and of any acknowledgement you get back, with the date.

• Start simple records on day one: the days you teach, the books you read and a few samples of work in each subject. They help if you move, return to school or apply to college.