Louisiana's Home Study (Home School) Program

Any child eligible by Louisiana law to attend Louisiana elementary or secondary schools is eligible to participate in a Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)-Approved Home Study Program. The home study program does not replace the provisions of the State homebound law.

Parents interested in enrolling their children in a home school program may do so by submitting an application for approval to BESE.

A child who participates in a home study program approved by BESE shall be considered in attendance at a day school. The parents of children who participate in home study programs are responsible for all school curricula and are required to teach their children at a level at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level. A tutor may also be permitted to provide instruction to students who are enrolled in a home school program. All costs directly attributable to the home study program shall be borne by the parents or guardians.

Parents are responsible for submitting a home study application each year they seek approval for a home study program.

The BESE-Approved Home Study Program Guidelines provides an application form, guidelines for compliance, and general information including:

• Links to the Department's resources that may be used for curriculum development,
• How to secure Textbooks,
• How to request State Assessments,
• Provisions for Admission or Readmission to a School System,
• Legislation related to the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS),
• Instructions for NEW or initial application,
• Instructions for RENEWAL application,
• Contact information for Local School Board offices.

After reviewing the BESE-Approved Home Study Program Guidelines, parents/guardians should complete the application form if they are interested in seeking BESE approval of a home study program.

2011-2012 BESE-Approved Home Study Guidelines & Application  DOCX

Registered Nonpublic Schools (Not Seeking State Approval)

If you are operating an educational program or school but do not wish to either participate in a BESE-Approved Home Study Program or seek state approval as an Approved Nonpublic School, please click the link to find out how to register your nonpublic school not seeking state approval in accordance with R.S. 17:232 (C) and (D). 

Registered Nonpublic Schools (Not Seeking State Approval)