Louisiana Homeschooling

More and more families in the United States are choosing homeschooling as a positive choice for their child's education. Louisiana is an example of this trend, with the number of homeschooled children growing every year. Navigate the wealth of information on homeschooling in Louisiana as you explore our website. We've made it easy for you to find all the tips, ideas, and information you need to successfully homeschool your children.

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Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education - Approved Home Study Program (html)
Louisiana Department of Education form. This form is in html format.
Overview of the Nonpublic Annual School Report System
If you are operating an educational program or school but do not wish to seek state approval as either an SBESE-Approved Home Study or Approved Nonpublic School, please click the link to find out how to register your nonpublic (private) school in accordance with R.S. 17:232 (C) and (D). This information is provided by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Recognized as one of the nation’s leading aquariums, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is located along the banks of the Mississippi River in New Orleans. A visit to the Aquarium spans the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea, the mysterious Amazon Rainforest and the waters that give New Orleans its lifeblood: the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. With 10,000 animals representing 530 species, come see some of our all-time favorite exhibits including the Mississippi River gallery featuring ca...
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve was established to preserve signifcant examples of the rich natural and cultural resources of Louisiana's Mississippi Delta region. The park seeks to illustrate the influence of environment and history on the development of a unique regional culture. The park consists of six physically separate sites and a park headquarters located in southeastern Louisiana. The sites in Lafayette, Thibodaux, and Eunice interpret the Acadian culture of the area....
Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo is located in Audubon Park in New Orleans and features animal exhibits, educational programs, and special exhibits.
Sample Letter to the State Superintendent of School
CHEF of Louisiana provides these guidelines for writing your letter of intent to home educate in the state of Louisiana under the private school law.
Sample Letter of Intent
Sample letter of intent to homeschool in the state of Louisiana.
Louisiana Department of Education - Non-Approved Registration Form
The DOE site now only has general information about submitting a notice or letter of intent on its site and is apparently discontinuing the use of its private school notification form. The most recent copies are archived on this site. However, you should submit a letter, rather than the old form. This link is provided for reference.
Louisiana Children's Museum
Making learning fun for children, the Louisiana Children's Museum in New Orleans offers 30,000 square feet of hands-on fun, engaging exhibits and exciting programs - all designed with curious kids (and grown-ups) in mind. Pilot a towboat down the Mighty Mississippi. Shop until you drop in a pint-size grocery store. Dine in a five-star, role-play café. Ride a bike with Mr. Bones. Lift 500 pounds. Hoist yourself up a wall. Trap your shadow. Anchor the evening news. Stand inside a gigantic bubble. ...
BESE-Approved Home Study Program
A BESE-Approved Home Study program provides Louisiana families the opportunity to independently educate their child. In a BESE-Approved Home Study program, parents have complete control and responsibility for educating their child. Parent’s primary responsibilities include: a) selecting and using the curriculum to teach their child; b) determining the child’s grade placement; and c) submitting initial and renewal home study applications to the LDE for approval.
RS 17:236 Definition of a school.
For the purposes of this Chapter, a school is defined as an institution for the teaching of children, consisting of an adequate physical plant, whether owned or leased, instructional staff members, and students. For such an institution to be classified as a school, within the meaning of this Chapter, instructional staff members shall meet the following requirements: if a public day school or a nonpublic school which receives local, state, or federal funds or support, directly or indirectly, the...
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park was established to celebrate the origins and evolution of America's most widely recognized indigenous musical art form. A story rich with innovation, experimentation, controversy and emotion, the park provides an ideal setting to share the cultural history of the people and places that helped shape the development and progression of jazz in New Orleans. Through interpretive techniques designed to educate and entertain, New Orleans Jazz NHP seeks to prese...
Louisiana Home Education Network (LAHEN)
Louisiana Home Education Network (LAHEN) is a statewide homeschooling network consisting of families covering a diverse spectrum of homeschooling styles and philosophies. It exists to help homeschoolers protect the fundamental right of the family to educate its children in the manner it deems appropriate without regulation or interference by federal, state or local agencies. Louisiana Home Education Network monitors and responds to legislation which may pose a threat to homeschooling, and to...
Westbank Homeschool Organization (WHO)
WHO is a support group based in the New Orleans area. They offer information, support, and the opportunity to network with other homeschooling families in the area.
SBESE-Approved Home Study Information Packet
The information packet contains general information and instructions regarding the Home Study Program; guidelines for compliance; guidelines for transferring students into public school systems (e.g., participation in the LEAP 21); order form for LA Content Standards and Assessment Guides; a list of district test coordinators; legislation related to the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), and a Home Study Program application.
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The Story of the World
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Quote of the Day

You ain't gonna send him to school? There's nothing he's gonna learn there but how to get along with other kids under completely weird conditions.... Had my way, no kid would learn an abstract word till they was ten years old. Wouldn't get their minds so gummed up.

Smiling Jack in Stone Junction by Jim Dodge