Are you considering homeschooling for your child in Louisiana? Do you want to know where and how to start?
Since Louisiana offers some of the most inclusive homeschooling regulations in the country, it’s easy to give yourself an education on the different requirements and process needed to follow in order to homeschool your child. Homeschooling requires a commitment and time investment that is necessary to provide your student with an enriching educational experience, so it’s important to have a well-thought-out plan before starting the enrollment process. This article will provide an in-depth description of the steps you will need to follow in order to enroll your child in a homeschool program in Louisiana.
What Are Louisiana’s Laws on Homeschooling?
When considering homeschooling, it’s important to understand the specific laws for the state in order to make sure that the program you are enrolling in meets all the regulated requirements. The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) outlines the regulations for homeschooling in Louisiana. According to the state’s laws, a homeschool is recognized as a non public school.
Additionally, a parent or guardian of a student homeschooling in Louisiana must have a high school diploma or GED, or have equivalent experience or qualifications. The parent or guardian must also distribute the homeschool materials to their student and monitor the student’s progress throughout the year.
The Office of Student Financial Assistance also outlines the necessary paperwork that is needed for homeschooling in Louisiana. Every school year, parents must provide official written notice to the LOSFA, which includes the student’s name, age, and address. Parents must also keep records of the educational progress of their child, including a minimum of 180 days of instruction and evaluations.
The LOSFA recommends that parents keep attendance books and grades, as well as provide portfolios of the student’s work to prove academic progress. The state of Louisiana does not regulate the curriculum for homeschooling, so parents have the liberty to choose their own curriculum.
The LOSFA also does not review or approve the curriculum.
What Steps Must I Follow to Enroll My Child in Homeschooling in Louisiana?
To enroll your child in a homeschool program in Louisiana, there are certain steps that you must follow. The first step is to research and explore the different types of homeschool programs available to you, such as online programs, public charter schools, and private homeschooling academies. You may also want to explore different educational philosophies or curriculums to ensure that your child is learning in a way that best suits their learning style and interests.
Once you have made a decision about the type of homeschool program that you want to enroll your child in, you will need to enroll them in the program. This will often involve filling out paperwork, such as enrollment forms and providing proof of residency and the student’s age.
Most programs will also require parents to provide a copy of their high school diploma or GED, as well as a notarized statement declaring that the parent or guardian is able to homeschool their child. For online and public charter school programs, you will also have to create an email and password to use as your parent access to view your child’s progress. After the enrollment process is complete, you may also have to purchase certain materials needed to fulfill the homeschooling program.
This can include textbooks and other educational materials such as calculators and science equipment. Once all of the necessary paperwork has been completed and materials have been purchased, the student is officially enrolled in a homeschool program.
What Support Resources Are Available for Homeschooling in Louisiana?
Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to families that are homeschooling in Louisiana. Parents can join online homeschooling communities and connect with other homeschoolers to get advice and support.
Additionally, there are a number of support groups and organizations that provide resources such as field trips, special classes, and social activities for homeschoolers. The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance also provides parents with helpful resources, such as the Home School toolkit, which provides parents with access to high-quality instructional materials for math, English and language arts, science, and social studies. The LOSFA also provides a directory of homeschooling laws from other states and information about how to transition from homeschooling to public school.
Additionally, there are local homeschool associations and organizations in Louisiana that can provide parents with support and advice.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Louisiana is regulated by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, and keeping informed of the necessary steps to enroll your child in a homeschool program is vital. Through researching the different types of homeschool programs and completing the enrollment process, you can enroll your child in the program that best fits their educational needs and interests. Remember to take advantage of the support resources available, and that homeschooling is a rewarding experience for both you and your child.