Louisiana

 

 

Louisiana Dept of Education

Registered Nonpublic Schools 

Nonpublic (Private) Schools not seeking State approval must register with the State each year in order to be in compliance with Louisiana’s compulsory attendance law (R.S. 17:232 (C) and (D)). Below are the information and guidelines for registering.

Submit an official, signed letter registering the school year, name of your school, contact information, and total number of students enrolled. You must notify the Department of Education by the thirtieth day after the school session begins. Send only one copy of the letter, and keep a copy for your records. Your registration will be maintained electronically at the Louisiana Department of Education.          Nonpublic Private Schools Not Seeking Approval Guidelines & Instructions  (Document)

 

SBESE Approved Home Study Guidance and Applications

Parents are responsible for submitting an application to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (SBESE) each year they place their children in a home study program for which they are seeking SBESE approval.

The Home Study Information Packet provides general information and instructions regarding the SBESE Approved Home Study Program, guidelines for compliance, guidelines for transferring students into public school systems (e.g., participation in the LEAP 21), an order form for LA Content Standards and Assessment Guides, a list of district test coordinators, and legislation related to the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). After you have reviewed the SBESE Approved home study requirements outlined in the information packet, please complete the application form if you are interested in seeking SBESE Approval.
2006-2007 Home Study Guidelines & Application  (Document)

Pursuant to R.S. 17:221.3, 17:232 (C) and (D), and 17:236, 17:236.1, and 17:236.2, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education provides for an approved home study program. An SBESE approved Home Study Program must offer a sustained curriculum of a quality at least equal to that offered by the public schools, consist of an adequate physical plant, and operate a minimum session of not less than one hundred and eighty (180) days.


TOPS ELIGIBILITY
Students enrolled in an SBESE Approved Home Study Program may be eligible to apply for the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) scholarships. The Louisiana Department of Education does not administer the TOPS program. Parents should contact the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid (LOSFA) at 800-259-5626, extension 1012 for questions concerned with TOPS eligibility.

It should be noted that R.S. 17:3048.1.Q(1)(a) indicates that students in an SBESE Approved home study program must have successfully completed the twelfth grade and have begun their studies in the approved home study program no later than the conclusion of the tenth grade. You should also note that there is currently no provision for early exit of students from an SBESE Approved Home Study Program.