Homeschooling in Louisiana
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Louisiana site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Louisiana
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Louisiana
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Louisiana
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Louisiana
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Louisiana has to offer!
Resources
Louisiana Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Louisiana.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Louisiana, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
Resources
Homeschool Support & Groups in Louisiana
When starting to homeschool for the first time, many parents often feel alone and question whether they can successfully homeschool their students.
Luckily, homeschoolers have access to various support systems and networks of home educators. These groups not only help jump-start their homeschooling experience but also provide resources throughout each student’s homeschool journey. Homeschool associations are organizations that often provide legal advice, up-to-date homeschooling information, and other methods of guidance.
In Louisiana, there are two statewide groups: Westbank Homeschool Organization, Inc – a group dedicate to providing support and service to home educators and Homeschool Louisiana – a 501c3 non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to serve all homeschooling families in Lousiana.
In addition to associations, homeschoolers in Louisiana can join homeschool support groups and co-ops. Homeschool support groups come in many different forms, such as online forums and regular, in-person meetings. Some groups are faith-based, while others welcome individuals from all walks of life. Often, these groups will meet up for events, exchange advice and useful tips, and allow homeschool students to socialize.
In addition to support groups, co-ops offer an array of benefits. Homeschool co-ops are academic-focused groups that allow homeschoolers to engage in group learning. Often, parents will take turns providing instruction or choose to hire tutors to teach the group. Some co-ops focus on certain subjects, such as STEM, or build instruction around religious beliefs. With the array of options for homeschool support groups and co-ops, you are sure to find something that fits your family’s needs. Many of these groups have Facebook groups, making it easy to find local homeschool groups with a simple search query. The following are a few examples of the homeschool support groups and co-ops in Louisiana:
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- Openminded Homeschoolers
- CHEF of Baton Rouge
- Holy Family Homeschoolers
- Christian Family Educators
- Roman Catholic Homeschool Association of Louisiana (RCHAL)
- Northshore Home Educators Association (NHEA)
- NOLA Learning Odyssey
- S.E.R.V.E Homeschool Outreach
- Homeschool Tangipahoa
- Agnus Dei Catholic Home School Association
- Christian Home Educators Fellowship of Lafayette
- Connections of Acadiana
- Homeschool St. Charles
- Inclusive Homeschool Network of Northeast Louisiana
- Cenla Christian Home School Association
- Cenla Catholic Homeschoolers
- Ruston Christian Homeschoolers
- Shreveport Area Secular Homeschooling
- Southwest Louisiana Christian Home Educators Inc.
- St. Benard Christian Homeschool Association
- Northeast Lousiana Christian Homeschool Association
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Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in Louisiana
Before deciding to make the transition to homeschool, you should do thorough research to ensure that you can meet all the requirements as well that it is a good option for you and your student. After you determine an at-home education is your next step, you’ll probably be wondering how to get started homeschooling.
Power Homeschool always recommends officially withdrawing your student from the current school, whether it be public or private. Next, you will need to create a homeschool curriculum or select a program to subscribe to. Power Homeschool is an online curriculum that provides lessons and course materials for kindergarten through twelfth grade. In addition to the curriculum, we also provide parents and students with a variety of tools and resources to be successful throughout their homeschooling journey.
Resources
Louisiana Homeschool Field Trips
Homeschoolers have much more flexibility in their schedules to go on more field trips than the average traditional classroom. Many field trip destination spots even have programs or discounted rates for homeschoolers. Louisiana is home to many educational spots, but the following are just a few examples of field trips in the state:
- Germantown Colony Museum in Minden: This museum tells the story of German settlers who established a Christian community that endured for 40 years. Visitors can tour several original buildings and the community cemetery.
- Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum in Monroe: With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, young learners are sure to find something that sparks the imagination and ignites creativity at this children’s museum.
- Red River National Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City: Visitors can learn about wildlife species, conservation efforts, and preserving the natural habitats of the region. With various educational opportunities, this field trip offers something for the whole family.
- Alexandria Zoo in Alexandria: This zoo provides plenty of educational opportunities for students of all ages, including special homeschool classes. Animal lovers can get up close with various species, making life science lessons come to life in the eyes of students.
- The Children’s Museum in Lake Charles: This children’s museum is full of hands-on exhibits and programs in a safe and stimulating environment that promotes creativity and learning.
- National World War II Museum in New Orleans: Tour exhibits highlight the role of world leaders and everyday men and women who accomplish extraordinary things through hardship.
- Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge: As the tallest capitol in the United States, the Louisiana State Capitol is full of rich state history. Guided tours are available for groups, and admissions are free, so this field trip is perfect for any history lesson.
- New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park in New Orleans: Located in the jazz capital of the world, this National Park allows visitors to learn about the history and culture of the area.
- New Orleans French Quarter in Gretna: Tour the French Quarter and hear the story of New Orleans during the Civil War. Learning about the most influential city during the Civil War is a great way to enhance any American history course.
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