How Louisiana Families Can Enroll at Enlightium Academy

https://hslda.org/legal
https://projects.propublica.org/graphics/homeschool

Enlightium Academy is an approved private Christian school that is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Enlightium has served homeschool, online, and co-op school students in K-12 since 2003. As K-12 education policies are different in each state, it is a parental responsibility to check on their state’s homeschool requirements and fulfill them as applicable. To assist parents with this process, Enlightium provides basic information about each state’s requirements. Parents are also encouraged to review their state’s requirements at hslda.org/legal and/or the Louisiana Department of Education, as educational policies are subject to change over time.

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and Washington D.C.; however, with a freedom to educational opportunities comes a responsibility to understand and fulfill legal requirements. This can be worrisome, yet you’re not alone in this endeavor. Enlightium Academy is here to help! 

Please note that the resources below serve as a starting point for your family; it is important that you research Louisiana homeschooling requirements.

https://youtu.be/qnkAlX0JDwA 

Louisiana’s Homeschooling Requirements at a Glance

Homeschooling Options

There are two homeschooling options in Louisiana. Families with students enrolled at Enlightium Academy can choose Option 2: Homeschooling as a home-based private school. 

State Educational Funds

Although Louisiana families are not eligible to receive educational funds, eligible families may be able to deduct up to $6,000 per student on their taxes upon approval. They can visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue website or speak with a tax professional for more info. 

Notifying the State

When first homeschooling, you must provide written notification of enrollment to the previous public school your student attended within ten days of starting the home-based private school. The notice must include your child’s legal name, date of birth, gender, and race. You can include a request for your child’s transcript in the notification.

Academic Calendar

The Louisiana Department of Education requires the homeschool program to operate for 180 days each school year. 

Enlightium’s school calendar has 180 school days (around 210 days with summer school). Additionally, students have access to the courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, including weekends and holidays.

Age Requirement

Ages four or younger:

Students are not required to attend school but can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to have a head start and be ready for Kindergarten.

Ages five through 18:

Students must continue their education at a school of their parent’s choice; this includes homeschooling with Enlightium Academy.

Instructor Qualifications

The Louisiana Department of Education does not require students under option 2 to have teachers with specific credentials or qualifications. 

As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI-certified. A number of our faculty members have Master's and Doctorate degrees in their fields. 

Students in the Homeschool Program (grades PreK-8) use book-based Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press, while students in the Online Program (grades 3-12) use a digital Christian curriculum. Finally, students in the Sapphire Live program (grades 1-12) use a collection of the best curriculum options on the market. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and electives courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.

Required Subjects

Under option 2, The Louisiana Department of Education does not require any specific courses.

After you enroll/re-enroll and before your student starts courses at Enlightium Academy, your student’s counselor will send you an email with a recommended course schedule consisting of core courses and, if applicable, courses that fulfill Enlightium’s graduation requirements. Your student can also select from Enlightium’s elective courses.

Standardized Assessment

The Louisiana Department of Education does not require standardized tests for homeschooled students under option 2. However, Enlightium provides multiple assessment options to help you see how your student is progressing per given grade level:

• Grades PreK-8: IXL diagnostic assessments or Iowa Complete Annual Assessment; you can also opt out of an assessment
• Grades 9-12: Guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the PSAT, SAT and/or ACT

Immunization Requirement

Immunization is not required in the state of Louisiana, but you should have your exemptions or immunizations documented and on file. 

Keep a portfolio

You may need to provide your state with additional information, so please keep a digital record every year you are enrolled at Enlightium Academy, which should include the following:

• Attendance - Enlightium provides your family with progress reports via email. You can screenshot the details in these emails to show attendance.
• Curriculum information and samples - Enlightium provides its families with both curriculum overviews by grade level and samples by course.
• Academic plans - Enlightium Academy counselors provide academic plans during the admission process for each of our four divisions of grades: primary school (PreK-2), elementary school (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12).
• Grades - Enlightium provides report cards for all students at the end of each quarter. Transcripts are available upon request.
• Test scores - This can include occasional screenshots of test scores and/or standardized assessment scores.
• Academic Awards - Enlightium provides qualifying students with certificates for Honor Roll, Scholar’s List, Dean’s List, Outstanding Improvement, and the Presidential Award.
• Social/Competition Achievements - Enlightium holds social events and competitions throughout the school year, such as art competitions and spelling bees.

Enlightium Parents App with Group for Louisiana Families

Enlightium Academy has an app and desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in Louisiana to inform and support each other in fulfilling your state’s homeschooling requirements. Your family will be provided a link to download the app after enrolling.

Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?

1. Explore Enlightium Academy’s website
2. If you have any questions:
   
   1. Chat with a team member
   2. Email consultants@enlightiumacademy.com
   3. Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
3. Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process, and select the “Enroll Now” button.

Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumSchool.com.

We review state requirements and regulations annually; however, each state may update its guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions, please contact your state board of education.

Sources reviewed in December 2024:

• https://hslda.org/legal
• https://revenue.louisiana.gov/IndividualIncomeTax/SchoolExpenseDeduction 

‍