Im getting frustrated..I need a straight answer?

Question

Ok..as yall know,im thinking about being home schooled but we are not completely sure on how to get into that system.I already know my state requirements so i dont need to go to that website everyone is giving me.My question is does my mom have to call the school board office to withdraw me from school? And if so,will they tell her what to do to get me into the homeschooling system? Also,being homeschooled do I have to take test and if so who do I send them to for them to know im keeping up? And they say that I have to have 180 days of school..is that from august to may or from january to december?Please stop telling me to check the state requirements..LOUISIANA HAS NONE...so do we call the school district or my school or both? Someone just answer my questions correctly please!! Thanks a bunch..oh and im going to be a freshman if that has anything to do with it

Answer 1

As I understand it, you can homeschool in LA in two ways.

The first way is under the public school-- basically they give you the program and you do it at home. For this you need to notify the school board within 15 days of deciding to homeschool, you have to homeschool 180 out of the year (doesn't specify which days, so you can probably work on your own schedule as long as you keep a log of which days you did work), and the program will let you know what tests/evaluations you'll be taking.

The second option is to privately homeschool. You have 30 days from the day you begin to submit the letter of intent to homeschool to the board of ed in your district, and have to renew it every year. You are expected to homeschool for at least 180 days per year (again, no specified days or times, so you can probably work on your own schedule). Privately homeschooling you're not required to take tests or submit test scores.

It'll all depend on how your parents want to do this-- do they want to be under the state's control? Essentially, you'll be a public schooler doing everything from home under their guidance. Or do they want to privately homeschool you, in which case they'll have to find or make up their own homeschooling program and proceed without any real interference or help from the board of ed.

Personally, we opt to keep the state board of ed out of our homeschooling as much as possible. I guess it could be helpful if someone is insecure about how they'll do homeschooling, but for us-- if I wanted my kids to get a public school based education, I'd send them to school. Really, the districts do this just so they can get the funds for the homeschooler as they would if the kid went to school.

You might want to check out the LA board of ed website, they have links to homeschool support groups. Perhaps you can contact them and get the pros and cons from people who are homeschooling in your state, ask them what they think of the state program vs going private.

Either way, it doesn't sound like you need to contact the school at all-- just the board of ed.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

You seem frustrated! Take a deep breath and remember that there are many ways to homeschool.

First of all, your mom needs to call the school you would be attending and ask them where to fill out an "intent to homeschool" form. She fills this out then you are on your own. Apparently Louisiana has no requirements so you can homeschool from then on however you choose. The form states that your mom is now responsible for your education. Once the form is filled out you are in the "homeschooling system." The "homeschooling system" you speak of is just your own homeschool. As far as taking a test that is a good idea at the end of each school year. You can either take it at your local school with everyone else or you can order it.....I order mine through Christian Liberty Academy (it's $20 and then you send it in and they grade it and send it back).

If you plan on going back into the school system where you live then you need to contact them and ask them exactly what credits you need to graduate. This is so you can start working on them. Keep good records too. Now, you can also not go back into the school district and your mom can make you a transcript and a diploma then she can also decide what you study and don't study.

Now, you have to go to school 180 days a year and it's up to you and your mom to decide when those days are. I homeschool my daughter year round and honestly she does some sort of school work 7 days a week even on her off times so we easily fall into the 180 required days. We go 3 months then are off 2-3 weeks. This works better for us because she is constantly learning and following her interests.

3 Homeschooling styles:
~ traditional = structured learning, like in schools (8am is attendance 9am is math 10am is reading etc etc)

~unschooling = childled learning, where there is no structure and the children learn as they want through doing whatever they choose

~eclectic = combination of styles, we use this method because my daughter is into gardening (horticulture), recycling, and art so I let her unschool all day except 2 hours, unspecified time, when we do structured studies. She does history, math, science, and reading/writing through her interests and her research on those interests.

Homeschooling allows you to learn when, how, and what you choose.

Answer 3

Louisisana does have homeschool requirements. They just don't have requirements for testing or for the parents level of education. That is why we keep giving you the hslda website, so you can see that for yourself. And I answered you before, Yes your mom will need to withdraw you.
Then she will need to go down to the board of education and get an application and file it, or send a notice to the State Department Education to inform them that she will be operating the homeschool as a private school, and request any necessary forms from them. Its as simple as that, your question is answered correctly.
The other websites I gave you were for discount or free homeschooling, since you said money was an issue, and some for Louisiana support groups because they usually have very specific information about the laws and forms and such.
Now, I have answered you, I have researched my answers and know they are correct. I wish you the best of luck.
Please be aware that your state does have requirements though, it has requirements for testing each year, yearly renewal of your application, subjects taught, and how many days you "do" school, unless you operate as a private school, then it only has requiremtnes about how many days you do school and what subjects are taught, but no testing.

I don't know how to make it any clearer.

YOUR MOM WILL NEED TO EITHER FILE AN APPLICATION WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OR A NOTICE WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

ONCE SHE DOES THIS YOU ARE IN THE HOMESCHOOL SYSTEM AND YOU JUST NEED TO START STUDYING.

I deleted the only part of my answer I wasn't 100% sure of. The rest of what is here is fact. Now, I just checked into some of the other links and found that if your mom wants to homeschool you under the private school option, she just needs to write a letter, the link even gives a sample letter.
Now, please get your mom to help you on this.

In your case I am starting to wonder if homeschooling will even be a good idea. You need parental support to homeschool effectively and I am getting the impression that you are on your own here. Your mom isn't out asking the questions or sending the letters, you are. Does your mom even want to homeschool you, or are you pushing the issue?

Don't take offense, I support homeschooling and wish you the best, but it just doesn't sound like you have anyone behind you in this.

Please contact a local support group, they will be able to tell you exactly what to do and where to go in your area.

I do know this once your mom files the paper work, either application or letter, you ARE in the homeschool system. There is no homeschool registration office or anything. As far where to get tested etc. Your support group can help you with that, which is why we keep telling you to contact one.

Answer 4

Your mom would have to withdraw you from school according to the procedures set in place by your school or district.

There are two options for legally homeschooling in Louisiana (These options are laid out on the Home School Legal defense association website, which is why answerers were sending you there). I have laid them out for you here as well:

The first option is to file an application to homeschool and a copy of your birth certificate with the local school board within 15 days of beginning homeschool. She then needs to renew the application annually along with paperwork which provides proof of progress. The best way to show "proof of progress" would probably be to do standardized testing.

The other option is to file notification with the Louisiana department of education of intention to operate a homeschool as a private school.


As far as getting into the "homeschool system", there really is no system.

Determining what, when. where, how and by whom you are taught is a decision for you and your parents to make. There are a variety of options for curricullum and it is mostly a matter of doing research and wading through the options until you find what is right for you.

It is unlikely that you will find the answers to all of your questions on this forum. Your Mom should probably contact your local and state homeschooling groups. The contact information for many of these groupds can be found on the Home School Legal Defense association website.

Answer 5

Louisiana does indeed have requirements for homeschooling. A quick look at the HSLDA overview tells me that.

I am not homeschooling in LA so I can't give you direct answers. My advice would be to contact a homeschool organization in your state or (better) local area and talk to them about exactly what is required. Since these will be experienced Louisiana homeschoolers, they will know just what you need to do.

I think the most confusing part is that LA has two options where homeschool is concerned. I looked through HSLDA's "legal analysis" and I, too, was confused. If I *were* homeschooling in LA, I'd definitely talk to a local veteran homeschooler.

Answer 6

Yep, I think your frustration is coming from the fact that there really is no "system". You just plain start doing it, however it's best for you - that's the system. There's nothing that you have to enroll in (though HSLDA is very helpful, it's legal defense for homeschoolers), or apply for, you just plain start doing it.

It doesn't matter when you do it, as long as you do it; it doesn't matter what way you do it, as long as you do it. The only requirements LA seems to have is that you at least study what you would in high school, including the 2 documents mentioned (not looking at it, but I think it's the Constitution and the Federalist Papers?)

There are a lot of curricula to choose from, that will probably be the hardest part. Honestly, this should be your mom's job - she should research the curriculum and then come to you with her choices, giving you a say in it if you want one. Your job is to buckle down and do it - your mom will structure out your assignments for you, it's your job to get them done and ask her when you have questions.

I understand your frustration, but honestly, we've been giving you the answers you've asked for. I hope it seems more clear to you now :-)

Answer 7

I am sure no one is trying to frustrate you. All states have different guidelines.
This is what I found on a very quick and easy search of your state through Home School Legal Defense Association
www.hslda.org
I would try a search through their site as it appears that Louisiana does indeed have requirements.
Summary



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below is brief summary of the homeschooling law in Louisiana. For a detailed analysis of homeschooling in Louisiana, see:

Louisiana—A Legal Analysis
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Compulsory School Age
from the child's "7th birthday until his 18th birthday"

Louisiana Legal Home Schooling Options: 1 2


Option: 1
Option: 2

Legal Option:
Operate a home school as approved by the board of education
Operate a home school as a private school

Attendance:
180 days per year
180 days per year

Subjects:
At least equal to the quality of that in the public schools including the Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers
At least equal to the quality of that in the public schools including the Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers

Qualifications:
None
None

Notice:
File an application and a copy of the child's birth certificate, with board of education, within 15 days after start of home school. Renew annually thereafter
Submit notification to the state department of education within the first 30 days of the school year

Recordkeeping:
Whatever form(s) of documentation is(are) planned to satisfy the testing requirement
None

Testing:
Submit with renewal application documents showing satisfactory evidence that the program is at least equal to that offered by the public schools
None




© 2007, HSLDA

Answer 8

First I want to say 'Thank you' for indicating what State you are in (makes it easier to answer your ??).

Now to ANSWER you.....I did some checking myself and you can got 1 of 2 ways.
1. Send a letter with an application, Birth Certificate and letter of intent---in which case you have to follow and abide by public school rules.
2. Send a Letter of Intent within the FIRST 30 days of Homeschooling--this is probably your best bet as it keeps you out of the State's viewfinder.

By going with the 2nd option, you and your folks can tailor your lessons to your needs. As long as you can equal or surpass your grade level you will have no problems (the only requirement is that you learn the Declaration of Independance and Federalist Papers ). Also by going with option 2, you don't have to give the State ANY paperwork or take any tests, just renew your homeschool intent annually.

I would like to add a small addition to all of the above: in order to stay away from possible 'problems', I suggest makeing sure that you keep all your completed schoolwork in a plastic file box (file folders with the subject on it help and make sure the stuff is DATED), purchase a pocket calendar and just circle or X the days you do school (as long as it adds up to 180 they could care less). You can sit for State tests at the school you would be zoned for (they CAN NOT legally bar you) and if you can find a Teacher with a VALID licsence, she can review your work at the end of the year and write her findings and make suggestions (he or she may charge for this service). I make all these suggestions as a mom who has homeschooled now for 4 yrs and I have learned that if you keep track of everything, then they can't suprise you and you won't scramble looking for things if they want to see your portfolio(the file box with school work,attendance,tests).

Your parents need to send a Letter of Intent (basically it says 'We the parents of-------- who is ------- years old and in grade------, will be homeschooling said child(ren) for the school year (date start-date end).' The letter should be sent to your LOCAL School Board and a copy kept with your school stuff. Also they should ask for a reciept showing that it was recieved and who signed for it (this way they can't say they didn't recieve it)......an Annual letter is needed after that to keep your homeschool current.
I wish you all the best and welcome you to the wonderful world of homeschooling.

Answer 9

Sorry you're feeling frustrated it can be frustrating/overwhelming to get started.

You don't have to withdraw from school during the summer in my book - it's just like you moved. However you do need to possibly sign up with HSLDA and register with your State if required/district BEFORE school starts in your area so that that's all squared away.

You do not have to follow the school's definetion of a year exactly - pick a start date and go 180 days from there. Many homeschoolers school year round. (Aug 1st to July 25th for example). NO testing required means just that - you just start schooling and move on. If Mom feels you need tests than you can often take them at the school when they do or with your homeschool group.

Please check http://www.homeschooloasis.com for articles on philosophies, forms to fill out for personal use, etc. They have great high school info/ideas. You do NOT have to take any specific subjects other than what Mom/Parents require - that's up to HER not the State although you can look at what your State requires for a guideline. Don't waste time with "required" subjects but what you want to do/feel is necessary.

The issue you're having is there is no real "Systym" for homeschooling - it's all on you. You do not have to prove anything to anybody if your State doesn't require it - the recordkeeping is more for your state of mind, having on hand so IF someone ever asked you can defend yourself - make out transcripts for college.

Answer 10

You don't need to call the school or the school board. If you set up a private school then you only have to submit a notification to your state department of education within the first 30 days of the school year.

There is no recordkeeping in your state and there is no needed testing either to prove you are keeping up. Since there is no recordkeeping or needed testing you can choose which days make up your 180 required days.

If you feel that you need anything else then you should call your state department of education. The number is 1-877-453-2721. The private home schooling is definitely the easiet route to take.

I hope this solves your need for a straight answer..lol Take care.