Homeschool Atlas
Welcome Packet
Everything a new St. Tammany Parish homeschool family needs to get started — legal steps, community rhythm, and a practical first-month plan.
✅ Louisiana Legal Checklist
Louisiana provides two legal pathways. Most St. Tammany families use the BESE Home Study program.
Option A — BESE Home Study Program
- File your application — Submit the BESE Home Study Application online or by mail within 15 calendar days of starting.
- Choose your curriculum — No state approval required. Pick what fits your family.
- Teach 180 days per year — Keep a simple attendance calendar.
- Maintain records — Document subjects taught & materials used.
- Renew annually — Resubmit by your anniversary date each year.
Option B — State-Approved Nonpublic School
- Apply through the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- Comply with approved curriculum and instruction requirements.
- Submit required reports and documentation annually.
- Students may earn an accredited diploma through this path.
📋 Record-Keeping Quick Reference
Attendance Log
Track 180 days of instruction per year. A simple wall calendar or spreadsheet works.
Course Records
List subjects taught each year — English, math, science, social studies, and electives.
Portfolio / Work Samples
Not legally required, but collect representative samples each semester for your own records.
Standardized Testing
Optional for BESE families. Helpful for tracking progress and needed for many college apps.
🗓️ Hub Rhythm Guide
Here is how the Homeschool Atlas community flows throughout the year.
Weekly
- Check the Master Calendar for upcoming events and deadlines.
- Read the weekly newsletter (subscribe if you have not yet).
Monthly
- Attend a Hub Night — casual meet-ups for parents.
- Browse new extracurricular listings and field trip opportunities.
Quarterly
- Review your attendance log and portfolio.
- Check for co-op enrollment windows and seasonal sports sign-ups.
Annually
- Renew your BESE application (by your anniversary date).
- Plan next year's curriculum and budget.
- Update your family profile in any co-ops or groups.
🚀 First-Month Action Plan
A simple week-by-week plan to get your family settled.
Week 1 — Paperwork & Orientation
- File your BESE Home Study application (or nonpublic school application).
- Set up an attendance tracking method (calendar, spreadsheet, or app).
- Read the Getting Started guide on this site.
- Subscribe to the Homeschool Atlas newsletter.
Week 2 — Curriculum & Community
- Choose or order your core curriculum materials.
- Browse the Group Directory and join at least one local group or co-op.
- Introduce yourself in the group's communication channel.
- Review the extracurricular listings for activities that interest your kids.
Week 3 — Routine & Calendar
- Establish a daily/weekly routine that works for your household.
- Add key dates to your personal calendar from the Master Calendar.
- Start your first week of instruction and log attendance.
- Bookmark the Hub site — you'll come back to it a lot!
Week 4 — Connect & Adjust
- Attend a Hub Night or local park day to meet other families.
- Sign up for a field trip or extracurricular activity.
- Check in on your routine — adjust what is not working.
- Celebrate! You survived your first month of homeschooling. 🎉
🔗 Important Links & Contacts
© 2026 Homeschool Atlas · St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana