New Law Expands Access to Public School Sports, Activities

Students homeschooling under Louisiana’s approved home study option are now eligible to try out for sports at their local public school.

Act No. 715 passed the Louisiana legislature in the last legislative session and went into effect on August 1, 2024.

Under the previous requirements, home study students could participate only if the principal of the school allowed them (which few did.) Now, home study students may try out for an extracurricular activity, club, or an interscholastic athletics team in the same manner, time, and place as the students who attend public school.

Additional Requirements

To participate in the activity, club, or team, a home study student must meet all the requirements for participation that a public school student meets, including minimum grade point average and compliance with disciplinary standards.

Since this is a new law, there are still lots of questions. We expect a transition period as school districts adjust.