LA

Medium regulation

Best secular homeschool curriculum for 2nd grade in Louisiana

Secular homeschool families usually need two filters at once: “Is this academically and philosophically secular?” and “Does it help me meet Louisiana's homeschool expectations?” This page gives a clean decision framework without pushing unapproved affiliate products.

Plain-English note: this is a parent guide, not legal advice. Use the official source links at the bottom of the page before a deadline or filing decision.

Secular 2nd grade curriculum filters

  1. 1Start with 2nd grade math and language arts before buying a full bundle.
  2. 2Match the program to your child’s current level, not just the grade label.
  3. 3Confirm the publisher is truly secular if that matters to your family, especially in science and history.
  4. 4Make sure your plan can cover Louisiana's required subjects: For the home study option, a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to public schools, Subjects taught at the same grade level used in public schools, Declaration of Independence in elementary school for the home study option, The Federalist Papers in high school for the home study option.
  5. 5Keep a curriculum list and samples in case your Louisiana records ever need review.
  6. 6Avoid overbuying in the first month; routines matter more than a perfect cart.

Science and history check

Look closely at science, history, and literature samples. Some programs are fully secular, some are neutral, and some are faith-integrated even if the sales page is not obvious.

Louisiana required-subject context

For the home study option, a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to public schools, Subjects taught at the same grade level used in public schools, Declaration of Independence in elementary school for the home study option, The Federalist Papers in high school for the home study option

Curriculum freedom

Moderate overall. Parents choose the curriculum, and the DOE says it does not maintain a list of approved programs, but the home study option must offer a sustained curriculum of quality equal to public schools and at the same grade level.

Recordkeeping

For home study renewals, keep enough records to show that you offered a sustained curriculum of quality. The captured source says the renewal packet can include subject outlines, a list of books and materials, work samples, standardized test results, third-party statements, and other evidence of program quality. For the nonpublic school option, keep copies of withdrawal notices when relevant and the annual attendance report.

Related homeschool guides for Louisiana

These internal links connect curriculum, schedule, special-needs, testing, and state-law pages so parents can move from a search question to the legal checklist without starting over.

Free printables

Download the homeschool starter kit

Print these before you start: a state startup checklist, letter-of-intent template, attendance tracker, and high-school transcript template.

View all downloads

These printables are general planning tools, not legal advice. Always verify the current rule on your state page and official source links before filing deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use secular curriculum in Louisiana?

Moderate overall. Parents choose the curriculum, and the DOE says it does not maintain a list of approved programs, but the home study option must offer a sustained curriculum of quality equal to public schools and at the same grade level.

What should secular 2nd grade families document?

Keep the curriculum list, samples, attendance or progress notes, and anything Louisiana specifically expects: For home study renewals, keep enough records to show that you offered a sustained curriculum of quality. The captured source says the renewal packet can include subject outlines, a list of books and materials, work samples, standardized test results, third-party statements, and other evidence of program quality. For the nonpublic school option, keep copies of withdrawal notices when relevant and the annual attendance report.

Are neutral and secular the same thing?

Not always. Neutral may avoid religious content; secular usually means the content is intentionally non-religious, especially in science and history.

Start with the Louisiana legal checklist

This guide is useful only if it sits on top of the actual Louisiana homeschool requirements. Review the state law hub before buying curriculum, changing schools, or setting deadlines.

Louisiana homeschool requirements