Public Education System

Enrolling a K-12 student in a public school in Louisiana involves selecting the appropriate school based on the family’s residential zone. Parents must provide documentation specific to Louisiana, such as proof of residency, the student’s birth certificate, immunization records, and any previous school records if transferring. In Louisiana, kindergarten students must be five years old on or before September 30 of the school year. Registration forms are typically available online or at local district offices, with some schools conducting placement evaluations.

In Mississippi, enrolling a K-12 student requires determining the school assigned to the family’s residential zone and providing required documents, including proof of residency, a certified birth certificate, immunization records (Form 121), and prior academic records if applicable. Mississippi mandates that kindergarten students be five years old on or before September 1. Many school districts in Mississippi offer online registration, though certain paperwork may need to be submitted in person.
Louisiana State Department of Education
Mississippi State Department of Education

Private Schools

Louisiana
Private schools in Louisiana offer diverse educational programs and specialized curricula, operating independently of the public school system while adhering to state standards for nonpublic schools; for more information, visit the Louisiana Department of Education’s Nonpublic Schools.
Louisiana Department of Education’s Nonpublic Schools

Mississippi
Private schools in Mississippi provide families with alternative education options featuring tailored curricula and unique learning environments while meeting state accreditation requirements for nonpublic schools; for more information, visit the Mississippi Department of Education’s Nonpublic Schools.
Mississippi Department of Education’s Nonpublic Schools

Charter Schools

Louisiana
Charter schools in Louisiana offer tuition-free, innovative educational options for students, operating independently under nonprofit organizations while meeting state standards; for more information, visit the Louisiana Department of Education’s charter schools.
Louisiana Department of Education’s Charter Schools


Mississippi

Charter schools in Mississippi provide tuition-free, public education with a focus on flexibility and innovation to meet diverse student needs; for more information, visit the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board.
Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board

Home Schooling

Louisiana
Home schooling in Louisiana allows parents to educate their children independently while complying with state requirements for either registering as a home study program or as a private school; for more information, visit the Louisiana Department of Education’s home schooling page.
Louisiana Department of Education’s Home Schooling


Mississippi
Home schooling in Mississippi allows parents to provide individualized education for their children by submitting an annual Certificate of Enrollment to their local school attendance officer; for more information, visit the Mississippi Department of Education’s home schooling.
Mississippi Department of Education’s Home Schooling