Louisiana
Who Is Eligible for TOPS?
In a special 1998 session, the state legislature addressed home schooler participation in Louisiana’s Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). TOPS is a state-funded financial assistance program for full-time students at state colleges, regionally accredited independent colleges or universities, or technical vocational institutions that are members of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
TOPS was initially available only to graduates of public or accredited private schools. In the special session, the legislature provided that home school students who satisfied the compulsory attendance law through the state-approved home study program, and who had begun the home study program no later than the conclusion of the 10th grade year, were eligible for the TOPS scholarships program. In addition, the student must score a minimum of 22 on the ACT (a college entrance exam).
However, one group of students has still been left out of the TOPS program: students attending non-approved private schools. That includes many home schoolers in the state of Louisiana. Because of this, all home schooling parents who want their children to take advantage of TOPS scholarships will have to use the state-approved home study program for high school, unless the law changes.
Home School Legal Defense Association continues to monitor the legislation in this area. There is a possibility that a future amendment may include non-approved private school students as eligible for the scholarships. – J. Michael Smith
