School mode or marketplace mode
An account pays either for full-time enrollment at an approved school or for marketplace purchases, not both. In marketplace mode the money buys courses, curriculum, tutoring, licensed therapy, test fees, dual enrollment and technology, each from a provider registered in Odyssey. There is no reimbursement for anything bought elsewhere.
Check your homeschool registration first
Many Southwest Louisiana families have homeschooled for years under one of the state's two options: a BESE-approved home study program, or a nonpublic school not seeking state approval. Neither can be held while the student has a LA GATOR account. Before applying, find out which one you hold, what you would give up by withdrawing, and when in the year to do it. The program line is 225-422-1538.
Building a year in Southwest Louisiana
- An accredited online core program; the online Christian school option is priced below the standard award.
- Dual-enrollment courses for high schoolers at SOWELA, which has said its classes are open to homeschool students, or at McNeese State. The dual-enrollment guide has the details.
- Reading or math tutoring and, where needed, speech or occupational therapy from a registered local provider.
- ACT, SAT and AP exam fees (AP capped at $100) and an educational evaluation.
- A laptop and software within the published limits.
Who this tends to fit here
Cameron Parish families, for whom the nearest approved campus is in Calcasieu. Families in Allen and Beauregard parishes, where one approved school may not match the child. Shift-working households tied to the plants and LNG terminals, whose schedules do not fit a fixed school day. And families holding a waitlist place who want an inexpensive accredited year while they wait.
Plan by quarter
Deposits arrive four times a year. A full-year curriculum purchase or a computer often has to wait for the second deposit, so put the expensive items in the second quarter and keep the first light.
Co-ops and hybrid programs
A homeschool co-op can be paid from the account only if it is registered as a marketplace provider. A hybrid program on the BESE-approved list counts as school enrollment instead and is billed as tuition. Ask which applies before you sign up. If you run a co-op that is not registered, our partner page explains how to fix that.