Illinois Homeschool Requirements
Illinois has minimal homeschool regulations but requires teaching specific subjects and maintaining a private school.
Illinois Quick Facts
- • No registration or notification required
- • Must establish "private school" in your home
- • Specific subjects required by law
- • No testing requirements
- • No teacher qualification requirements
What Illinois Law Requires:
Operate as Private School
Your homeschool is legally considered a private school - no registration needed
Required Subjects
Language arts, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health
Instruction in English
All instruction must be in English (exception: foreign language instruction)
What Illinois Does NOT Require:
No notification to school district, no testing, no minimum days of instruction, no attendance records, no parent qualifications, and no curriculum approval.
Withdraw from Current School (if applicable)
While not legally required, send a brief withdrawal letter to prevent truancy issues. State that you are establishing a private school in your home.
Choose Your Curriculum
Select materials covering the required subjects. Illinois gives you complete freedom in curriculum choice and teaching methods.
Begin Homeschooling
Start instruction! Keep basic records for your own reference, though not required by law.
Keep Attendance Records
Track school days for your own planning and as evidence of instruction
Save Work Samples
Keep examples of student work in each subject area
Document Curriculum
Maintain list of materials and resources used
Join Support Organization
Connect with ICHE or local groups for legal updates and support
High School & Graduation
Parents can issue diplomas. Illinois homeschoolers have access to:
- • Parent-created transcripts
- • SAT/ACT for college admission
- • Community college enrollment
- • State university admission (with appropriate credentials)
Special Education
Children with special needs can be homeschooled. While IEP services end upon withdrawal, Illinois has active special needs homeschool support groups and access to private therapies.
Sports & Activities
Illinois does not require public schools to allow homeschooler participation. However, many homeschool co-ops, clubs, and sports leagues are available throughout the state.
Connect with other Illinois homeschool families for support, co-ops, and field trips.
Find Illinois GroupsBrowse Illinois Field TripsDo I need to tell anyone I'm homeschooling?
Not legally, but sending a brief withdrawal letter to your school district can prevent truancy inquiries. Simply state you're establishing a private school.
What if a truancy officer contacts me?
Politely explain you operate a private school in your home per Illinois law. You may want to provide documentation of curriculum and instruction if requested. Consider joining ICHE for legal support.
How many days must I homeschool per year?
Illinois law does not specify a minimum number of days or hours. You have complete freedom to structure your school year.
Can I use online curriculum?
Yes, any curriculum is acceptable as long as it covers the required subjects and instruction is in English.
Ready to Start Homeschooling in Illinois?
Join other Illinois homeschool families on Homeschool Connect