Learn about homeschooling laws, requirements, and resources specific to Illinois.
Illinois considers homeschooling to be a form of private education and categorizes home schools as private schools. The state has moderate requirements for homeschooling families with specific subject mandates but minimal oversight.
Illinois does not have a separate "homeschool" statute; instead, home education is legally treated as a type of private school. In practice, this means parents operate a home-based private school to educate their children.
Illinois offers one main legal option for homeschooling: establishing a home-based private school for your children's education. The Illinois compulsory attendance law (Section 26-1 of the School Code) recognizes attendance at a private or parochial school (including a home school) as satisfying the law if certain conditions are met.
A landmark Illinois Supreme Court case, People v. Levisen (1950), affirmed that a home school can be considered a private school, granting homeschooling families the same legal status and obligations as other non-public schools.
This court decision established that:
"The law is not made to punish those who provide their children with instruction equal or superior to that obtainable in the public schools. It is made for the parent who fails or refuses to properly educate his child." - Illinois Supreme Court, People v. Levisen
Because Illinois considers homeschools to be private schools, homeschooling families must comply with the same basic requirements that apply to private schools in the state, which we'll detail in the following sections.
Homeschooling is well-established and legally protected in Illinois, with decades of legal precedent supporting parents' right to educate their children at home.
No advance notice or registration is required to homeschool in Illinois. Families are not obligated to register their home-based school with the Illinois State Board of Education or the local school district.
In fact, Illinois has no notice of intent, enrollment form, or state approval process for homeschooling – homeschools cannot be officially registered or recognized by the state.
If your child is currently enrolled in a public (or private) school, you should formally withdraw them before beginning homeschooling to avoid any truancy confusion.
Verbal notification is not sufficient - documentation is important to prevent misunderstandings about your child's status.
Once withdrawn, you do not need to file any routine paperwork with the state or district about your homeschool program.
Illinois homeschoolers are not required to file any reports or paperwork with the school district or state on an ongoing basis.
The only time you might need to communicate with officials is if a question arises about your child's education status (for example, if a regional truancy officer inquires).
In such cases, families can provide a brief "letter of compliance" to confirm that the child is attending a home private school in compliance with Illinois law.
This letter typically states that your children are:
This is not a required filing but a response mechanism if questions arise.
While Illinois doesn't require paperwork submissions, our AI tools can help you create professional withdrawal letters and letters of compliance that clearly communicate your homeschooling status and help prevent misunderstandings with school officials.
Illinois law gives homeschoolers substantial freedom in choosing curriculum and teaching methods. There is no state-mandated curriculum or set of standards that homeschool programs must follow beyond covering core subjects.
Parents can design or select the curriculum that best fits their child's needs, and they are not required to use the Illinois Learning Standards or Common Core, as long as the basic subject requirements are met.
The key legal requirement is that parents provide an "adequate course of instruction" in the main branches of education that parallel what is taught in public schools.
Reading, writing, grammar, literature, and communication skills
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and other math concepts appropriate to grade level
Biology, chemistry, physics, and general science topics
History, geography, government/civics, economics, and social studies
Art, music, theater, or other creative expression
Physical education, health education, and wellness
Instruction in each of these subjects should be provided at a level appropriate to the child's age and grade level. Illinois law does not dictate how much time to spend on each subject or which specific topics or textbooks to use – those decisions are up to the parent as the teacher.
One critical requirement is that instruction must be conducted in English. Illinois statute requires that the core instruction be in the English language (this even applies to families for whom English is not the primary language at home).
The use of American Sign Language (ASL) is considered equivalent to English for satisfying the language of instruction requirement. Of course, beyond teaching the core subjects in English, parents are free to teach other content in other languages if they wish.
Our AI curriculum planning tools can help you design a personalized curriculum that meets all of Illinois' requirements while tailoring the content to your child's learning style, interests, and educational goals. Our tools can generate subject plans, resource lists, and learning activities aligned with Illinois' required branches of education.
Illinois does not impose any special qualifications or certifications on parents who homeschool. Any parent or legal guardian can legally teach their own children at home in Illinois, regardless of whether the parent has a college degree or teaching background.
Under Illinois law, only public school teachers are required to be state certified. Since homeschools are considered private schools, the teacher (parent or guardian) does not need a teaching license or any minimum educational attainment.
While no qualifications are required, many parents find these resources helpful:
The state places the responsibility on parents to ensure the education is adequate, but trusts them to do so without a certification process.
Parents should be prepared to take on the full role of directing their child's education or arrange for tutors/instructors as needed. Some families choose to share teaching duties or join co-ops for subjects they feel less confident in – all of which is allowed, as Illinois law does not restrict who may assist in instruction.
The key point is that no Illinois law requires homeschool instructors to have any specific qualifications, as long as the instruction provided meets the state's educational requirements.
Illinois does not require homeschool students to take any state assessments or periodic standardized tests as a condition of homeschooling.
Homeschooling families are not obligated to participate in Illinois' public school testing (such as the Illinois Assessment of Readiness or SAT) or to submit any test results to authorities. There is also no mandate for portfolio reviews or formal evaluations of student progress by the state.
In short, no standardized testing or outside evaluation is required for Illinois homeschoolers.
Many homeschooling parents do choose to use tests or other assessments voluntarily to gauge their child's progress, but this is purely optional:
Any test results remain private unless the parents choose to share them.
If a homeschooling family later enrolls their child in a traditional school:
This is a separate process handled at the time of re-enrollment, not an ongoing homeschool requirement.
While Illinois doesn't require formal assessments, our AI tools can help you create customized assessments to track your child's progress, identify learning gaps, and adjust your teaching approach accordingly. Our tools can generate grade-appropriate quizzes, tests, and rubrics aligned with your chosen curriculum.
Illinois trusts parents to monitor their child's academic progress without state oversight, and there are no mandatory tests or evaluations for homeschooled students in the state.
Illinois law does not require homeschoolers to maintain or submit specific records of instruction or attendance. There is also no required number of school days or hours for private schools in Illinois.
Unlike some states that mandate attendance logs or portfolios, Illinois has no statutory recordkeeping requirements for home-based private schools. You are not obligated to report attendance days or hours to anyone, nor must you file lesson plans or grades with the state.
Homeschooling allows flexibility; learning can happen on a different schedule than the public schools, and the law does not dictate a minimum hours-per-day or days-per-year of instruction as it does for public institutions.
Although not legally required, it is strongly recommended that parents keep certain basic records for their own accountability and in case questions ever arise about the child's education. Good recordkeeping can provide proof that your child is receiving an education and can be invaluable for future needs (college, military, jobs).
It's advisable to keep general homeschool records for at least two years.
High School Records: For high school students, you should permanently keep records of courses completed, grades, and a high school transcript, as well as proof of compliance with Illinois law during the high school years.
Having a well-documented high school transcript and diploma from your home school will help avoid issues when the student applies to colleges, jobs, or the military.
While Illinois doesn't mandate daily attendance logs, maintaining records serves several purposes:
These records stay with you (do not send them to officials routinely), but keep them organized and safe.
Our AI-powered tools can help you create and maintain professional homeschool records with minimal effort. Generate attendance trackers, curriculum lists, transcript templates, and portfolio organizers customized to your homeschool approach while meeting Illinois' recommended recordkeeping practices.
In summary, Illinois law requires no official record submission, but prudent parents will maintain their own files of homeschooling activity as a safeguard and for the student's future.
Illinois is considered a "low regulation" state for homeschooling – there is no routine oversight by the government or school district as long as you are homeschooling within the law.
Local school officials do not supervise your homeschool or review your curriculum, and there are no home inspections or required evaluations of your teaching. Homeschool families do not report to the public school system under normal circumstances.
Once you have withdrawn from public school (if applicable), you generally will not have any interaction with school authorities regarding your homeschool unless you initiate contact or there is a concern of noncompliance.
The primary mechanism for enforcement of education laws in Illinois is through the truancy and neglect statutes. If a child of compulsory school age (6–17) is not enrolled in a public or private school or otherwise receiving education, they could be considered truant.
Therefore, as long as you are homeschooling in accordance with the law (teaching the required subjects in English), your child is deemed in compliance with compulsory attendance and "is therefore not truant".
Illinois places the burden on the state to prove a homeschool is not in compliance if there is a legal challenge. In practice, investigations are usually triggered only if:
If a Regional Superintendent of Schools (the official who oversees truancy in each region) or a truancy officer has reason to inquire about your child's education, they may send a letter or call asking about your homeschool.
Homeschoolers are not required to allow home visits or to submit detailed curricula, even if such is requested (sometimes school officials unfamiliar with homeschool law might ask for more than the law requires).
The accepted response is to send a written assurance of compliance, as described earlier. A simple letter stating that your child is attending a private homeschool program that meets the requirements of Illinois law (mention teaching the branches of education in English) is usually sufficient to satisfy the inquiry.
Illinois Homeschool Association provides a sample compliance letter which essentially informs the regional superintendent that your home school is operating in full compliance with Section 26-1 of the Illinois School Code.
By sending such a letter via certified mail (or another trackable method), you create a record that you responded appropriately. In most cases, officials will accept this and close the inquiry.
Tip: In any encounter with officials, it's wise to remain polite and only provide the information required by law rather than detailed curriculum plans, which are not required.
The enforcement is largely complaint-driven: if no one raises a concern, the state does not actively monitor homeschool families.
In instances of severe educational neglect or abuse (where a child is not being educated at all), the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) could become involved. DCFS can investigate claims of educational neglect under the child welfare laws if a report is made, but simply choosing to homeschool is not grounds for DCFS involvement.
Usually, only if a child is truant (not in any school) or if a homeschool is proven to be a sham (no instruction happening) would authorities take further action.
Illinois homeschool advocates emphasize that parents have broad autonomy in educating their children, and intervention from authorities is rare when parents are meeting their legal duties. Know that under Illinois law, homeschooling is a legal right, and there is no agency that "approves" or licenses your homeschool. By understanding the law and your rights, you can confidently handle any questions that arise.
Illinois offers strong legal protections for homeschooling families through both statutes and case law.
Homeschool advocacy groups in Illinois have a long history of successfully fending off attempts to impose stricter regulations, keeping Illinois a freedom-friendly state for home education.
Homeschool families should stay informed about any changes in the law:
By being aware of your rights and responsibilities – and perhaps being connected with local or state homeschool associations – you can help preserve the legal protections that Illinois homeschoolers enjoy.
Understanding these potential pitfalls can help you maintain compliance with Illinois homeschool law:
A major mistake would be to ignore one or more of the core subject areas. For example, focusing only on reading and math but not teaching any science or social studies could put you out of compliance.
How to avoid this pitfall: Ensure your homeschool curriculum each year touches on all the required branches of education appropriate to your child's level. While you have flexibility, do not omit an entire subject area for long periods.
Illinois law requires that instruction be in English. A pitfall for some immigrant families or those desiring bilingual education is to conduct most lessons in another language.
How to avoid this pitfall: You can certainly have your child learn other languages, but the primary instruction for the core subjects must be in English. Notably, using American Sign Language is acceptable and considered instruction in English.
If your child was enrolled in a public (or private) school, do not simply stop attending without notice. That can lead to truancy accusations.
How to avoid this pitfall: Always send a formal withdrawal letter and get confirmation the school received it. One common pitfall is assuming that telling a teacher or front office verbally is enough – it is not; without written documentation, the school might mark your child as absent/truant.
If a truancy officer or school official contacts you, neither ignore them nor overshare information. A mistake would be to disregard an official letter – that could escalate the situation.
How to avoid this pitfall: Always respond in a timely manner with a simple assurance of compliance.
Conversely, avoid the pitfall of volunteering more information than necessary – you do not need to submit your daily schedule, full curriculum, or have your child tested just because someone asks. The sample letter of compliance provided by ILHSA is a great model to follow.
While you aren't obligated to keep records, a potential pitfall is having nothing to show if your homeschool is ever challenged.
How to avoid this pitfall: If a question arises about whether your child is being educated, having no evidence of schoolwork or curriculum could make it harder to quickly dispel concerns. Avoid this by keeping at least minimal records and samples of work that you can readily present if necessary.
Remember that Illinois law requires schooling from age 6 (by September 1) until 17 (unless the student has graduated early).
How to avoid this pitfall: A pitfall would be delaying formal instruction until age 7 (as was the law in the past) or stopping a year too early.
Ensure that once your child turns 6 by September 1, you are educating them in an approved manner (homeschool or school) that year. Also, continue through the school year in which your child turns 17 (unless they earn a diploma sooner).
Our AI-powered tools can help you navigate Illinois' homeschool law with confidence. Generate personalized withdrawal letters, letters of compliance, and customized checklists to ensure you're meeting all legal requirements while avoiding common pitfalls. Stay informed about potential legal changes with our legislative tracking features.
Homeschooling can feel daunting, but Illinois has a robust community of organizations and groups to support families.
A nonsectarian, inclusive network (formerly known as Illinois H.O.U.S.E.) that provides information, support, and legal updates to all homeschoolers.
A statewide faith-based (Christian) homeschool organization that provides resources and support.
For families in the Chicago area. Provides local support, activities, and resources for Christian homeschoolers.
Contact info available via ILHSA website
A network for Catholic homeschooling families in Illinois offering faith-based resources and community.
Contact info available via ILHSA website
An organization referenced for Muslim home educators, providing resources for Islamic homeschooling.
Contact info available via ILHSA website
Nearly every city or county has homeschool support groups or co-ops. These range from informal park day groups to organized clubs for specific activities.
Active groups exist in:
Many groups can be found via the ILHSA "Find a Group" resource, social media, or through local libraries and community centers.
Illinois homeschoolers connect through online forums, Facebook groups, and homeschooling websites for sharing curriculum ideas, arranging field trips, or exchanging resources.
A national membership organization providing legal assistance and advocacy with attorneys familiar with Illinois law.
HSLDA IllinoisProvides research and resources, though note that CRHE advocates for more oversight and is viewed skeptically by some IL homeschool advocates.
Note: Access to public school resources varies by district since Illinois leaves it up to local school boards; the state does not guarantee this right by law.
Our AI-powered tools can help you find nearby homeschool groups, co-ops, and resources tailored to your family's specific needs and educational approach. We can also connect you with curriculum resources, educational activities, and scheduling tools specifically designed for Illinois homeschoolers.
You are not alone in homeschooling. Illinois has a diverse and active homeschool community that provides mentoring, curriculum advice, social opportunities for kids, and advocacy to keep homeschooling free. With the combination of strong legal backing in Illinois and a supportive community, families have many resources to help them homeschool successfully.
Learning Corner offers several AI-powered tools that can assist Illinois homeschoolers:
Analyze your student's activity to understand which concepts they're learning, helping Illinois homeschool parents track academic progress across required subject areas.
Create custom quizzes and assessments to track student progress and ensure comprehensive coverage of Illinois's required subject areas.
Generate customized worksheets for practice and reinforcement across all required Illinois subject areas.
Create structured lesson plans that can serve as documentation of your instruction and help maintain recommended records for Illinois homeschoolers.
Last Updated: April 24, 2025