Great news if you’re considering home education in Illinois. The Prairie State is one of the easiest places in America to homeschool your children. No registration. No notification. No testing. Illinois trusts parents to educate their kids with almost no government oversight.
Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just exploring your options, you’ll find the process remarkably simple here. This guide covers everything you need to know to get started in 2026.
Illinois Homeschool Laws at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal as private school |
| Notification | Not required |
| Subjects Required | Language arts, math, science, social studies, fine arts, physical education/health |
| Testing | Not required |
| Record Keeping | Not required by law |
| Teacher Qualifications | None required |
| Compulsory Age | 6-17 years old |
Why Illinois Is So Homeschool-Friendly
State law treats homeschools as private schools. Parents who teach their children at home operate a legitimate private school. This means you don’t need permission from anyone to start.
You won’t file paperwork with any office. You won’t submit to inspections. You won’t report attendance or test scores. The government simply assumes you’re doing your job as a parent.
This hands-off approach has made the Land of Lincoln a haven for homeschool families. Whether you prefer structured curriculum or child-led learning, you have complete freedom to educate as you see fit.
Many families move here specifically for these relaxed laws. The freedom attracts parents with diverse educational philosophies, from rigorous classical education to relaxed unschooling approaches.
How to Start Homeschooling in Illinois
Step 1: Just Begin
That’s right. You can simply start teaching your children at home. There’s no form to file. No office to call. No approval to wait for. This surprises many parents who expect complicated procedures.
If your child currently attends public school, you may want to notify the school that you’re withdrawing. This isn’t legally required, but it prevents truancy concerns. A simple letter or email works fine.
Step 2: Choose Your Curriculum
State law requires instruction in certain subjects (listed below), but you pick how to teach them. Your options include:
- Complete boxed curriculum programs like Sonlight or My Father’s World
- Individual subjects from different publishers
- Online courses and video lessons
- Unit studies that combine multiple subjects
- Unschooling and interest-led learning
- Any combination that works for your family
No curriculum needs approval. Use whatever helps your child learn best. Many families try several approaches before finding their groove.
Step 3: Teach the Required Subjects
You must teach these subjects in English:
- Language arts – reading, writing, spelling, grammar
- Mathematics
- Biological and physical science
- Social studies – history, geography, civics
- Fine arts – music and visual arts
- Physical development and health
Most quality curriculums cover all these areas naturally. You don’t need separate classes for each one. A project about ancient Egypt can cover history, art, and writing all at once.
Step 4: Keep Teaching
The law doesn’t specify how many days or hours you must teach. Use your judgment about what your child needs. Most families follow a schedule similar to public schools, but you have flexibility to adapt.
Some families school year-round with frequent breaks. Others follow a traditional September-to-May calendar. Still others let seasons and life events dictate their schedule. All approaches are perfectly legal.
No Testing Required
You won’t need to give standardized tests. You won’t submit test scores to anyone. You won’t prove academic progress to the government.
Some families choose to test occasionally to:
- Check their child’s progress against grade-level standards
- Identify areas needing more work
- Prepare for college entrance exams
- Satisfy their own curiosity about academic standing
- Meet requirements for sports leagues or special programs
But testing is entirely your choice. Many successful homeschoolers never take a standardized test until the SAT or ACT for college applications.
Record Keeping Suggestions
You don’t have to keep records by law. However, maintaining some documentation helps you stay organized and proves valuable later:
- Track progress – See what you’ve covered each year
- Create transcripts – Essential for high school and college applications
- Document education – Useful if questions ever arise from family or officials
- Stay organized – Plan effectively for the next year
Consider keeping:
- List of curriculum and materials used
- Samples of your child’s work from each subject
- Books read and projects completed
- Field trip and activity logs
- Any grades or evaluations you create
- Awards, certificates, and achievements
Store these records somewhere safe. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to create a high school transcript or college application.
Withdrawing from Public School
If your child currently attends public school, you can withdraw at any time. The law doesn’t require formal notification, but sending a withdrawal letter prevents problems.
A simple letter stating “I am withdrawing [child’s name] from [school name] to provide private education at home” works perfectly. Keep a copy for your records and send it by certified mail if you want proof of delivery.
Request your child’s records when you withdraw. You may want transcripts, immunization records, and any special education documentation for future use.
Resources and Support
State Organizations
- HSLDA Illinois Page – legal information and support
- Illinois Home School Association – statewide support network
- State Board of Education – official education website
Regional Support Groups
Active homeschool communities exist throughout the state:
- Chicago area – Many co-ops and support groups in Cook County
- Suburban Chicagoland – DuPage, Lake, and Will counties have strong networks
- Central region – Springfield, Champaign, Bloomington areas
- Southern region – Groups in Carbondale and Metro East
Search Facebook or ask at your local library to find groups near you. Most welcome visitors before you commit to joining. Attend a few meetings to find the right fit for your family.
Co-ops and Classes
Many homeschool families participate in co-ops. These groups meet weekly or monthly for:
- Parent-taught classes on rotation
- Hired teachers for specific subjects like chemistry or foreign languages
- Social activities and field trips
- Sports teams and arts programs
Chicago-area families have particularly rich options, including homeschool classes at museums, science centers, and cultural institutions. The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Art Institute all offer programs for homeschoolers.
Special Situations
High School and Graduation
Homeschoolers earn legitimate diplomas issued by their parents. You determine graduation requirements for your homeschool. Most families require credits similar to public schools.
For college applications, prepare:
- Transcript – List courses, grades, and credits by year
- Course descriptions – Brief explanations of what each class covered
- SAT or ACT scores – Most colleges require these from homeschoolers
- Portfolio or activities list – Extracurriculars, community service, achievements
State universities welcome homeschool applicants. Many have dedicated admission counselors for home-educated students who understand nontraditional transcripts.
Special Needs
You can homeschool children with special needs. The same freedoms apply. You won’t receive automatic public school services, but options exist:
- Private therapists and specialists
- Some districts offer services to homeschoolers (call your district to ask)
- Homeschool-specific special needs groups and resources
- Online support communities for specific learning differences
Many parents find they can better address their child’s unique needs at home than the school system could.
Sports and Extracurriculars
State law does not require public schools to let homeschoolers participate in sports or activities. Each district sets its own policy. Some welcome homeschoolers; others don’t.
Alternatives include:
- Homeschool sports leagues and teams (common in larger metro areas)
- Community recreation programs
- Private leagues and clubs
- Church and community organization activities
- YMCA and park district programs
Important Update: Proposed Legislation
Lawmakers introduced HB2827, called the “Homeschool Act,” in early 2025. If passed, this bill would require annual notification starting with the 2026-2027 school year.
As of this writing, the bill has not become law. Current homeschool laws remain unchanged – no notification required. Check with HSLDA for the latest updates on this legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notify anyone to homeschool in Illinois?
No. Notification, registration, and approval are not required. You can simply begin homeschooling whenever you’re ready.
Do I need a teaching degree?
No. There are no teacher qualification requirements. You don’t need any specific education or certification to teach your own children.
Are homeschoolers required to take standardized tests?
No. Testing is not required for homeschooled students.
Can homeschoolers play public school sports?
It depends on your district. State law doesn’t guarantee access, but some districts allow participation. Contact your local school’s athletic director to ask about their policy.
How do homeschoolers get a diploma?
Parents issue diplomas from their homeschool. This is a legitimate credential recognized by colleges and employers.
Getting Started Today
Illinois makes homeschooling about as simple as it gets. No paperwork. No permissions. No bureaucracy. Just you, your kids, and the freedom to educate as you see fit.
Pick your curriculum, gather your materials, and start teaching. That’s all there is to it.
Want to see how other states compare? Check out our guide to homeschooling in New York for a high-regulation example, or read about homeschooling in Texas for another low-regulation approach.
Official Resources
- HSLDA Illinois Homeschool Laws
- Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5)
- Section 26-1 of the School Code – Compulsory attendance exemptions
Leave a Reply