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Illinois · Light-touch
Illinois does not ask you to file anything before you begin. Here is what the state does expect, and what it leaves entirely to you.
VerifiedMarch 2026
Written from Illinois's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.
Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
There is no notice to file
Illinois does not ask you to notify anyone before you begin. You can start the day you are ready — no form, no permission, no waiting.
Cover the subjects the state names
Illinois names 6 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Illinois does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Nothing to file
Illinois does not require a notice of intent, an application, or the state's permission. You do not need to wait for a reply from anyone, because there is no one to write to. There is no ongoing reporting either.
No testing or assessment
Illinois does not require a standardized test or an evaluator's review. Plenty of families still keep a folder of work through the year — not because the state asks, but because it makes a transcript or a college application far easier to put together later. A note from the state: No state-mandated assessment.
No program on file yet
We do not have a verified Illinois education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE); your Regional Office of Education handles attendance questions directly.
Is homeschooling legal in Illinois?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Illinois. Illinois is considered one of the easiest states for homeschoolers — minimal regulation, no notice required, and maximum family freedom.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not require families to file a Notice of Intent before beginning homeschooling. You may start at any time.
How many instruction days are required in Illinois?
Illinois does not mandate a minimum amount of instruction time.
What subjects are required by law in Illinois?
Illinois requires instruction in the following subjects: Language Arts (in English), Mathematics, Biological and Physical Science, Social Science (Social Studies), Fine Arts, Physical Development and Health.
Does Illinois require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
No. Illinois does not require formal annual assessment. Families may voluntarily track progress for college application purposes.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Illinois?
Rules about homeschooled students taking part in public school sports and activities differ by state and by district. Check with your local school district and your state athletic association.
In Illinois, home schooling is treated as a form of private education under 105 ILCS 5/26-1 and the Illinois Supreme Court decision People v. Levisen (1950). The state requires no registration, testing or reporting. Instruction must be in English and cover the branches of education taught in public schools of the same age and grade (language arts, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, physical development and health). The state sets no minimum days or hours. Your Regional Office of Education can look into attendance concerns.
The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Illinois's requirements and ignore the rest.
Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE); your Regional Office of Education handles attendance questions. This is information for families, not legal advice.