Illinois · Light-touch

Homeschooling in Illinois

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

Notice of intentNothing to file

Yearly assessmentNot required

Instruction timeNo minimum set

RecordsYour choice

How to start homeschooling in Illinois

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.

Source: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) — www.isbe.net/Pages/Homeschooling.aspx. Checked March 2026.

Filing and reporting

Nothing to file

Illinoisdoes 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.

Source: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) — www.isbe.net/Pages/Homeschooling.aspx. Checked March 2026.

Testing, portfolios and reviews

No yearly assessment

Illinoisdoes 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.

Source: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) — www.isbe.net/Pages/Homeschooling.aspx. Checked March 2026.

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: Language Arts (in English)MathematicsBiological and Physical ScienceSocial Science (Social Studies)Fine ArtsPhysical Development and Health
Instruction time: Illinois sets no minimum number of days or hours.
Who may teach: No teaching certificate, degree, or credential is required of you.
Keeping records: No retention period is set. Keeping a simple folder is still worth doing.
Legal routes: Operate as a home-based private school — no registration with ISBE required (105 ILCS 5/26-1)
Umbrella / cover schools: Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) and Homeschool Illinois maintain resource directories. Umbrella enrollment is entirely voluntary.

Source: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) — www.isbe.net/Pages/Homeschooling.aspx. Checked March 2026.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Diplomas: No state-issued diploma. Parents issue transcripts and diplomas. Students may pursue the Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate (GED equivalent) through the Illinois Community College Board.
College admissions: University of Illinois, Northwestern, Loyola, and other Illinois colleges generally accept homeschool graduates with ACT/SAT scores, a parent-prepared transcript, and supporting materials. No statewide uniform standard exists.
Support for additional needs: Homeschool students in Illinois lose FAPE entitlement upon withdrawal from public school. Families may request an evaluation through the local district, but services are not guaranteed. Private evaluations are the primary avenue.

Source: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) — www.isbe.net/Pages/Homeschooling.aspx. Checked March 2026.

Money your family can claim in Illinois

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) directly.

See the states where funding is confirmed →

Questions parents ask about Illinois

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?

Illinois does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschoolers access to public school sports. Participation may be at individual district discretion. Check with your local school district.

Source: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) — www.isbe.net/Pages/Homeschooling.aspx. Checked March 2026.

Worth knowing about Illinois

Illinois is among the least regulated states for homeschooling in the U.S. Homeschools operate as private schools under 105 ILCS 5/26-1 with no registration, no testing, no reporting, and no credential requirements. Instruction must be in English and cover the six subject areas taught at the equivalent public school grade level. No minimum days or hours are specified.

Source: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) — www.isbe.net/Pages/Homeschooling.aspx. Checked March 2026.

Who to ask in Illinois

Regulator: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
Official site: www.isbe.net/Pages/Homeschooling.aspx

Free tools for your first year

Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Illinois's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits, ready to send to a college.Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer.Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.

Other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii All 51 →

This page was written from Illinois's published rules and last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). This is information for families, not legal advice.

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