Free, plain-language homeschool rules for all 50 states, DC and Australia. Every page is checked against official government sources and watched for law changes.

United States · Homeschool rules

Homeschooling in Illinois

What the law asks of you, in plain language, with links to the official sources so you can check every line.

Minimal requirements No notice required Last verified May 26, 2026

At a glance

Notice

Not required

Curriculum

See details

Testing

Not required

Teacher

No qualifications

Overview

Homeschooling in Illinois operates under the Illinois School Code which treats home schools as private schools. This gives Illinois families among the greatest homeschool freedom of any state — no notification, no testing, and no teacher qualifications are required. The Illinois State Board of Education has minimal involvement in homeschool oversight.

Telling the authorities

No notice required

You can begin homeschooling in Illinois without notifying anyone.

How to do it

Illinois families are not required to notify anyone to begin homeschooling. Home schools are considered private schools under Illinois law and operate with significant autonomy.

Requirements

Curriculum
Must provide instruction in English language arts, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, history, geography, civics, humanities, and the US and Illinois constitutions.
Testing
No standardised testing required by state law.
Record keeping
No records required to be submitted to the state. Recommended to keep your own attendance and academic records.
Teacher
No formal qualifications required. Parent teaches their own children.

Recent changes

Illinois is one of the least regulated homeschool states. No notification, no testing, and no teacher qualifications required. Home schools operate as private schools under Illinois law. Requirements have been stable for many years.

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General information, not legal advice. Always confirm with your school district or education department.