Illinois Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Illinois Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: No, but withdrawal form may be needed.

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-17

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Illinois

Illinois is flexible and supportive in its homeschool policies, so it’s simple to comply with local requirements and start homeschooling. 

If your child is attending public school, you need to confirm withdrawal procedures with their school. After that, you can jump right into your homeschool adventure. 

Submitting a Withdrawal Letter to Homeschool in Illinois

While you’re not required to file a notice of intent to homeschool in Illinois, you are required to formally withdraw your student if they’re already enrolled in public school. However, it’s not mandatory to explain that their education will continue at home. 

It’s recommended that you notify your child’s current school in writing that

you are withdrawing them from public school. Your child’s school may already have a withdrawal form for you to sign. A withdrawal letter ensures your child’s school knows they will no longer attend classes.

No other forms, approvals, registrations, or licenses are needed to create your homeschool. 

TIP: Once you have officially withdrawn your child from their current school, you may start homeschooling.

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Mandatory School Age in Illinois

If your child is 6 years old or older by September 1st, you fall under the compulsory attendance law in Illinois. This means that your child must receive an education through a public, private, or homeschool program from age 6 through 17. 

TIP: When your high schooler reaches age 17 or finishes their high school program, they are exempt from the attendance law.

Illinois Homeschool Subject Requirements

While Illinois does not mandate that homeschoolers follow a specific curriculum, they are required to teach certain subjects. Plan to educate in these areas:

• Language arts
• Mathematics
• Biological and physical science
• Social science (social studies)
• Fine arts
• Physical development and health

No specific classes or sub-topics need to be taught within these academic areas. You can curate a homeschool program that best suits your child. 

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Part-Time Homeschooling in Illinois

Illinois homeschooling regulations offer an option not commonly found in other states–part-time homeschooling. 

In Illinois, homeschooling students have the opportunity to take part in academic or extracurricular activities provided by the local school system, depending on space availability, thanks to a special state code.

If you’re interested in enrolling your homeschooler for the upcoming school year, you must request permission from the school by May 1st of the school year prior to enrollment. For example, you would submit a request by May 1, 2024, for attendance at the public school in the fall of 2024. 

TIP: You can only submit requests for your student to participate in academic or extracurricular activities in the same district as your homeschool.

Illinois Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

While there aren’t any explicit mandates for maintaining records, keeping records of your homeschooling efforts is highly recommended. Thorough records are helpful in case of enrollment in a public school or when it’s time for your child to apply for college, trade school, or the military. 

  

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Illinois Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Homeschooled children in Illinois do not have to take any tests or evaluations. However, if you’d like your child to participate in periodic evaluations, the results don’t have to be submitted to the school district or Illinois State Board of Education.

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Illinois

Illinois immunization requirements include private and public school children. Homeschoolers in Illinois are considered private school students and are expected to get immunizations. 

The state accepts exemptions and does not require home educators to submit immunization records to the school district or state. 

TIP: Whether you immunize your child or not, keep their immunization documents or exemptions with your homeschool records. 

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Resources for Homeschool Families in Illinois

Most homeschooling families take advantage of various resources to enhance their education, promote socialization, and facilitate home-based learning. These valuable connections typically occur in homeschool groups, cooperatives, or larger associations.

Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Illinois

Becoming part of a homeschool group or co-op (short for cooperative) is a fantastic way for families to interact with other homeschoolers. 

TIP: Groups and co-ops are diverse in size, organization, and objectives but commonly present avenues for socialization, academic enhancement, and cooperation among homeschooling households.

Numerous homeschool groups and co-ops arrange field trips, courses, seminars, and other events for homeschoolers. Children and home educators will also find friendships, assistance, and guidance.

We recommend checking online when you begin your search for a homeschool group or co-op. Here are some popular groups and co-ops to get you started.

Illinois Homeschooling Families

NW IL Homeschoolers

Illinois Loves Homeschooling

Peaceful Parenting / Unschooling / Homeschooling Families of Illinois

Christian Homeschool Activities (Central Illinois)

Southern Illinois Homeschoolers

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Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschool families can benefit greatly from the resources and support homeschool organizations and associations provide. Homeschool associations are typically more formal than traditional groups or co-ops and may require membership fees. These entities often offer access to events, information, resources, legal assistance, and advocacy efforts. 

Homeschoolers in Illinois should check out Illinois Homeschool Association (ILHSA), the statewide, nonsectarian (not religious based) homeschool network. 

According to their website, “The purpose of this network is to support families in exercising their right to homeschool regardless of age, color, creed, ethnic background, family composition, financial condition, learning disabilities, race, religion or lack thereof, sexual preference, or special educational needs.”

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Illinois

Homeschoolers in Illinois do not have access to public school sports because of bylaws created by interscholastic sports associations. Instead, local homeschoolers can find excellent athletic and sports opportunities in the community. Here are a few options:

Group Name & Website	What Sports They Cover	What Area in Illinois
Sokol Spirit	Gymnastics, pickleball	Brookfield
Ultimate Ninjas	Obstacle Course Fitness	Naperville Glenview Libertyville
Premier Gymnastics Academy	Gymnastics	Downers Grove
Crossroads Christian Youth Center	Basketball, football, baseball, soccer, track, volleyball, PE classes	Big Rock
Double J Riding Club	Equestrian	Countryside
HSRC Sports	Basketball, cross country, soccer, volleyball	Monee
HRK Eagles	Flag football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track	Guree Libertyville

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Illinois Homeschool Field Trips 

The flexibility of homeschooling allows for incredible access to education through field trips and hands-on learning. Illinois has many unique and exciting opportunities for homeschool field trips. Here are some ideas to consider:

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: This Springfield museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and features exhibits, interactive displays, and historical artifacts.

Adler Planetarium: A trip to the Adler Planetarium in Chicago provides a hands-on experience exploring the mysteries of the universe and astronomy.

Discovery Center Museum: Located in Rockford, this museum offers a variety of exhibits and interactive displays focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects.

Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center: This Skokie museum is dedicated to educating visitors about the Holocaust and its impact on the world with exhibits, artifacts, and survivor testimonies.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: A visit to Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville offers a chance to explore the remains of a prehistoric Native American city with informative exhibits and guided tours.

Starved Rock State Park: Located in Utica, this park features hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of the Illinois River and surrounding forests.

Illinois offers endless field trip options. With a bit of research, you’ll find many more exciting and educational opportunities to explore.

Homeschooling Special Needs Children in Illinois

If you homeschool your child with special needs in Illinois, they might be able to get some special services that are usually provided in public schools. This is because homeschooling is considered a type of private school according to Illinois law. 

Special needs students who are homeschooled have a right to enroll part-time in their local public school if they are between 3 and 22 years old and meet one of two requirements. Those requirements include being identified as a student who needs special education services and/or having a specific learning disability.

When one of those two criteria is met, students can enroll part-time in the local public school to receive services that are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This is an enormous benefit for special needs homeschooling families in the state.

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Illinois Homeschool FAQ

What is the Illinois Homeschool Tax Credit? 

Residents of Illinois may be eligible for the Education Expense Credit if they are the parent or legal guardian of a full-time homeschooled student under the age of 21 and have incurred homeschool expenses totaling $250 or more.

Qualified expenses include:

• Tuition for classes that meet requirements of core academics. For example, fees paid to a health club that satisfied the PE requirement.
• Fees to purchase workbooks that are used significantly during the school year
• Book rental fees
• Curriculum rental fees
• Lab fees
• Shipping charges paid to receive qualified items
• Sales or use tax

To fully understand what expenses are qualified and which are not, check out this document.

How does a homeschooler get a work permit in Illinois?  

If your homeschooled child between the ages of 14 and 16 wants to get a job, they’ll need to get a work permit. There are strict rules for this age group around jobs, hours, and supervision.

TIP: The local public high school or larger private school will have the authorization to issue a work permit for your child. 

You will need to provide the following:

• Letter of intent–a statement of intention to employ that’s signed by the prospective employer; states the nature of work; and approximate work hours each week. The letter of intent should be on company letterhead and must include the company’s address and phone number and supervisor’s name.
• Evidence of age: an original birth certificate or certification of baptism
• A statement of physical fitness signed by a physician
• Original social security card
• Child present with a parent/guardian with a valid ID
• A trust fund set up in the child’s name if they are a child performer

How do Illinois homeschoolers get a diploma?  

There are no set rules for homeschool graduation in Illinois. As a home educator, you can establish the educational guidelines your child must meet to graduate. Upon completing those requirements, you have the honor of awarding your child’s diploma.

When creating a graduation plan, consider any required prerequisites for your child’s post-high school plans, such as college admission, trade school, or military service. These requirements can serve as a helpful framework for developing your graduation criteria.

How do homeschoolers take driver’s education in Illinois?

Illinois school districts that offer grades 9-12 are mandated to give classroom instruction and driving lessons to eligible homeschooled students within their district.

If your high schooler follows these steps, they’ll be eligible to take driver’s ed:

• You must inform the local public district by April 1st about your child’s intent to enroll in the driver’s education course during the next academic year.
• You must provide evidence to the public school that the student has achieved a passing grade in at least eight courses over the preceding two semesters.

How do I enroll my child in public school after homeschooling in Illinois? 

Even the most committed homeschoolers may consider enrolling their children in the local public school at some point. Knowing the process to do this can be helpful in deciding what records you should keep. 

Each school will likely have its own process for evaluating your child’s proficiency for grade placement. You may need to provide test scores, grades, the curriculum you’ve used, or a portfolio of completed work. 

TIP: It’s helpful to connect with your local public school to learn their enrollment process and what information they’ll need.

Is unschooling legal in Illinois?  

Unschooling is legal and a valid form of homeschooling in Illinois. Because there are no attendance, evaluations, or curriculum requirements for homeschoolers, you can use teaching methods that best fit your family and child. 

Illinois requires that homeschoolers receive an education in language arts, math, science, social studies, art, and health, but you get to choose how your children engage with those education areas. 

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