Homeschooling in Illinois

The homeschool rules in Illinois, from official sources: your options, any notice, what to teach and record, testing, official forms, the law and who to contact.

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Last checked: October 25, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice – check your state’s official page: Illinois official page.

Broad level: No notice – our own rough summary, what the levels mean.

Your options

Homeschool operates as a private school (People v. Levisen, 1950): it must be taught by a competent teacher, cover the required subjects, and be at least equivalent to public school, in English.

Notice or letter of intent

None required. Parents may voluntarily register with ISBE or their Regional Superintendent; districts may not require registration. ISBE advises keeping a dated copy of any withdrawal letter sent to the school.

Need a letter? See our letter of intent and withdrawal letter templates – but use the official form below if there is one.

Subjects, time, assessment and records

Subjects: Language arts, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, physical development and health.
Days or hours: No minimum days or hours set by Illinois law (ISBE FAQ Q3); instruction must be equivalent to public school.
Testing or assessment: Not required. If parents test, results need not be submitted to anyone.
Records: No statutory record requirement stated. Parents carry the burden of showing compliance, so records are advisable.

Parent qualifications

None specified beyond a 'competent' teacher.

Other rules

Compulsory attendance under 105 ILCS 5/26-1. Driver's ed: notify the district by April 1 and show passes in at least 8 courses over the prior 2 semesters (105 ILCS 5/27-24.2).

Official forms

ISBE Home Schooling Registration Form (voluntary), linked from isbe.net/…

The law

105 ILCS 5/26-1 (private school exception); People v. Levisen, 404 Ill. 574 (1950); 105 ILCS 5/10-20.24; 105 ILCS 5/14-6.01 – read the law

Who to contact

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) – ISBE (no homeschool unit; Regional Offices of Education handle local questions)General enquiries: [email protected] · 217-782-4321 · Official pageThis office doesn’t publish a homeschool email, so this is its general address. Ask for your message to be passed to whoever handles homeschooling.Who handles notices: Nobody (voluntary registration only)

Special education and public school classes and sports

Homeschoolers with disabilities are not entitled to an IEP; districts often offer an Individual Services Plan funded by proportionate share. Part-time public school courses are allowed if requested by May 1 and space exists (10-20.24); special ed part-time attendance requires at least one subject (14-6.01). IHSA/IESA bylaws generally bar interscholastic sports. Child Find is not named on ISBE pages.

Federal rules on Child Find and evaluations apply in every state – see special education.

Going back to public school in Illinois

To enroll your child in a public school in Illinois, contact the enrollment or registration office of your local school district or public school. Ask how it decides grade placement and whether it accepts credits from homeschooling before your child starts, and bring the records you choose to share. We didn’t find a state rule on this for Illinois in the official sources we checked – see the Illinois official page and ask the district.

See going back to school after homeschooling for what to bring, placement, credits and special education.

Last checked: October 25, 2026. Report a change to this page

Official sources

Last checked against these sources: October 25, 2026.

This is general information, not legal advice – check your state’s official page. This page sums up official sources in our own words. Homeschool laws differ from state to state and can change. Check your state’s official page and your local school district’s guidance, and get qualified advice for your situation. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, any state education agency, school district, College Board, ACT, the GED Testing Service, HiSET, CLT or the Common App.