Illinois Homeschool Information
—Homeschool In Illinois—
Homeschooling in Illinois
Find Out What the State Says About Home Education
Illinois Homeschool
In Illinois, homeschooling is considered a legally recognized private school option with some of the most flexible requirements in the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of the present law (as of mid‑June 2025) and a summary of proposed changes:
📘 Current Illinois Homeschool Law
1. Age & Attendance
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Children aged 6 to 17 must be educated, either in public/private school or via homeschooling.
2. Notification & Registration
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No formal notification or registration is required—you can start homeschooling without filing any paperwork.
3. Teacher Qualifications
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Parents or guardians do not need teaching credentials, certifications, or degrees—only “competent” in providing education.
4. Subjects
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You must teach the same core subjects as public schools, in English:
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Language arts, math, biological & physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and physical development/health.
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5. Attendance, Recordkeeping, and Assessments
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No required number of school days, hours, boundaries, attendance logs, standardized tests, or portfolio/review submission.
6. Immunizations or Health Requirements
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No immunization mandates, unless your child participates in public-school activities—then public‑school rules apply.
7. Graduation & Accreditation
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Homeschools operate like private schools. You set your own graduation criteria and issue diplomas/transcripts. Accreditation isn’t required.
Enrolling In A Private Accredited Online School Changes Things Somewhat
If your family enrolls in an accredited online private school in Illinois (rather than homeschooling independently), here’s how the rules shift:
🏫 1. Classified as Private School, Not Homeschool
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Enrolling in an accredited online private school means you’re not homeschooling under Illinois law—you’re simply sending your child to a private school.
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Private schools in Illinois (including virtual ones) must teach the same “branches of learning” as public schools: language arts, math, science, social studies, fine arts, and health/physical development—all in English
🗂️ 2. Notification and Registration
Illinois K-12 School Choice
💰 Financial Support
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Tax Credit for Educational Expenses: Families can claim a small annual tax credit (about $260 per child) for qualifying education expenses.
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Invest in Kids Scholarship Program: A larger tax-credit scholarship program ended in December 2023 and has not been renewed.
✅ Summary
Illinois families have public, private, and homeschool options—but currently no major state-funded scholarships or vouchers. The main financial help now is a small tax credit for education costs
Illinois School Choice Summary
Illinois School Choice Overview
Illinois offers families several ways to choose the best education setting for their children, including public, charter, magnet, private, and homeschool options. However, financial support for private schooling is currently limited.
🏫 Public School Options
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Charter Schools: Tuition-free public schools with more flexibility in curriculum and structure. Widely available in places like Chicago.
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Magnet Schools: Public schools with special themes (STEM, arts, etc.). Admission often requires an application or lottery (via GoCPS in Chicago).
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Open Enrollment: In some districts, students can attend public schools outside their assigned zones, but this varies by district.
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Virtual Public Schools: Some online public school options are available, especially in urban areas.
🏠 Private School & Homeschool Options
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Private Schools: Families can choose from many private schools statewide, including religious schools. They operate independently with no state registration or curriculum requirements.
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Homeschooling: Treated like private schooling under Illinois law. Parents don’t need to register or follow state curriculum but must teach core subjects in English.
Homeschool Resources for Illinois
Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.
In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association
Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney. Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice. The information provided was assisted in writing by AI.