Homeschooling in Illinois.

How Illinois treats homeschooling

A home school counts as a private school. There's no separate homeschool law; the Illinois Supreme Court recognized this in People v. Levisen (1950).

Compulsory attendance age

Ages 6 (by September 1) to 17. A younger or older child already enrolled in public school must keep attending until you withdraw them to a private school, including a home school.

Who you notify

No one at the state or local level. Tell your child's current school, preferably in writing, and sign any withdrawal form it uses. Your Regional Office of Education (ROE) or, in Chicago, Chicago Public Schools may offer a voluntary form.

Required subjects

The branches of education taught in public schools, taught in English. Public schools cover language arts, math, biological, physical and social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health.

School days and hours

No set number of days or hours. Practical guidance, not law: the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) encourages a consistent schedule.

Testing

None required. You don't submit tests, grades or work samples to anyone. Home school students can't take the state's public school accountability tests.

Teacher qualifications

No license or diploma is required. A parent or tutor may teach. The Illinois Supreme Court said the teacher must be competent and the education at least equal to public school.

Records

None required by law. Practical guidance, not law: keep your dated withdrawal letter, a list of what you teach, and some work samples.

Statute citation

105 ILCS (Illinois Compiled Statutes) 5/26-1, exemption 1 (private schools); 5/27-1 (subjects public schools teach); 5/26-2 (enrolled children under 6 or 17 and older).