Illinois vs Pennsylvania: Homeschool Laws Compared
Side-by-side comparison of homeschool regulations. See what changes if you're moving between these states.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Illinois | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | Low regulation | High regulation |
| Notification | Not required | Detailed plan required — superintendent of the school district of residence by August 1 annually; prior to commencing if starting mid-year |
| Testing | Not required | Required |
| Required subjects | 6 subjects | 10 subjects |
| Instructional time | No requirement | 900 hrs/yr |
| Instructor qualification | No requirement | a high school diploma or GED |
| Recordkeeping | None required | attendance, grades, portfolio |
| Annual renewal | Not required | Required by August 1 |
Moving Between These States
Moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania
What changes:
- +Pennsylvania requires notification (Detailed plan required — superintendent of the school district of residence by August 1 annually; prior to commencing if starting mid-year). Illinois does not
- +Pennsylvania requires testing (Required). Illinois does not
- +Pennsylvania requires instructor qualification (a high school diploma or GED). Illinois does not
- ~Required subjects: Illinois (6 subjects) → Pennsylvania (10 subjects)
- +Pennsylvania requires instructional time (900 hrs/yr). Illinois does not
- +Pennsylvania requires recordkeeping (attendance, grades, portfolio). Illinois does not
Transition checklist
Before you leave Illinois:
- ▢Withdrawal letter recommended (but not legally required) in Illinois
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
When you arrive in Pennsylvania:
- ▢File notification with superintendent of the school district of residence
- ▢Prepare qualification evidence (a high school diploma or GED)
Moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois
What changes:
- -Good news: Illinois has no notification requirement
- -Good news: Illinois has no testing requirement
- -Good news: Illinois has no instructor qualification requirement
- ~Required subjects: Pennsylvania (10 subjects) → Illinois (6 subjects)
- -Good news: Illinois has no instructional time requirement
- -Good news: Illinois has no recordkeeping requirement
Transition checklist
Before you leave Pennsylvania:
- ▢Submit withdrawal letter to superintendent of the school district of residence (The notarized affidavit must be filed with the superintendent before beginning homeschooling. The affidavit itself serves as official notice. Best practice is to also send a written withdrawal letter to the school. No statutory waiting period; homeschooling may begin once the affidavit is filed.)
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
When you arrive in Illinois:
- ▢No notification required in Illinois
Military families
Neither Illinois nor Pennsylvania has military-specific homeschool provisions. MIC3 (Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children) does not apply to homeschoolers — it covers public schools only. Your School Liaison Officer can help with the transition.
Planning a move?
Enter your move date to get a timeline with specific deadlines.
Common questions
What are the differences between homeschooling in Illinois and Pennsylvania?
Illinois and Pennsylvania have different homeschool regulations covering notification requirements, testing, required subjects, instructor qualifications, and recordkeeping. See the comparison table above for the exact differences.
What do I need to do to move my homeschool from Illinois to Pennsylvania?
When moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania, you must comply with Pennsylvania's homeschool laws from scratch. See the transition checklist above for step-by-step guidance.
Data sourced from state statutes and administrative codes. Comparison based on default homeschool pathway for each state. This is compliance guidance, not legal advice. Terms · How we verify