Illinois vs Texas: 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 | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | Low regulation | No regulation |
| Notification | Not required | Not required |
| Testing | Not required | Not required |
| Required subjects | 6 subjects | 5 subjects |
| Instructional time | No requirement | No requirement |
| Instructor qualification | No requirement | No requirement |
| Recordkeeping | None required | None required |
| Annual renewal | Not required | Not required |
Moving Between These States
Moving from Illinois to Texas
Grace period: N/A — no notification required (Tex. Educ. Code §25.086(a)(1); Leeper v. Arlington ISD (1994))
What changes:
- ~Required subjects: Illinois (6 subjects) → Texas (5 subjects)
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 Texas:
- ▢None. Texas requires no notification, registration, or approval. Compliant as soon as bona fide instruction begins.
Filing deadline:
- ▢No filing deadline — begin teaching when ready
Moving from Texas to Illinois
What changes:
- ~Required subjects: Texas (5 subjects) → Illinois (6 subjects)
Transition checklist
Before you leave Texas:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in Texas
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
When you arrive in Illinois:
- ▢No notification required in Illinois
Military families
Neither Illinois nor Texas 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 Texas?
Illinois and Texas 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 Texas?
When moving from Illinois to Texas, you must comply with Texas'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