How to Start Homeschooling in Illinois

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Illinois.

Illinois does not have a separate homeschool statute. Instead, homeschools operate as private schools under the compulsory attendance law, 105 ILCS 5/26-1. Parents who home school must teach "the branches of education taught to children of corresponding age and grade in the public schools," and must offer instruction in those core courses in English.

The key case is People v. Levisen, 404 Ill. 574, 90 N.E.2d 213 (1950). As ISBE describes it, the Illinois Supreme Court held that home schooling could be considered private schooling if the teacher is competent, the required subjects are taught, and the student receives an education at least equivalent to public schooling.

ISBE also notes a 1974 federal district court decision stating that, under Illinois law, parents carry the burden of showing that their home instruction meets state requirements. In practice, that means teaching the required subjects in English and being able to show it if asked.

Illinois's compulsory attendance law, 105 ILCS 5/26-1, requires school attendance for children between the ages of 6 and 17. A child who turns 6 on or before September 1 must attend that school year. The requirement ends at 17, or earlier if your child has already graduated from high school.

If your child is young, there is no rush to start formal lessons. You have time to explore curricula and find your approach.

Here is how to start homeschooling in Illinois:

Step 1: Decide. There is no required application, approval, or waiting period.

Step 2: Consider the voluntary registration form. ISBE offers a Home Schooling Registration Form. It is not required, but ISBE encourages parents to complete it.

Step 3: Choose your curriculum. Cover the six branches of education ISBE lists: language arts; mathematics; biological and physical sciences; social sciences; fine arts; and physical development and health. Instruction in these core courses must be in English. ISBE says you must offer education at least equivalent to what public schools offer. You choose the curriculum, materials, and methods.

Step 4: Notify your child's school (if your child is enrolled). ISBE highly recommends giving the public school a dated letter stating that you will be withdrawing your child and intend to home school. Keep a copy. ISBE also recommends including a copy of the Home Schooling Registration Form, and encourages sending the same letter and form to your Regional Office of Education.

Step 5: Start teaching. No forms to file with the state. You are ready.

Illinois requires you to teach "the branches of education taught to children of corresponding age and grade in the public schools." ISBE lists those branches as language arts; mathematics; biological and physical sciences; social sciences; fine arts; and physical development and health.

Instruction in these core courses must be in English. ISBE also says the education you offer must be at least equivalent to that offered in public schools.

Within that standard, ISBE says parents are "free to decide the manner, time and materials" that best suit their children. You decide what curriculum and materials to use, how much homework to assign, and how to assess it. ISBE does not recommend materials or help plan curricula, but it does publish a list of resources.

Keep records from day one. Illinois has no recordkeeping rules, and ISBE says parents decide what records to keep. A list of subjects and materials, samples of your child's work, and a transcript for high school will help if you re-enroll your child, apply to college, or need to show your program meets the standard.

If someone asks about your program. The regional superintendent for your county investigates reports of noncompliance with the attendance law. ISBE says regional superintendents may expect parents to establish, when necessary, that they are providing instruction at least commensurate with public school standards. Your records of what you teach, in English, across the required subjects are how you show it.

If school staff give you wrong information. ISBE's own guidance says registration is voluntary and no other state forms are required. ISBE also notes that a public school cannot require a home school to be "registered" or "recognized" through the State Board for grade placement, and that placement decisions may not be unreasonable or arbitrary. Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) at iche.org is one statewide homeschool organization that offers support.

High school credits matter for re-enrollment. ISBE says that for high school students entering a public school, it is critical that parents can show the student earned credits for classes required for graduation. Keep a transcript listing courses and grades by year, with course descriptions.

Think carefully before withdrawing a child with an IEP. Talk with your district's special education office about which services, if any, would be available after you begin homeschooling, and how to request them. You can also request a Child Find evaluation if you think your child may have an unidentified disability.

Umbrella programs are optional. Some families join private school umbrella or satellite programs for curriculum help, transcripts, or community. This is a choice, not a requirement.

Public school classes and activities. Ask your local district about part-time attendance, driver's education, and extracurricular options for home-schooled students in your area.