Illinois Homeschool State Laws

Please note that laws and regulations may have changed since this update, so it’s essential to consult the most recent statutes or consult with legal professionals or homeschooling organizations for the most up-to-date information. Here’s a summary of homeschooling regulations in Illinois:

• Required Notice: Parents or legal guardians who choose to homeschool in Illinois are required to provide written notice to the local regional superintendent of schools. This notice must be submitted within 30 days after starting homeschooling and then annually by October 15th for subsequent years.
• Qualifications: The parent or legal guardian must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Instruction: Homeschooling in Illinois must provide an equivalent education to that provided in public schools. Instruction must include courses in language arts, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and fine arts.
• Duration and Days: Homeschoolers must receive instruction for at least the same number of days as required for public schools, which is 176 days per year. The length of each instructional day is not specifically regulated.
• Records and Assessments: Parents are required to maintain records of their homeschooling program, including attendance records, samples of the child’s work, and evidence of academic progress. While standardized testing is not explicitly required, some families choose to administer standardized tests or other forms of evaluation to demonstrate progress.
• Special Education: Homeschooled students with disabilities have the right to receive special education services from the local public school district where they reside. Parents may need to contact the district to make arrangements for these services.
• Other Extracurricular Activities: Homeschooled students have the right to participate in extracurricular activities offered by the local public school district, such as sports or clubs, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements set by the district.

Please note that this is a general summary and not an exhaustive list of homeschooling laws in Illinois. It’s crucial to research and consult the most recent statutes or reach out to local homeschooling organizations or legal professionals for specific and up-to-date information regarding homeschooling in Illinois.

Updated October 2023