Illinois Homeschool Requirements Checklist
Everything you need to do to homeschool legally in Illinois, based on 105 ILCS 5/26-1. Illinois is classified as Low regulation.
This is the general checklist for Home-Based Private School. Our free wizard customizes this for your family, including grade, pathway, enrollment status, and IEP.
Your compliance checklist
Do first
Withdrawal letter recommended
A formal letter isn't required, but it is recommended if your child is enrolled in school. Send it to school principal or registrar.
Deadline: Before you start (if enrolled)
More details
Not legally required but strongly recommended to prevent truancy referrals under 105 ILCS 5/26-2a. State that the child is being withdrawn to attend a private school. You are not required to name the school, provide a curriculum, or seek permission. Send via certified mail or obtain written acknowledgment.
Ongoing
Required subjects
language arts (reading, writing, grammar, spelling), mathematics, science (biological and physical), social science (social studies, U.S. history, geography, government/civics), fine arts, physical development and health
More details
Per ISBE guidance and 105 ILCS 5/26-1 and 27-1, instruction must cover six subject areas in the English language. Education must be 'at least equivalent to that which is offered in public schools.' 105 ILCS 5/27-21 requires U.S. history instruction in 'all schools,' which includes private/homeschools.
Good news
No notification required
Illinois does not require you to notify anyone to begin homeschooling.
No instructional time minimums
No minimum hours or days of instruction required.
No testing or assessment required
No standardized testing or assessments required under this pathway.
Ongoing requirements
Required subjects
- ✓language arts (reading, writing, grammar, spelling)
- ✓mathematics
- ✓science (biological and physical)
- ✓social science (social studies, U.S. history, geography, government/civics)
- ✓fine arts
- ✓physical development and health
Per ISBE guidance and 105 ILCS 5/26-1 and 27-1, instruction must cover six subject areas in the English language. Education must be 'at least equivalent to that which is offered in public schools.' 105 ILCS 5/27-21 requires U.S. history instruction in 'all schools,' which includes private/homeschools.
105 ILCS 5/26-1 and 27-1 (branches of education taught in public schools, in English)
What you don't need to worry about
No notification required
Illinois does not require you to notify anyone to begin homeschooling.
No instructional time minimums
No minimum hours or days of instruction required.
No testing or assessment required
No standardized testing or assessments required under this pathway.
Related guides
Get your personalized checklist
This is the general checklist for the most common pathway. The wizard customizes it for your family's specific situation, including grade, pathway, and IEP status.
Get your Illinois checklistRequirements sourced from 105 ILCS 5/26-1. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026