How to Start Homeschooling in Illinois

Yes. Homeschooling is completely legal in Illinois. It has been settled law for over 70 years.

Illinois does not have a separate homeschool law. The word "homeschool" does not appear in the Illinois School Code. Instead, homeschools work under the private school exemption in 105 ILCS 5/26-1. That law exempts any child attending a private school that teaches "the branches of education taught to children of corresponding age and grade in the public schools" in English.

The case that settled everything is People v. Levisen, 404 Ill. 574, 90 N.E.2d 213 (1950). A Seventh-day Adventist mother taught her daughter at home. The Illinois Supreme Court said a "school" does not have to be a building. A home where real teaching happens qualifies. Two later cases backed this up. In Scoma v. Chicago Board of Education (1974), a federal court ruled the private school exemption is constitutional. In People v. DeJonge (2003), an Illinois appeals court confirmed again that homeschools are private schools under the law.

That is worth sitting with. There is no registration. No approval process. No oversight body. The state does not license, accredit, or inspect private schools. That includes yours. The freedom is real.

Illinois requires education from age 6 through 17 under 105 ILCS 5/26-1. If your child turns 6 by September 1, school is required that year. The requirement ends when your child turns 17.

If your child is younger than 6, there is no rush. You have time to explore curricula, talk to other families, and find your approach before anything is required.

Starting to homeschool in Illinois is one of the simplest processes in the country. Here is exactly what to do:

Step 1: Decide. You are not asking for permission. You are making a decision. There is no application. No approval process. No waiting period. If you are feeling nervous, take a breath. Illinois homeschool laws are on your side.

Step 2: Choose your curriculum. Cover six subject areas: language arts (reading, writing, grammar, spelling), mathematics, science (biological and physical), social science (U.S. history, geography, government/civics), fine arts, and physical development and health. All instruction must be in English. You can use any curriculum. Commercial, religious, secular, or self-designed all work. There is no state-approved list. The legal standard is that you cover the same general subjects as public schools. You do not need to match their depth, textbooks, or methods. Pick what fits your family.

Step 3: Send a withdrawal letter (if your child is in school). If your child is currently enrolled, write a short letter to the school principal or registrar. Include four things: (1) your name and contact information, (2) your child's name, date of birth, and last grade attended, (3) the date of withdrawal, and (4) this sentence: "My child is being withdrawn to attend a private school in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/26-1." That is all you need. Do not include curriculum details or lesson plans. You are not asking. You are informing. Send via certified mail or get written proof of receipt.

Step 4: Start teaching. That is it. No forms to file. No office to call. No one to notify. You are ready.

Illinois requires you to teach "the branches of education taught to children of corresponding age and grade in the public schools." Per ISBE guidance and 105 ILCS 5/27-1, that means six subject areas: language arts (reading, writing, grammar, and spelling), mathematics, science (biological and physical), social science (U.S. history, geography, and government/civics), fine arts, and physical development and health.

One detail most guides miss: 105 ILCS 5/27-21 requires U.S. history instruction in "all schools," not just public ones. Cover U.S. history as part of social studies and you are set.

All instruction must be in English. This is spelled out in 105 ILCS 5/26-1. You can teach other languages as subjects. You can use bilingual methods. But core instruction must be in English. Families who teach entirely in another language may not qualify for the private school exemption.

You can use any curriculum you want. The Levisen court said you need to cover the same general subjects as public schools. You do not need to match their depth, textbooks, or methods. That gives you a lot of room.

Start keeping records from day one. Illinois has no recordkeeping rules, but keep four things from the start: (1) a basic attendance log showing instruction happens regularly, (2) a list of subjects and materials used, (3) samples of your child's work by subject and date, and (4) copies of any letters you send to schools. You will thank yourself later. These records clear up truancy questions fast and are needed for college admissions.

Know your rights if someone contacts you. Under 105 ILCS 5/26-2a, regional superintendents can look into suspected truancy. Show that you run a real program covering the required subjects in English. You do not have to open your home, allow inspections, or sit for interviews. But here is a mistake some families make: they over-share. They agree to home visits or reviews the law does not require. Show enough to prove education is happening. Then stop. Do not give up rights you are not required to give up.

Push back politely on wrong information. Some school staff may say you need district approval, must submit your curriculum, or must register with ISBE. This is not correct. Respond in writing. Cite People v. Levisen, 404 Ill. 574 (1950), and 105 ILCS 5/26-1. Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) at iche.org can help if you need backup.

Start transcripts no later than 9th grade. You issue your own diploma as a private school administrator. A parent-issued diploma is legally valid in Illinois. Build a transcript listing courses and grades by year. Add course descriptions. There is no state template. These documents are essential for college admissions, military enlistment, and job applications. Do not wait until senior year.

Think carefully before withdrawing a child with an IEP. This is one of the hardest choices homeschool families face. A full IEP ends when you leave public school. That is a real loss, and it deserves honest thought. But you have two options. First, under 105 ILCS 5/14-6.01, your child can attend public school part-time for at least one instructional subject and receive IEP services while in attendance. Second, under IDEA, your child may qualify for limited equitable services through your district's proportionate share funding. Speech therapy and reading support are the most common services offered. Contact your district's special education office to discuss both options. You can also request a Child Find evaluation if you think your child may have an unidentified disability.

Umbrella schools are optional. Some families join private school umbrella or satellite programs for curriculum help, recordkeeping, transcripts, a diploma, or community. This is a choice, not a rule. It does not change your legal status under 105 ILCS 5/26-1.

Part-time public school and dual enrollment. Under 105 ILCS 5/10-20.24, homeschooled students may attend their local public school part-time if: (1) the request is submitted by May 1 of the prior school year, (2) space is available, and (3) your child lives in the attendance zone. Driver's education must also be provided to eligible homeschooled students (105 ILCS 5/27-24.2). Community colleges generally accept homeschool students as well. Contact your local community college admissions office to ask about their process.

Public school sports are generally off limits. The IHSA requires full-time enrollment in a member school. No equal-access law has passed in Illinois. Some districts may let homeschoolers join non-IHSA activities at their discretion. It never hurts to ask.