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Homeschool laws · Illinois

How to homeschool in Illinois

Homeschools operate as private schools, but the state does not register them.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Illinois. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

Illinois requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

No. None.

Minimum school time

None set.

Required subjects

Language arts, math, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health, taught in English.

Parent qualifications

None.

Testing or evaluation

None required.

Records to keep

None required.

Compulsory school ages

6–17

Legal ways to homeschool in Illinois

  • Homeschool as a private school

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    Plan your school year

    Illinois sets no minimum number of days or hours. A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  2. 02

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Illinois asks for: none required. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  3. 03

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

Illinois homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Illinois?

None.

How many days do you have to homeschool in Illinois?

Illinois does not set a minimum number of days or hours for homeschoolers.

What subjects are required in Illinois?

Language arts, math, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health, taught in English.

Does Illinois require testing for homeschoolers?

None required.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Illinois?

No. Parents do not need any particular qualification.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Illinois and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states