Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Illinois?

No. Illinois doesn't require a notice of intent for this option. If your child is enrolled in a public school, withdraw them in writing first.

How many days or hours of homeschool does Illinois require?

Not specified (education must be at least equivalent to public school).

Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Illinois?

None required. If you choose to test, you don't have to submit results.

Do parents need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Illinois?

None specified; the teacher must be "competent" (no license required).

What records should I keep when homeschooling in Illinois?

None required by law (ISBE leaves record-keeping to parents; keeping a plan of study and samples helps show your program is equivalent if ever questioned).

How to homeschool in Illinois

No notice requiredChecked against official sources October 9, 2026

In Illinois a homeschool is legally a private school, so there is no required notice, registration, or testing. You must teach in English and cover language arts, math, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health, at a level at least equivalent to public school. If your child is enrolled in a public school, the state recommends sending the school a letter so they are not marked truant.

Homeschooling in Illinois at a glance: no notice of intent required; instruction time: not specified (education must be at least equivalent to public school); 6 required subject areas; testing: none required.

Requirements in Illinois

Home school as a private school · 105 ILCS 5/26-1; People v. Levisen (Ill. 1950)

Illinois treats a home school as a private school when a competent teacher teaches the required subjects in English and the education is at least equivalent to public school. No registration or approval is required; ISBE offers an optional registration form.

Notice: Not required.
Instruction time: Not specified (education must be at least equivalent to public school).
Required subjects: Language arts, Mathematics, Biological and physical sciences, Social sciences, Fine arts, Physical development and health.
Records to keep: None required by law (ISBE leaves record-keeping to parents; keeping a plan of study and samples helps show your program is equivalent if ever questioned).
Testing / evaluation: None required. If you choose to test, you don't have to submit results.
Parent qualifications: None specified; the teacher must be "competent" (no license required).
Also: Instruction must be in English.

Official form: ISBE Home Schooling page (optional registration form)

Checklist

Send a dated withdrawal letter to your child's public school (if enrolled); keep a copy: before you begin homeschooling.
Optionally send ISBE's voluntary home schooling registration form (and copy your Regional Office of Education): optional; any time.
Teach the required subjects in English: ongoing, for children ages 6 (by Sept 1) through 17.

Leaving a public school

State law sets no formal withdrawal procedure, but ISBE recommends sending the public school a dated letter stating you are withdrawing your child to homeschool (optionally with a copy of the voluntary registration form) and keeping a copy. Without notice, the school may mark the child absent and refer the case to a truancy officer.

Common questions about homeschooling in Illinois

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Illinois?: No. Illinois doesn't require a notice of intent for this option. If your child is enrolled in a public school, withdraw them in writing first.
What subjects do I have to teach in Illinois?: Illinois requires: Language arts; Mathematics; Biological and physical sciences; Social sciences; Fine arts; Physical development and health.
How many days or hours of homeschool does Illinois require?: Not specified (education must be at least equivalent to public school).
Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Illinois?: None required. If you choose to test, you don't have to submit results.
Do parents need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Illinois?: None specified; the teacher must be "competent" (no license required).
What records should I keep when homeschooling in Illinois?: None required by law (ISBE leaves record-keeping to parents; keeping a plan of study and samples helps show your program is equivalent if ever questioned).

Worth double-checking

ISBE marks its home schooling page as archived; its guidance is consistent with the statute and case law but may not be actively maintained.
HB 2827 (introduced 2025) would have created a mandatory annual homeschool notification form starting in 2026-27. It stalled and was re-referred to the House Rules Committee on April 11, 2025, so it is not law. The 104th General Assembly runs through 2026, so watch for revival.
Families who enroll part-time in public school classes or activities may need to meet the district's immunization and health exam rules.

Sources

Illinois State Board of Education: Home Schooling.(official)
Illinois General Assembly: HB 2827 (104th GA) bill status.(official)
ISBE Home Schooling FAQ (2017).(official)
HSLDA: Illinois House Bill 2827.

This is a plain-language summary to help you get organized, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the details with your state or school district before you file.