Homeschooling in Illinois

State homeschool registration is not required. ISBE no longer collects state homeschool forms, so you do not need to submit a state homeschool form. A regional office may offer a voluntary form.

You should notify your child's current school in writing when withdrawing to homeschool.(recommended)

You must teach language arts, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health.

You do not have to meet a minimum number of school days or hours per day.

Teach the branches of study taught to children of corresponding age and grade in public schools, in English, as required by 105 ILCS 5/26-1(1).

You are strongly encouraged to keep good homeschool records even though there are no specific recordkeeping requirements.(recommended)

You do not have to test your child or submit results of tests you choose to administer.

You may homeschool as a form of private education in Illinois.

You may claim Illinois’s education expense tax credit for qualifying homeschool expenses if you meet the residency and student requirements.

Your qualifying homeschool tuition expenses can include fees for required physical education at a private facility.

You can include homeschool workbook and teacher grade book costs when the books are significantly used up in class.

You can count only qualified education expenses above $250 toward the credit.