What You Need to Know

Illinois is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the U.S., offering families maximum freedom and minimal regulation. Whether you're brand new to home education or seeking curriculum guidance, this guide outlines everything you need to legally and confidently homeschool in Illinois

Illinois Homeschool Laws and Requirements

In Illinois, homeschools operate under the law as private schools. This means parents are required to provide an education that is equivalent to public schooling in core subjects such as language arts, math, science, and social studies—but there’s no mandatory registration, testing, or approval process.

There are no teacher certification requirements, and parents are not required to submit a Notice of Intent. However, it's recommended that families keep records of what they teach and maintain samples of student work in case questions arise from local officials.

Illinois State Board of Education – Homeschooling

How to Start Homeschooling in Illinois

Starting homeschooling in Illinois is simple. Because there’s no formal notification process, you can begin at any time. If you are withdrawing your child from public school, it's a good idea to send a letter of withdrawal to avoid truancy concerns.

From there, you can create your schedule, select a curriculum, and begin teaching. The law requires you to provide instruction in English and cover the core academic areas, but you have full control over how and when you teach those subjects.

HSLDA – Illinois Homeschool Law Summary

Illinois Homeschool Groups

Illinois has a strong and diverse homeschool community, with co-ops, support groups, enrichment programs, and online communities spread throughout the state. These groups provide valuable peer connection, parent resources, and opportunities for collaborative learning.

Whether you're in the Chicago suburbs, rural areas, or small towns, there's likely a homeschool group nearby ready to support your journey

Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE)

Homeschool-Life Illinois Group Directory

Illinois Homeschool Funding

Illinois does not currently offer public funding, tax credits, or Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for homeschoolers. Families are responsible for covering the cost of curriculum and any supplemental educational expenses.

While this means more out-of-pocket investment, it also ensures complete freedom over what and how your children learn. There's no government oversight over your homeschool program, giving you flexibility to craft a truly personalized education.

Homeschool Curriculum Options for Illinois Families

Since Illinois imposes no curriculum restrictions, families are free to use any educational approach that fits their needs. Whether you prefer a classical education, hands-on learning, unit studies, or literature-rich programs, the choice is yours.

At Beautiful Feet Books, we specialize in history and literature-based homeschool curriculum designed to cultivate a lifelong love of learning. Our open-and-go guides support independent learning and spark meaningful conversations while keeping prep time low.


Explore Beautiful Feet Books Curriculum