Illinois Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

Homeschooling Laws and Requirements in Illinois

1. Notification and Registration:

   • No Formal Notification: Illinois law does not require parents to notify the state or local school district before beginning homeschooling.
   • Voluntary Registration: While not mandatory, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) offers a voluntary homeschooling registration form. Completing this form can help establish a record of your homeschooling intent.

2. Teacher Qualifications:

   • No Specific Qualifications: Parents are not required to have a teaching certificate or specific educational background to homeschool their children.

3. Curriculum and Instruction:

   • Subject Requirements: Homeschooling parents are expected to provide instruction in the following subjects:
     • Language Arts
     • Mathematics
     • Biological and Physical Sciences
     • Social Sciences
     • Fine Arts
     • Physical Development and Health
   • No State-Mandated Curriculum: Illinois does not prescribe a specific curriculum, allowing parents the flexibility to choose materials that best fit their child's learning style and needs.

4. Assessment and Reporting:

   • No State-Mandated Testing: Illinois does not require standardized testing or submission of student work samples to the state.
   • Recordkeeping: While not mandated, it's recommended to maintain records of attendance and academic progress for your personal reference.

5. Compulsory School Age:

   • Age Range: Children between the ages of 6 and 17 are required to attend school, which includes homeschooling.

Resources for Homeschooling in Illinois

1. Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) – Homeschooling:

   • Overview: Provides information on homeschooling laws, requirements, and resources.
   • Website: ISBE Homeschooling

2. Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA):

   • Overview: Offers legal support and information on homeschooling laws across the United States, including Illinois.
   • Website: HSLDA – Illinois

3. Illinois Home School Association (IHSA):

   • Overview: A statewide organization that provides support, resources, and advocacy for homeschooling families in Illinois.
   • Website: IHSA

4. Local Homeschool Groups and Co-ops:

   • Illinois Homeschooling Facebook Groups: Connect with local homeschooling communities for support and resources.
   • Website: Illinois Homeschooling Facebook Groups

5. Online Curriculum Providers:

   • Time4Learning: Offers an online curriculum aligned with Illinois homeschool requirements for grades K-12.
   • Website: Time4Learning

6. Local Support Groups and Co-ops:

   • Chicago Area Homeschoolers: A group for homeschooling families in the Chicago area.
   • Website: Chicago Area Homeschoolers

Additional Considerations

• Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities: Homeschooling in Illinois allows for flexible scheduling, making it easier to incorporate field trips and extracurricular activities into your child's education.

• Support and Community: Engaging with local homeschool groups and co-ops can provide valuable support, socialization opportunities for your child, and resources to enhance your homeschooling experience.