How to Homeschool in Illinois
Beginning your homeschool journey is an exciting time, and the Prairie State is a great place to do so!
Illinois’ homeschooling laws allow parents the freedom and flexibility to educate their children as they see fit. Before we get started, please know that it’s important to do your research, as homeschool laws vary by state. Once you’ve taken care of the legal aspects, you’ll be set to start homeschooling in Illinois!
Homeschooling in Illinois at a Glance
Illinois – The Prairie State
| Required Age | 6-17 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | Language arts, math, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, physical education and health |
| Time Requirements | None |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | Part-time homeschooling option available |
| Financial Resources Available | Yes |
Parent Qualifications
There are no qualifications that parents must meet to be eligible to homeschool in Illinois.
Notice of Intent
The Illinois homeschool requirements are straightforward, which makes the process to begin homeschooling in IL simple. If you are planning on pulling your child out of school in order to homeschool, you are not legally required to alert the school district of your choice or formally withdraw them. However, it is a good idea to do so to prevent any issues regarding truancy.
Attendance
To be a full-time homeschooler, there are no minimum requirements for the amount of time you must teach.
Part-Time Homeschooling in Illinois
For parents who aren’t sure that full-time homeschooling is for them, Illinois offers the unique opportunity of part-time homeschooling. This arrangement allows students to attend a public or private school for part of the week and receive homeschooling for the remainder. This option provides the flexibility for parents and students to customize the educational experience to their needs, interests, and schedules.
This program also may allow homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as clubs and sports.
If you are interested in pursuing this option, you must submit a request to the school’s principal by May 1st for the following year.
Homeschool Curriculum
The following subjects are a requirement for all Illinois homeschoolers:
- Language Arts
- Math
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Fine Arts
- Physical Education and Health
Illinois also requires that parents teach in English.
Accreditation
Many families seek out accredited homeschooling programs in Illinois to ensure their child will receive a quality education. In Illinois, accredited homeschool programs are optional but can give you peace of mind.
Our homeschool curriculum is just one of the many available online homeschool programs in Illinois and is fully accredited by the ACS-WASC!
Testing
Testing of any form is not a requirement for Illinois homeschoolers. It is up to the parent to decide if they would like to test their child or not.
For parents who opt in to testing, students may take the Illinois state exams at the local public school for free. Alternatively, parents may also purchase a nationally normed test from a third-party service online.
Record Keeping
Illinois does not require any form of record keeping, but it’s still a good idea to keep some records on hand. They are incredibly helpful when it comes to tracking your student’s academic progress, and they can also be useful if your student plans on applying to college in the future.
Some good records to keep include:
- Work samples
- Attendance logs
- Report cards/progress reports
- Any standardized testing results
Transcripts
While transcripts are not required, they are often necessary for college applications. Transcripts should include all courses, credit hours, and final grades earned from grades 9-12. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that does the record keeping for you.
Graduation Requirements
The Illinois homeschool graduation requirements are determined individually by homeschool parents. Parents have full control over their child’s graduation and can provide their own high school diploma.
However, it can be difficult to know when your child is ready to graduate without required guidelines. Many parents find it helpful to look at the Illinois State Board of Education’s graduation requirements for public schools.
Financial Resources
With Empower Illinois, K-12 students who reside in a focus district and can demonstrate financial need may be eligible for assistance with homeschool expenses. Awards are variable and provided on a case-by-case basis, so be sure to check and see if you qualify.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Illinois, check out:
- Homeschooling – Illinois Department of Education
- Illinois Homeschool Association
If you have any questions about homeschooling or how Miacademy and MiaPrep align with the laws in your state, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team!
Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Illinois homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
What are the requirements to homeschool in Illinois?
To homeschool in Illinois, parents should first notify their child’s school to avoid truancy issues y and teach the required subjects. Everything else is up to the parents.
Does Illinois require standardized testing for homeschoolers?
No, homeschoolers are exempt from standardized testing in Illinois.
Information accurate as of: 05/02/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.