Homeschooling in Illinois

by Mary Ann Kelley

Illinois Homeschool Information

Homeschooling is a great choice for families in Illinois! Find out how to homeschool, what the homeschool requirements are for Illinois residents, connect with local homeschoolers, find nearby classes and co-ops, discover field trip destinations, and much more.

Quicklinks for Homeschooling in Illinois

Illinois Homeschool Legalities

Homeschooling is regulated at the state level and changes may be made to the relevant statutes at any time. Always consult the actual state code (which is usually online at your state's official website) for the most up to date and accurate legal information with regard to homeschooling. Also keep in mind that interpretations of the code—whether provided by school districts or homeschool groups—can be helpful, but may or may not be an accurate reflection of the law. Always combine interpretations with your own reading of the statute itself.

A quick note about sticking to what the law requires.
The "Show Me" Letter - Many an uninformed (or informed but overzealous) school administration official has asked local homeschoolers for more documentation than the state homeschool law requires. In The "Show Me" Letter, Shay Seaborne relates her experience with an overzealous official and how knowing the law and being polite but firm is often all it takes to educate local officials. A "must read" for new homeschoolers!

Although we try to keep our links up to date, state laws change regularly. The information at the links provided below contain information that may or may not be current.

Illinois Homeschooling Laws

From HOUSE (Home Oriented Unique Schooling Experience)

Summary Outline of Illinois School Laws that Pertain to Private Homeschools

Section 26-1 of the Illinois School Code

Illinois Home-Schooling

From the Illinois State Board of Education. Includes PDF files on Questions you may have about Illinois Home-Schooling and ISBE Home Schooling Registration Forms.

Popcorn & Peanuts

ALL the Illinois Home Education Laws in One Place

Legal Issues

From Illinois Christian Home Educators

Illinois Resource Pages & Places

Barnes & Noble Homeschool Educator DiscountCarbondale

All Homeschool families are invited to visit their local Barnes & Noble location to sign up for the FREE Educator Discount Card. Year round, eligible homeschooling resources (books, workbooks,...

FVBC Resource RoomDundee

This is a free lending library of many resources for homeschool families in the Dundee, IL, area.

Illinois HomeschoolingIllinois Statewide

Helpful Information, Links & Tips for Homeschoolers in Illinois

Time4Learning Parent Discussion Forum – IllinoisIllinois Statewide

Discussions and Resources for Illinois Homeschoolers

Big Brothers Big SistersSt. Clair County residents

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) provides counseling services to all children seeking counseling within the ages of 6 through 17 whom are either BBBS clients or community members. Self-referrals are...

The Family Vision LibrarySt. Louis

The Family Vision Library is a non-profit, free, Christian lending library to our local community and abroad through mail. The Family Vision has offered a Christian lending library since 2005. Our ...

TheHomeSchoolMom may be compensated for any of the links in this post through sponsorships, paid ads, free or discounted products, or affiliate links. Local resource listings are for information purposes only and do not imply endorsement. Always use due diligence when choosing resources, and please verify location and time with the organizer if applicable. Suggestions and advice on TheHomeSchoolMom.com are for general information purposes only and should never be considered as specific to any individual situation, nor are they a diagnosis or treatment advice for any kind of medical, developmental, or psychological condition. Blog posts represent the views of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views of other contributors or the publisher. Full terms of use and disclosure