Homeschooling in Illinois
Operate your own private school with minimal state interference.
Illinois is a low-regulation state where homeschools are legally classified as "private schools." Parents have significant freedom, with no requirement to register, test, or submit records to the state, provided they teach the mandated branches of instruction in English.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
6
required
Notification
No
none
Key Requirements at a Glance
- State registration is voluntary, not mandatory.
- You must teach specific subjects including Fine Arts and Health.
- Instruction must be in English.
- No state testing is required.
Legal Framework
Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/26-1) and the Levisen court ruling establish the private school status.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Illinois
The Waldorf Map lists 4 schools, 1 co-op and 1 class or course in Illinois, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Chicago Waldorf School, Chicago
- Da Vinci Waldorf School, Wauconda
- Waldorf School of DuPage, Warrenville
- City Garden Waldorf School, Chicago
Required Subjects
Must be taught in English.
Language Arts
Mathematics
Biological & Physical Science
Social Sciences
Fine Arts
Physical Development & Health
Filing Requirements
**Voluntary registration only**. Per People v. Levisen (1950), homeschools are classified as private schools. ISBE offers voluntary registration, but it is NOT required. Some districts may ask for 'Statement of Assurance' - you can politely decline. Must teach 6 subjects in English. Sports: IHSA requires enrollment in at least 1 course (1.5 credit hours) + district approval.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
None required.
How to Get Started
- 1
Withdraw from School
If your child is in public school, you must formally withdraw them.
- •Submit a withdrawal letter to the principal.
- •Clearly state you are transferring to a private school (your homeschool).
Tip: Keep a copy of this letter. It is your proof against truancy claims.Immediately
- 2
Begin Instruction
Start teaching the required branches of education.
- •Ensure your curriculum covers all 6 required designated areas.
Immediately
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓No mandatory registration
- ✓No testing
- ✓Private school status equals autonomy
Cons
- •Voluntary registration can be confusing (some schools pressure for it)
- •Full responsibility for all records/diplomas
Sports & Activities
**NOT Guaranteed**. The IHSA allows homeschoolers to participate ONLY if the local district agrees AND the student enrolls in the public school for at least one course (1.5 credit hours). Many districts simply say no.
Questions about homeschooling in Illinois
Should I register with the state?
It is entirely voluntary. Most homeschool organizations recommend *not* registering to maintain privacy and autonomy, but it is your choice.
Can my child play sports at the public high school?
Yes, if they enroll as a part-time student (minimally 1 course, usually 1.5 credit hours) and meet the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) eligibility policies.
What counts as 'Fine Arts'?
Music, Art, Drama, etc. Illinois is one of the few states that specifically lists this as a required branch of instruction.
Get Illinois’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Illinois page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for news when our Illinois page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Illinois records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Illinois tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · IL homeschool law guide