Homeschooling

Families may choose to educate their children at home. In Illinois, homeschooling is considered a form of private education. Parents or guardians who choose to homeschool are responsible for providing an education that meets Illinois requirements.

Do I Need to Register My Homeschool?

No. Homeschool registration is not required in Illinois. Registration is voluntary.

Parents and guardians do not need approval from ROE26 or the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) before beginning to homeschool.

However, families are encouraged to complete the Notification of Intent to Homeschool/Homeschool Registration form and provide it to ROE26. This helps our attendance staff confirm that a student is being homeschooled if questions or concerns about school attendance arise.

What Am I Required to Teach?

Parents who homeschool must meet the minimum requirements stated in Illinois’ Compulsory Attendance Law (Section 26-1 of the Illinois School Code). The law requires parents to teach their children “…the branches of education taught to children of corresponding age and grade in the public schools.”

Instruction must be provided in English and include:

Language arts
Mathematics
Biological and physical sciences
Social sciences
Fine arts
Physical development and health

A homeschool education must be at least equivalent to the education offered in public schools.

Getting Started with Homeschooling

If you are considering homeschooling your child, these steps can help you get started:

Review Illinois Homeschool Requirements
Make sure you understand the subjects and educational requirements for homeschooling in Illinois.
Notify Your Child's Current School
If your child currently attends a public school, notify the school in writing that you are withdrawing your child to homeschool. ISBE recommends providing the school with a dated letter and keeping a copy of it for your records.
Consider Registering with ROE26
Homeschool registration is optional. Families are encouraged to submit the Notification of Intent to Homeschool/Homeschool Registration form to ROE26.
Plan Your Child's Education
Parents are responsible for choosing the curriculum, learning materials, schedule, and methods they will use to provide instruction that meets Illinois requirements.
Keep Educational Records
Consider keeping records of your child's curriculum, coursework, learning activities, and academic progress. These records may be especially helpful if your child later returns to a public school.

Homeschool Forms

Notification of Intent to Homeschool/Homeschool Registration
Use this optional form to notify ROE26 that your child is being homeschooled.
Sample Letter of Transfer from Public School to Homeschool
Families withdrawing a child from public school can use this sample to help notify the school of their decision to homeschool.

Illinois Homeschool Resources

For additional information about homeschooling requirements, registration, curriculum resources, and other frequently asked questions, visit these Illinois State Board of Education resources:

Looking for Home/Hospital Instruction?

Home/Hospital Instruction is different from homeschooling. Home/Hospital Instruction provides educational services for eligible students who are unable to attend school because of a medical condition.

For information about these services, visit:

Questions About Homeschooling?

ROE26 is available to help families understand Illinois homeschool requirements and connect with appropriate resources. Please call us at (309) 575-3226.