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Illinois homeschool requirements

Last checked October 2026. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Your Regional Office of Education handles truancy questions.

Ways to homeschool in Illinois

In Illinois, a homeschool is treated as a private school under the School Code, 105 ILCS 5/26-1. Families can also enroll in an online private school.

What you file, and when

Nothing is required. The Illinois State Board of Education no longer collects homeschool forms. If your child is enrolled in a school, tell the school, preferably in writing, that you are withdrawing them to homeschool, so they aren't reported as truant. Some Regional Offices of Education, and Chicago Public Schools, offer a voluntary form.

Subjects

Taught in English, in these areas (105 ILCS 5/27-1):

Days or hours

Illinois doesn't set the number or length of school days for homeschool.

Records and testing

Illinois doesn't require records or tests. You don't submit grades, tests or work samples to anyone. If you are ever asked for proof of your child's education, such as when they go back to public school, it's your job to provide it, so the State Board encourages good records.

Pending legislation

A 2025 bill, House Bill 2827, would add new homeschool rules. As of October 2026 it has not passed the Illinois House, and current law is unchanged.

Where Gallop fits

Gallop's Records report prints, for each child and any date range, the days and minutes they worked, the subjects covered, each skill mastered with its date, and sample questions your child answered correctly. Minutes count time in Gallop only, not all of your teaching. Most parents add it to their own records rather than using it as their only record.

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FAQ

Do I have to register my homeschool in Illinois?

No. The State Board of Education doesn't collect homeschool forms. Tell your child's current school that you are withdrawing them.

Do I have to keep records?

Not by law. The State Board encourages it, because you may need to show proof of your child's education later. A printed Gallop Records report can be part of your own records.

Can my child take the state tests?

No. Homeschooled students don't take the state accountability tests. You can choose another achievement test if you want one.

Can I try it first?

Yes. Try 7 sample questions, or start the 7-day free trial. No card needed.

Try 7 sample questionsStart the 7-day free trial

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