How to Start Homeschooling in Illinois: A Calm, Step-by-Step Guide

To start homeschooling in Illinois, make a simple learning plan that covers the subjects taught in public schools, with instruction in English, and check the details for your situation with your regional office of education. Illinois does not require state approval of your curriculum or parent teacher certification; requirements generally apply to children subject to compulsory attendance, so confirm the age and paperwork details with your regional office.

Quick answer: 1) Check Illinois requirements and ask about any school withdrawal paperwork. 2) Choose a flexible learning approach and gather basic materials. 3) Set a weekly rhythm that works for your family. 4) Keep a simple record of learning. 5) Find community and support. You can adjust your plan as you learn what fits.

Step 1: Know what Illinois actually requires

Illinois treats homeschooling as a form of private education. In broad terms, instruction must be in English and cover the branches of education taught in public schools. These include language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, and physical development and health.

There is no state approval process for your curriculum, and parents are not required to hold teacher certification. Illinois also does not set a specific homeschool day count or minimum number of instructional hours. Still, plan for consistent instruction across the year and keep an organized, coherent approach to learning.

If your child is currently enrolled in public school, contact the school before making the change. Ask what withdrawal or transfer steps it requires, and check with your regional office of education if you’re unsure. District procedures can differ, so request the exact form or instructions for your family and keep a copy of anything you submit.

For current state guidance, start with the Illinois State Board of Education’s homeschooling page, then verify any questions about your circumstances with your regional office of education. This is general information, not legal advice.

Step 2: Decide what your first year will look like

There isn’t one right way to homeschool. It can help to think about the broad approaches below, without feeling you have to choose one forever:

• More structured: A planned sequence of lessons and regular work blocks, sometimes similar to school-at-home.
• Relaxed or eclectic: A mix of resources and hands-on learning, with a looser schedule.
• Unschooling-leaning: Learning shaped more by a child’s interests, with a parent intentionally helping provide experiences and resources.

Many families blend approaches or change them as their children grow. For a first draft, list the main subject areas you want to cover, what materials you already have, and where your child might enjoy more hands-on practice.

If your child is moving from school, you may also want to build in time to rest and settle into a new routine before filling the calendar. Starting small is a perfectly reasonable plan.

Step 3: Build a simple schedule that survives real life

Try planning in blocks rather than assigning every subject a precise number of minutes. A weekly rhythm can make the days feel predictable without turning home into a classroom.

For example, your week might include:

• A few focused learning blocks for reading, writing, and math
• Time for science, social studies, art, or practical projects
• A library visit, park day, or local outing
• An open block for catch-up, rest, or following an unexpected question

You can plan one week at a time at first. Leave some white space: illness, appointments, weather, and plain old tiredness are part of family life. Park days and outings can be meaningful learning experiences, too, especially when children have time to notice, ask questions, talk, and explore.

Step 4: Track what you do

Illinois does not require families to submit a portfolio or routine progress report to the state. Keeping a few simple records is still useful for your own reference, for conversations about your child’s learning, and for building a high school transcript later.

Choose a system you’ll actually use. You might keep:

• A basic calendar or attendance log
• A list of books read and topics explored
• A folder of a few writing samples, projects, or photos
• Notes about materials or activities that worked well

A notebook, digital folder, or spreadsheet is enough. You don’t need to document every conversation or outing. A short monthly check-in (what we covered, what we want to revisit, and what we enjoyed) can help you see the year taking shape.

Step 5: Find your people

Homeschooling can happen at home, but it doesn’t have to feel isolated. Park days, field trips, classes, and parent chats offer children chances to connect and give grown-ups a place to compare notes and ask practical questions. A relaxed social community can make a new routine feel more familiar.

North Shore Homeschool Group is a secular social community based in Glenview, serving families across the North Shore, including Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park, Skokie, and Deerfield. Activities include bi-weekly group play for ages 0–12; one or two learning events, field trips, or classes each month; and a monthly teen meetup, with one or two classes or field trips. Parents can also join chats and ask for free homeschool consulting and resource help. Families receive free, year-round access to the Homeschool United app.

Membership is $100 per family per year for ages 0–12 or 13–18, and $125 per year for multi-age families with children ages 0–18. You can see upcoming events or learn more about the community. For additional homeschool support calls, visit My Homeschool Support.

Step 6: Handle questions from family and friends

People may ask what your school day looks like or whether your child will have friends. You don’t have to explain every part of your decision. A calm, short answer can help:

• “We’re putting together a plan that fits our family, and we’ll check in as we go.”
• “Our week includes learning at home and regular chances to spend time with other kids.”
• “We’re still figuring out the rhythm, so I’ll share more once we’ve settled in.”

There isn’t one social schedule that works for every child. Look for opportunities that suit your family, and give friendships time to grow through shared interests and regular activities.

What about high school?

If your child is in or approaching high school, keep a steady record of courses, reading, projects, and other learning. A transcript can summarize the courses completed, credits assigned, and grades or assessments you choose to record. Planning ahead makes it easier to describe your student’s work when they apply to a program or college.

Some older homeschool students also explore dual-enrollment options or community college classes. Policies and admissions expectations vary, so contact the specific institution early and ask what documentation it needs. Keeping thoughtful records can help you understand your options without needing to decide every high school detail today.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified teacher in Illinois?

No. Parents are not required to hold teacher certification to homeschool. You are responsible for providing instruction that meets Illinois requirements.

Do I have to follow a set curriculum?

No state-approved curriculum is required. Choose materials and methods that suit your child while covering the required branches of education.

How many days do we have to homeschool?

Illinois does not set a specific number of homeschool days or hours. Create a consistent plan for instruction across the year, and confirm guidance for your situation with your regional office of education.

What if it’s not working?

Adjust one piece at a time: the schedule, learning materials, or amount of structure. If you’re feeling stuck, talk it through with someone who understands homeschooling and can help you consider practical next steps.

You don’t have to have the whole year mapped out before you begin. Start with the requirements, a manageable weekly plan, and a few records you can keep up with. If you’re on the North Shore, you’re welcome to visit a North Shore Homeschool Group park day or event, or reach out with questions.