Overview: Homeschooling Law in Illinois
Illinois treats homeschools as private schools (Scoma v. Chicago Board of Education, 1974). No state registration, no notification, no portfolio required. Parents must teach in the English language and cover specified subjects. Graduation requirements are set entirely by the parent.
Graduation Credit Requirements
The commonly accepted minimum for a competitive college-prep transcript from Illinois is 16 (minimum) Carnegie units. However, because Illinois homeschools set their own graduation standards (except where state law specifies otherwise), you may set a higher bar.
Recommended distribution for a college-bound student:
| Subject | Minimum Credits | College-Prep Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| English / Language Arts | 4.0 | 4.0 (including composition) |
| Mathematics | 3.0 | 4.0 (through pre-calculus) |
| Science | 2.0–3.0 | 3.0–4.0 (at least 2 with lab) |
| History / Social Studies | 3.0 | 3.0–4.0 |
| Foreign Language | 0–2.0 | 2.0–3.0 (same language) |
| Fine Arts | 0–1.0 | 1.0 |
| PE / Health | 0.5–1.0 | 1.0 |
| Electives | Varies | 4.0–6.0 |
Notarization
Not required. Illinois homeschools operate as private schools; parent as principal is the authorized signatory.
Dual Enrollment
No statewide dual enrollment statute specifically addressing homeschoolers. Access varies by community college district. Many Illinois community colleges accept homeschool students for dual enrollment on a case-by-case basis.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP): Needs-based financial aid. Homeschool graduates may apply if enrolled at a MAP-eligible Illinois institution.
Key Resources for Illinois Homeschoolers
- Illinois Department of Education — for official homeschool policy documents
- Home School Legal Defense Association (IL chapter) — hslda.org for legal questions
- What to include on a homeschool transcript
- Free GPA calculator
- Blank transcript template (PDF)