Homeschooling in Illinois
Illinois
The state of Illinois offers one avenue for homeschooling. Your home based instruction will be viewed as a private school, and you should use this term when when dealing with government officials. Other than six required subjects, Illinois has no other mandates or requirements for homeschool families. Illinois is ranked as one of the easiest states to homeschool in. Illinois has earned the nickname “Land of Lincoln” for being the state where the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, spent most of his life. This makes it a great state for historical field trips.
Snapshot of Requirements
Complexity
With practically no requirements on homeschooling, Illinois is ranked as one of the easiest states to homeschool in.Teaching
Illinois stipulates that instruction must be given in English and provide adequate course of instruction in the following subjects: language arts, math, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health. No teaching certification is required.Testing
Illinois does not require standardized testing or assessments.
Registration
Registration of intent to homeschool is voluntary and not required.Grade Level
Homeschooling is allowed in all grades. Illinois requires children between the ages of 6 and 17 to be schooled.Reporting
Illinois requires no level of reporting or record keeping.
Advice For Homeschooling In Illinois
While Illinois has no legal requirements for record keeping, good records will benefit your child in many future endeavors. Continuing their education, entering the military, or passing a background check for employment will all require some level of proof of education. You can facilitate this by keeping track of attendance and keeping records of curriculum utilized, test results, and any other documents showing your child has received a solid education.
QUICK FACTS
Over 75,000 students homeschool in the Land of Lincoln State of Illinois!
Illinois has over 100 homeschool tutorials, co-ops, and enrichment programs!
Illinois parents have had the right to homeschool since 1974.
Explore Homeschooling Community Kindness Ideas
Looking for field trip ideas? Follow the link below to explore how to use field trips as a platform for acts of kindness in your community.
FOCUS THIS MONTH
History Museums
Do you ever wonder if your field trips are effective? With this download, you'll learn how to plan a history field trip, what to take along with you, and how to follow up on the trip with activities to reinforce learning. We've also included activity worksheets to use while on the field trip to help you make the most of your hands-on history exploration!
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Nature Study
How do you handle nature studies when nature isn't your thing? You find help! This download defines and describes nature studies, provides a list of materials you need, offers practical ideas for implementing a nature study, and includes a book list for reinforcement. We've even included worksheets to guide you each step of the way.
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Aquariums & Zoos
Zoos and aquariums are always fun to visit. But, with a little extra time and energy investment, you can turn your visit into an academically enriching activity! In this download, you'll find tips for planning your trip well, activities to complete during your visit, follow-up activities discussion guides, and a list of books to reinforce what your students have learned.
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Libraries
Did you know that you can turn something as simple as a trip to the library into a delightful field trip? In this download, you'll learn how to lay the groundwork for a fun trip, discover all of the exciting ways to enjoy a library visit, and find age-appropriate follow-up activities.
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Historical Sites
Historical sites bring history to life in amazing ways. With so many options available, it might feel overwhelming to try to plan a trip. This month's download is here to help! Find tips for planning, carrying out, and following up on a historical site visit—then get ready to enjoy!
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Outdoor Family Fun
A summer break from formal curriculum is a healthy and good thing. But, you can still keep your child learning, even during the break! In this e-book, you'll find tips for ways to combine summer learning and summer fun.
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Art Museums
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Art Museum Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next art museum field trip. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Community Kindness
Have you heard of the Random Acts of Kindness movement (RAK)? That's what this month's field trip focus is all about!
In this Community Kindness Activity Guide, you'll find suggestions for showing kindness to people in your community. You'll also discover volunteer options for every stage of learning. Download your e-book today, and start planning your RAK fun!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
My Town
How much do you know about your town? Notebooking can be a great way to process through learning about your city or town! In this My Town Activity E-Book, you'll find suggestions for completing notebooking activities to help you learn about both the geography and history of your community, town, or city. When you complete all of the research, you can add a cover and use a binder or folder to create a lasting version of your exploration!
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Indoor Field Trips & Factories
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Factory Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next indoor field trip, with a special focus on factories of all kinds. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Holiday Crafts & Recipes
No matter what the holiday, there are always fun ways to celebrate through crafts and cooking! In this Holiday Crafts & Recipes Activity E-Book, you'll find a wealth of craft options for all ages, as well as recipes you can whip up together. Use the results of your creativity to decorate your home, brighten the day of a friend, or even show appreciation to the people who serve your town or community!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Science Museum
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Science Museum Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next science museum field trip. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!