Illinois treats home schools as private schools under longstanding case law. There is no state notification or testing requirement; the parent directs the program and issues the diploma.
Legal framework
The framework rests on the Illinois Supreme Court's 1950 decision in People v. Levisen, which held that a home school can qualify as a private school. The compulsory attendance statute is at 105 ILCS 5/26-1. The Illinois State Board of Education's home schooling page provides current guidance.
Notification & registration
Illinois does not require state notification to begin a home school, though ISBE publishes an optional Home School Registration form some families file voluntarily. If withdrawing from a public school, send a brief written notice of withdrawal.
Recordkeeping
Illinois requires home schools to teach the subjects taught in the public schools but does not require state testing or recordkeeping submissions. Families maintain their own attendance records, work samples, and the high school transcript.
Graduation requirements
Illinois does not prescribe specific graduation requirements for home-school students. The parent determines completion. Aligning the transcript with the Illinois public high school graduation requirements is a useful reference.
Who issues the diploma
The parent operating the home school issues the diploma in the name of the family's home school.
College & military recognition
Illinois public universities (including U of I, Illinois State, and Northern Illinois) and the Illinois Community College System admit home-school graduates routinely. Homeschool graduates qualify for Tier 1 military enlistment under current DoD policy.
Official source
For current statutory text, forms, and procedural updates, the authoritative source is the Illinois State Board of Education. Homeschool laws change, so confirm specific requirements directly with the state before relying on them.