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Illinois Homeschool Funding

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Last updated: October 8, 2025

Illinois Homeschool Funding

Supports, services, and limitations.

IL
Funding guide
State programs

Main program

Program name: No statewide ESA, voucher, or homeschool reimbursement

Admin: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provides guidance; local school districts handle any services they choose to offer.

Typical award

Amount: None for independent homeschool

Disbursement: Not applicable

Who qualifies

  • Residency: Student resides in Illinois.
  • Homeschool status: Parent provides education at home; in Illinois, homeschools are treated as private schools.
  • Instruction: Must be in English and cover the branches of education taught in public schools.

Timeline

  • No state funding windows for homeschool.
  • Part-time enrollment, extracurriculars, and evaluations follow local district calendars.

Overview

Illinois does not offer a statewide Education Savings Account (ESA), voucher, or reimbursement for independent homeschool purchases. Parents fund curriculum and activities themselves. ISBE recognizes home education as a form of private schooling under Illinois case law, with minimal state oversight. Some supports may exist locally—such as optional part-time enrollment in public-school classes, limited special-education services under federal “equitable services,” and district-approved participation in certain activities—but these are not guaranteed statewide.

Note: The state’s former tax-credit scholarship program (Invest in Kids) expired after 2023 and did not fund homeschool expenses. If revived in the future, it would be for private school tuition/fees, not homeschool purchases.

Programs

Independent Home Education (no state funds)

  • Type: Parent-directed homeschool (treated as a private school for legal purposes).
  • Award: None; no ESA/stipend/reimbursement.
  • Uses: Parent selects curriculum, classes, tutors, co-ops, materials.
  • Admin: Parent; ISBE provides guidance but does not approve or accredit homeschools.

ISBE — Homeschooling Guidance

Part-Time Enrollment & Activities (local option)

  • Type: District-approved access to specific classes or activities.
  • Award: No cash benefit; access to courses/resources if the district allows.
  • Uses: Individual classes (e.g., band, lab sciences), some clubs/activities.
  • Admin: Local school district; policies and space availability vary.

Check your district’s website/policy

Special Education — Evaluations & Equitable Services

  • Type: Child find evaluations; limited services for parentally placed private-school students (which can include homeschoolers in IL).
  • Award/Uses: Evaluation and, if eligible, services via a service plan; scope depends on district’s federal proportionate share and local policies.
  • Admin: Local school district (special education department).

ISBE — Special Education

Tax-Credit Scholarships (historical)

  • Type: Private-school scholarships funded by donors (Invest in Kids — sunset after 2023).
  • Award/Uses: Not for homeschool; scholarships applied to private-school tuition/fees.
  • Status: Ended; families should verify any legislative changes.

Eligibility

  • Residency: Student lives in Illinois.
  • Instruction: In English, covering the branches of education taught in public schools (language arts, math, science, social studies, etc.).
  • Records: Maintain documentation sufficient to demonstrate that instruction is being provided (e.g., curriculum list, work samples, progress notes).
  • Services access: For part-time classes or services, follow your district’s application and capacity policies.

How to apply

  1. Set up homeschooling: In Illinois there is no required state registration or approval. If withdrawing from a public school, send a brief withdrawal/transfer notice (keep a copy).
  2. Plan your curriculum: Choose materials and map out subjects taught in public schools.
  3. Keep records: Keep a course list, schedule/logs, and work samples.
  4. Optional local access: If you want part-time classes or evaluations, contact your district (curriculum office, counseling office, or special education).

ISBE Homeschool Page

Covered expenses

  • Curriculum & textbooks (family-paid)
  • Online courses & educational software
  • Tutoring / co-op classes
  • Testing & assessments (optional)
  • Supplies & hands-on materials
  • Field trips & educational activities
  • Technology & devices
  • Therapies (privately arranged)
  • Exam fees (AP, CLEP, etc.)
  • No state reimbursements for homeschool purchases

Deadlines

Milestone Date Notes
Start homeschooling Any time No state filing required; send school a withdrawal notice if applicable.
Part-time enrollment Local window Varies by district; often before each semester.
Special ed evaluation By request Contact district; timelines follow federal/State special ed rules.

Docs & forms

Official sources

FAQs

Does Illinois give ESA or voucher money to homeschoolers?
No. Illinois has no ESA/voucher for homeschool. Families fund their own curriculum and activities.
Can my homeschooler take some public-school classes?
Sometimes. Districts may allow part-time enrollment or activity participation depending on policy and space. Ask your local school.
Are standardized tests required for homeschool in IL?
No statewide testing requirement for homeschool. Some families choose optional assessments for their records.
What happened to Invest in Kids scholarships?
The program sunset after 2023. It funded private-school tuition, not homeschool purchases. Monitor legislation for any changes.

Contacts

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

Homeschooling Guidance
For policy questions, contact ISBE or your local district.

Your Local School District

Ask about part-time enrollment, evaluations, and activity eligibility.
Find district website

Law & regulations