Illinois · Updated July 2026
You can do this. Here’s how.
I'm an Illinois homeschooling parent who has run co-ops and helped a lot of families through their first year. This is what I wished existed: guides in plain language, a co-op directory that's actually current, and honest reviews of what's worth your money.
Wondering about the legal part first? It's shorter than you'd think. Read it here.
Start with these
All 19 guides →- The lawIllinois Homeschool LawWhat the law actually requires, and the long list of things it doesn't
- Start hereHomeschool 101Everything a new Illinois homeschooling family needs, in the order you'll need it
- MoneyWhat Homeschooling Actually CostsReal numbers, three budget levels, and the costs nobody warns you about
- Daily lifeWhat a Homeschool Day Actually Looks LikeSample schedules by age, and why it takes far less time than you think
The directory
Co-ops, microschools, tutors, and everything in between
Cost and faith orientation are stated on every listing, because those are the first two questions and almost nobody answers them. I check the entries myself and date each one, so if a group has gone quiet you will be able to tell.
The whole legal ask, in one line: no registration, no state testing, no teaching credential, six subject areas taught in English. That's it. Full breakdown →
The class
Your First Year Homeschooling in Illinois
Six modules, about four hours. It covers the gap between knowing you are allowed to homeschool and knowing what Monday looks like, which is where most first years actually come apart.
Built around Illinois. Not a generic first-year course with a state page bolted on.
- 6 modules, about 4 hours
- Illinois compliance checklist
- Withdrawal letter template
- Curriculum planner and sample schedules
- 30-day refund, no questions
Free download
The Illinois Homeschool Starter Kit
A one-page compliance checklist, a withdrawal letter you can copy word for word, and a record-keeping log that fits on a single sheet. The paperwork part, done, so you can get on with the actual question of what to teach.
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