The Prairie State: Overall D-
Illinois pairs light homeschool regulation with no school choice at all. It was the first state to roll back a voucher program, letting Invest in Kids expire in 2024, and it refuses a federal scholarship program that would cost the state nothing.
Microschools — D+
These are small independent schools usually around 15 students. They often do things differently from what we currently think of as a traditional school. Most are started by teachers from both the public and private schools.
- No accreditation, registration, or recognition required to open a private school
- Teacher licensing only required for schools that pursue voluntary recognition
- No school choice funding reaches microschools
Improvements
- Permit microschools in commercial, residential, and agricultural zones
School Choice Policy — F
School choice policies are a wide range of laws that influence charter schools, open enrollment in public schools, and school choice. One of the newer policies are education spending accounts that allow for things like private school tuition and include things like curriculum and a la carte/one-off classes.
- Illinois let Invest in Kids expire in 2024, stripping aid from over 15,000 low income students
- Illinois has not opted into National School Choice, a double whammy when combined with the Invest in Kids expiration.
- Charter schools are capped at 120 statewide, with no more than 70 in Chicago
Improvements
- Opt into National School Choice before January 1, 2027
- Dramatically increase the number of charter schools available across the state
- Mandate open enrollment as a policy statewide
Homeschooling — B
Homeschooling is more than just a parent teaching their children. While that is very common with younger students, many homeschoolers join co-ops, find online courses, or enroll in an in person class. That is often driven by a need for more specialization.
- No notice of intent, registration, or state recognition required
- No standardized testing, portfolio review, or curriculum approval
- Schools have no obligation to open extracurriculars to homeschoolers
Improvements
- Open up extracurricular access to homeschoolers
Extra Credit: None This Cycle
Illinois has no enacted policy that earns extra credit this time. But there is an easy win sitting on the table. National School Choice is a new federal scholarship program funded by private donations, at zero cost to the state. Illinois has until January 1, 2027 to opt in. Other states are already lining up. For Illinois, this should be the easiest yes in education policy.
Helpful Links for Parents
- Illinois Homeschool Law
- ISBE Nonpublic School Information
- IHSA Home School Fact Sheet
- Education Expense Tax Credit
This is part of a series where we review and rate education access in every state in the country. Get more information here.
Author: Jon England is the Senior Education Policy Analyst at Libertas Institute. He is a fourteen-year veteran of public schools. He taught both fifth and sixth grades, receiving Weber District’s E+ Team Award. He proudly homeschools his children with his wife.
Jon received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University. He spent time in the Marine Corps and separated as a sergeant in 2006.
During his time in public schools, Jon increasingly understood the importance of parental empowerment in education. This increased understanding led him to join Libertas to provide educational freedom for families. Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and five children traveling, skiing, and playing games.
Published: June, 2026