School Choice

School Choice and Homeschool in Illinois

Private school choice programs, charter schools, homeschool rules and private schools in Illinois. Facts as of November 2026.

Choice programs1All limited by eligibility
Charter schoolsAllowedPublic charter law
Homeschool noticeNoTesting: No

Private school choice programs

How they work ›

Illinois K-12 Education Expense Credit

Tax credit or deduction Limited Enacted 1999 (year not confirmed)

Parents of full-time K-12 students at Illinois public or nonpublic schools (or qualifying home schools) may claim 25% of qualified expenses over $250, up to $750 per return; not available if adjusted gross income exceeds $500,000 (joint) or $250,000 (other).

Applies to public-school expenses as well as private tuition, book and lab fees.

Official source

Charter schools

Illinois has a public charter school law.

Official source

Homeschool rules

Illinois does not require parents to register or notify the state before homeschooling, though notice to the school and regional office is recommended. No testing is required; parents must teach the subjects taught in public schools, in English. Check your state's law before you start.

Notice: No Testing: No

Law: 105 ILCS 5/26-1. Official source

Notes

The Invest in Kids scholarship tax credit program expired December 31, 2023 and was not renewed; credits for earlier contributions may still be carried forward up to five years (Illinois Department of Revenue).

Some items in a note may rest on news reports rather than an official source.

Private schools in Illinois

The private school list will appear here after the first scheduled update.

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Sources: Illinois Department of Revenue: Education Expense Credit (Pub. 112), Illinois Department of Revenue: Invest in Kids, Illinois Charter Schools Law (105 ILCS 5/Art. 27A), Illinois State Board of Education: Homeschooling, NCES Private School Universe Survey. State facts as of November 2026. Check your state's law before you start.