Illinois vs Kentucky: Homeschool Laws Compared

Kentucky is the more regulated of the two: it requires notice but no testing or evaluation, while Illinois requires no notice to homeschool. They differ on 4 of the 9 rules compared: notice of intent, required subjects, compulsory school ages, and public school sports access.

Rules compared

9

Differences

4

Same in both

5

The rules, side by side

Rows where the two states differ are marked. Tap a state name for its full guide, deadlines, and sources.

Figures are the same verified compliance data shown on each state's page. Requirements change; confirm with your state before you rely on one.

Moving from Illinois to Kentucky

Once you are a Kentucky resident you homeschool under Kentucky's rules. These are the ones that change.

1. File a notice of intent with the local school district once you are a Kentucky resident. Illinois did not ask for one, so this is new paperwork.
2. Kentucky names no required subjects. Illinois's list is still a sensible course plan; it stops being a legal one.
3. Compulsory school ages are 6-18 in Kentucky against 6-17 in Illinois, so check whether your youngest or oldest is now inside or outside the rule.
4. Can homeschoolers play public school sports? In Kentucky the answer is district decides; in Illinois it was yes, with conditions.

Moving from Kentucky to Illinois

Once you are a Illinois resident you homeschool under Illinois's rules. These are the ones that change.

1. There is no notice to file in Illinois. Before you leave, send Kentucky's district a short withdrawal note so its attendance record closes.
2. Illinois names 7 required subjects (language arts, math, science, social studies, fine arts, health, physical education). Tag activities to them so a gap shows before the year ends.
3. Compulsory school ages are 6-17 in Illinois against 6-18 in Kentucky, so check whether your youngest or oldest is now inside or outside the rule.
4. Can homeschoolers play public school sports? In Illinois the answer is yes, with conditions; in Kentucky it was district decides.

What stays the same

Illinois and Kentucky match on hours or days per year, testing or evaluation, the portfolio, progress reports, and ESA funding. Your habits on those carry over unchanged.

Do your records transfer?

Neither Illinois nor Kentucky takes homeschool records from another state, and there is no transfer process between them. You keep your own: the hours or attendance log, work samples, and any grades or transcripts. Those are what the new state, and later a college, may ask to see. Homeschool Fox keeps them in one account that moves with your family.

Keep comparing

• Arizona vs Illinois 5 rules differ
• California vs Illinois 4 rules differ
• Florida vs Illinois 7 rules differ
• Illinois vs Indiana 5 rules differ
• Illinois vs Missouri 5 rules differ
• Illinois vs Tennessee 4 rules differ
• Illinois vs Wisconsin 5 rules differ
• Indiana vs Kentucky 4 rules differ
• Kentucky vs Missouri 7 rules differ
• Kentucky vs Tennessee 5 rules differ
• Kentucky vs West Virginia 5 rules differ
• States That Require a Homeschool Notice of Intent All 36 states in one table
• Required Homeschool Subjects by State All 31 states in one table