Homeschooling Information

The Regional Office of Education #8 provides homeschool information and resources for families residing in Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties.

Illinois law recognizes homeschooling as a form of private education.

*Families choosing to homeschool are responsible for ensuring instruction meets the requirements outlined by the Illinois School Code.

ROE #8 serves only Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties. If you reside outside these counties, please contact the Regional Office of Education that serves your county of residence.

New to Homeschooling?

If you're considering homeschooling or are just getting started, ROE #8 offers a Homeschool Information Packet containing helpful guidance, frequently asked questions, and resources to assist families.

Download the Homeschool Information Packet

Illinois State Board of Education Resources

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provides statewide guidance for homeschooling families, including information about:

• Illinois homeschool requirements
• Frequently asked questions
• Curriculum considerations
• Recordkeeping recommendations
• High school and graduation information
• Additional homeschool resources

Visit ISBE's Homeschooling Information Page

Homeschool Notification Forms (Optional)

While Illinois law does not require families to register with their Regional Office of Education when homeschooling, ROE #8 encourages families residing in Carroll, Jo Daviess, or Stephenson Counties to complete our homeschool forms.

Submitting these forms allows us to:

• Maintain accurate records for our region.
• Provide homeschool families with updates about local resources and opportunities.
• Assist school districts when families notify them of their intent to homeschool.
• Respond more efficiently to attendance or truancy inquiries when questions arise regarding a student's educational status.

Participation is voluntary, but completing these forms helps us better serve homeschool families and our local school districts.

Download Notification of Intent to Homeschool Form

Download Homeschool Registration Form

Helpful Information

Illinois does not require homeschool families to:

• Register with the state or Regional Office of Education
• Obtain approval before beginning homeschooling
• Use a state-approved curriculum
• Administer state assessments

*Families are encouraged to maintain records of instruction, attendance, and student work for their own files.

Need Assistance?

If you live in Carroll, Jo Daviess, or Stephenson Counties and have questions about homeschooling, we're happy to help.

Contact Laura Heath at:

• Phone: (815) 599-1408
• Email: laura.heath@roe8.org