Starting a Private School in Illinois
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in Illinois. Enjoy!
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See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
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Illinois State Regulations
General Regulations
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There are no accreditation or licensing requirements for schools, and registration/recognition are optional processes, but are recommended due to the additional benefits of being a recognized school.
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The Illinois State Board of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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Homeschooling is considered a form of private school in Illinois and does not require special reporting as long as students are receiving education at least equivalent to public education.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Illinois.
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Illinois does not have specific insurance requirements for private schools.
State Funding Sources & Support
Illinois does not provide funding for private education, but does offer an Education Expense tax credit for qualified education expenses of K-12 students.
Curriculum Requirements
Among others, recognized nonpublic schools must provide instruction in English (except as otherwise permitted under the law), in language arts, mathematics, the biological physical and social sciences, the fine arts, and physical development and health education.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Nonpublic teachers do not have to hold certifications but must have a bachelors degree or higher and must be evaluated every 2 years for job proficiency.
Food Services / Lunch
In Illinois, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Length of School Year
For registered and recognized schools, the length of the school year must be at least 176 days of student attendance, with at least five hours of instruction daily, or a total of 880 hours of instruction per school year.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must provide the state with the number of immunized students, the number who haven’t complied, and the number claiming religious or health exemptions. They must also keep official records of student academic progress and are obligated to transfer them to any school students may transfer to.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Students are required to have health exams and show proof of immunizations before enrolling in school. Schools must hold fire, severe weather, and bomb threat/active shooter drills each year.
Transportation
District school boards are required to provide transportation for nonpublic students. Additionally, the Chicago Transit Authority offers reduced fares to students, including nonpublic students.
Testing
There is no state policy for testing.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Illinois State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Illinois Association of Christian Schools: The general purpose of the IACS is the establishment, promotion, development, and protection of Christian schools and Christian education in the State of Illinois.
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Illinois Coalition of Nonpublic Schools: aims to support quality education for all children in the state, to be an advocate for nonpublic education in Illinois and to actively promote nonpublic school autonomy and parental rights.
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Illinois Association of Private Special Education Centers: IAPSEC is a not-for-profit organization consisting of private schools interested in the general welfare of Illinois children with exceptional needs and the quality of special education made available to them.
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Independent Schools Association of the Central States: ISACS leads schools to pursue exemplary independent education.
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Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools: LMAIS is a non-profit organization established to promote educational excellence among independent schools in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.
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Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.