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Illinois (IL) State - Homeschooling Laws and Regulations Homeschooling is legal in every American state. The Department of Education states, "Parents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have the option to home school their children" (Department of Education, NCES). School attendance is compulsory for all children; however, parents have the legal right to withdrawal their children from government schools to enroll them in qualified private schools or to educate their children at home. This is only proper considering the fact that the duty and the right to educate the next generation were appointed by God to parents even before God created governments. Each state has laws that govern matters such as how parents are to declare their intention to homeschool and what topics must be included in your home-education program. Some states require periodic standardized tests and more formal records be maintained. One of the great benefits of homeschooling is the liberty of homeschooling parents to choose their own curriculum. GETTING STARTED CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING, BUT MULTITUDES OF PARENTS ARE HOMESCHOOLING AND SO CAN YOU! It is my pleasure to help your research efforts. Below are links to key government and non-government pages. Illinois: "The term 'private school' in the context used under compulsory education requirements, that is, any child attending a private or parochial school where children are taught the branches of education taught to children of corresponding age and grade in the public schools and where the instruction of the child in the branches of education are in English, applies to children schooled at home. People v. Levisen, 404 Ill. 574, 90 N.E. 2d 213 (1950). The regional superintendent has the responsibility for monitoring compliance with the compulsory attendance law. In so doing, the regional superintendent may expect the parents who seek to educate their children at home to establish that they are providing instruction that is at least commensurate with the standards of the public schools. The burden of proof rests with the parents. The parents may be expected to document the subjects taught which must include 'branches of learning' taught in the public school, the time frame in which instruction will be offered, and the competency of the parent or other instructor(s). It is not necessary for the instructor to have a teacher's certificate. The parents may also be expected to establish by written examinations or by some other method that the child's achievement is comparable to that of the child's peers of corresponding age and grade level. Scoma v. Chicago Board of Education, 391 F. Supp. 452 (N.D. Ill. 1974)." (Source: "State Regulation of Private Schools," Illinois, by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Non-Public Education (2000).) "In Illinois, registration of home-schooled students is not required. Parents may choose to notify their regional superintendent of education and/or the State Board of their intention to home-school." (Source: FAQ 4, "Questions you may have on Illinois Home Schooling" by Illinois State Board of Education) If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, the Illinois State Board of Education states, "It is highly recommended that you give the public school a dated letter (keeping copies for your records) that states you will be withdrawing your student to place him/her in a private school. Such a letter indicates your intent to continue your student’s education and will make it less likely that the school reports your student to county officials as truant after a prolonged absence." (Source: FAQ 7, "Questions you may have on Illinois Home Schooling" by Illinois State Board of Education) LINKS TO HELPFUL SITES
CountiesDisclaimer: Balancing the Sword makes no claims about the timeliness nor the completeness of the links or legal information posted. These homeschooling laws and legal information are being provided free of charge. Postings of rules and regulations are subject to change. Seek the advice of other home-educating parents or homeschooling organizations in your area for more help or contact your county superintendent of schools. Plan to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool with your county superintendent or child's current principal. (This document may also be known as an Affidavit of Intent, a Letter of Intent, a Notification of Intent, or a Declaration of Intent. Sample from Tennessee.)
Homeschooling Conventions in Illinois (IL) |
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