How to homeschool your child in illinois
Illinois Homeschool Laws
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How to Homeschool in Illinois
What's Happening in Illinois
VIEW ALLMember Resources for Illinois
Homeschooling Forms for Illinois
HSLDA was there for us 32 years ago when we began our homeschool journey and it was considered illegal in our state.They are still here, advocating for our grandchildren and the rights of their parents. I highly recommend membership!
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Ready to experience the benefits that 100,000+ homeschool families enjoy? Click here to start your journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I homeschool an adopted or foster child?
Yes, parents may homeschool their adopted children.
However, if you are a foster parent, the option of homeschooling may be determined by your caseworker.
Does HSLDA help its members obtain access to special education and related services benefits through the public schools?
Special education refers to instruction or assistance in traditional academic areas such as math, language arts, etc. Related services, on the other hand, are aids to a child—like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
These services indirectly improve a child’s ability to learn, but are separate from traditional academic curricula. HSLDA believes that parents whose children receive related services at a public school are still home educators.
Because HSLDA’s board of directors desires to focus our resources on guarding the freedom of homeschoolers from public school oversight, we cannot help homeschooled students obtain access to special education in public schools. However, HSLDA may assist member families seeking related services that have been denied because of homeschooling. We view this as a basic fairness issue, since according to the U.S. Department of Education, homeschooled students are entitled to related services in states where homeschools are considered to be private schools, but in other states, they are not. You can learn about your state’s provisions here.
How much does homeschooling cost?
Well, it depends! Homeschooling is so personalized to each child and each family—you may be surprised at how much homeschool budgets can vary.
If you have the time and flexibility to take advantage of opportunities to borrow curriculum, use the library, shop for used books, find reusable, multi-level, or free curriculum, and exchange services for extras like music, art, etc., you might pare your costs down to $50–100 per student. Adding in some paid extras like co-ops, online courses, enrichment classes, or sports could bring your budget up to $300–500. And if you opt for tutors, video courses, or all-inclusive curriculum packages, your cost may easily be $500 on up. (Still, that’s a lot less than private school!)
You can check out more creative ways to stretch your dollars here.
What do the homeschool map colors mean?
No notice, low regulation: States that require no notification from parents to their local school district or any other governmental agency.
States with low regulation: States that require parents to send a notification to their local school district.
States with moderate regulation: States that require parents to send a notification, test scores, and/or professional evaluation of student progress to their local school district.
States with high regulation: States that require parents to send notification or achievement test scores and/or professional evaluation, plus other requirements (i.e., curriculum approval by the state, teacher qualification of parents, or home visits by officials).
Homeschooling in Illinois Information | Time4Learning
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If you are considering homeschooling in Illinois, then it’s time to prepare! A successful beginning to any homeschool is dependent on knowing your state regulations regarding home education, finding out what support and resources are available to you, and choosing the best curriculum to fit your student’s specific needs. The choice to homeschool is a huge responsibility, but it also allows you to create a customized education for your child.
You’ll also discover that a homeschooling lifestyle brings a lot of flexibility and joy to the learning process — especially if you allow yourself to enjoy learning right along with your student.
Time4Learning has collected a wealth of information for you on how to homeschool your child in Illinois, where to go for state and local support, what you should look for in a curriculum, and even how to leverage educational sites across the state as field trips. Read on to get prepared for a successful homeschool adventure!
- How to Start Homeschooling in Illinois
- Illinois Homeschooling Laws
- Illinois Homeschool Associations
- Illinois Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
- Illinois Homeschool Field Trips
- Illinois Standardized Testing and Reporting Test Prep
- Why Time4Learning is the Leading Homeschool Curriculum in Illinois
This information should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
How to Start Homeschooling in Illinois
There are incredibly few regulations, which means you have the freedom to homeschool the way that works best for your child. In fact, there are just three simple steps you’ll need to follow.
- If your child is currently enrolled in public or private school, it’s a good idea to officially withdraw him or her. (This is not a legal requirement, but rather a precaution to avoid any truancy questions.)
- Choose the curriculum you want to use. Mixing and matching different curricula for different subjects is totally fine and often lets you better tailor a program to your child’s individual needs.
- Start enjoying learning together!
Illinois Homeschooling Laws
Each state in the U.S. has different requirements for homeschooling families, and these requirements can frequently change, so we suggest doing thorough research to make sure that you are complying with your individual state regulations.
As we mentioned, Illinois has few legal requirements in regards to home education. The only primary guideline that Illinois homeschool law specifies is in regards to the subjects taught. All other regulations are minor, and even include some “perks” that almost no other state in the U.S. offers. To find out more about how to homeschool in Illinois legally, visit our Illinois Homeschool Laws page. Find out more: Illinois Homeschooling Laws
Illinois Homeschool Associations
Because so many families in IL have chosen homeschooling, local, regional, and even statewide support networks have been created to aid families. Illinois is fortunate enough to have not one, but two state homeschool associations — each with different focuses, but both with the goal of keeping homeschooling going strong in the state. When you have a question like “How does homeschooling work in Illinois?”, your state homeschool association is often the best place to find an answer. Find out what homeschool associations are in the state of Illinois and why you might want to join one on our Illinois Homeschool Associations page.
Learn more: Illinois Homeschooling Associations
Illinois Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
Soon after you start on the path to homeschooling, you realize that you have a lot of specific questions. What curriculum would work for a child with dyslexia? What happens if my child refuses to do her school work? Can I get a credit on my taxes for homeschooling? One of the most efficient ways to get the answers to these questions is by asking families who are already homeschooling in your state. Read more here: Illinois Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
Homeschool Field Trips in Illinois
You should know — right off the bat — that homeschooling is far more than sitting at home doing worksheets together. On the contrary, teaching a child from home means the ability to choose dynamic curriculum resources that can be mixed and matched to create the ideal interactive learning environment. Even more, as a homeschooler, learning happens anywhere and everywhere you happen to be.
The ability to take your homeschool on the road whenever you wish is one of the key perks of this educational choice. Find out about some of the amazing, educational day trips for children that you might want to visit in IL. Please make sure to contact each site before you plan your visit, as COVID-19 may have impacted their hours of operations. Learn more: Homeschool Field Trips in Illinois
Illinois Homeschooling by City
The Prairie State may be the perfect place for homeschoolers. Discover exciting opportunities throughout the state in the links below:
- Homeschooling in Chicago
Illinois State Test Prep
Many families use standardized testing either annually or occasionally as a yardstick of progress. Most educational experts agree that testing is a measure of how well students comprehend and apply knowledge. They also agree that high standards are a worthy goal. Time4Learning offers resources that families can use to prepare for standardized tests.
Our standards-based courses in math and language arts are designed to meet or exceed general state content standards. Learn more in our Illinois test prep page.
Why Time4Learning is the Leading Homeschool Curriculum in Illinois
Every family has different reasons for choosing to homeschool. Yet, whether they make a conscious decision to teach their child or suddenly became accidental homeschoolers, families have one thing in common: they want the best educational experience for their child. Here are just a few of the reasons that, when it comes to homeschool programs, Illinois families agree that Time4Learning is one of the best curriculum tools available.
- Time4Learning appeals to a wide range of learning styles. Our online learning materials are especially well-suited to children who are visual or kinesthetic learners who could benefit from multimedia lessons.
- Children like using the computer to learn. It’s a convenient, interactive homeschool resource that provides a welcome change each day to paper-and-pencil workbooks and textbook-based lessons.
- Parents like that it tracks progress and helps children advance by clearly presenting and reinforcing each lesson.
Illinois Homeschooling (AZ Guide)
Each state in the US has different laws governing homeschooling. In homeschooling in Illinois, the law is fairly easy to follow, so you consider homeschooling to be a private school. Registering a private school with the Illinois Board of Education is not stressful because it is not specified in Illinois homeschooling laws.
If you want to start homeschooling in Illinois but don't know where to start, in this article I will give you a guide from AZ to
Illinois homeschooling laws, Illinois record keeping, homeschooling requirements, Illinois homeschooling groups, eligibility and graduation requirements. So read to the end.
Contents
Illinois School Requirements:
In order for you to effectively homeschool in Illinois, you need to follow these requirements to answer your question, "How do I start homeschooling?" becomes "When I stop homeschooling.
" Illinois homeschooling requirements include:
Qualification:
Slot Machine Illinois Homeschooling Laws Do not claim any homeschooling qualifications. Some states like Georgia Home School require at least a high school diploma or GED for a child to be effectively homeschooled. In contrast, a state like Texas Home School does not require any qualification at all. The only addition for Illinois is that homeschooling lessons must be taught in English.
Teach required subjects:
Adequate education of children is in high demand, while home schooling in Illinois, the state requires every child to study these subjects:
- language arts,
- Mathematics 9034 Biology 9003 and Physical Sciences,
- Social Sciences,
- Fine Arts and
- Physical Development and Health.
Illinois Homeschooling
Curriculum:
Illinois homeschooling laws have made it easier for a student to use any curriculum of their choice.
The same applies to time spent on homeschooling; there is no set time for homeschooling, unlike in North Carolina, where you must be homeschooled for at least nine calendar months a year, excluding holidays.
Accounting, record keeping, office work:
Keeping records is essential for homeschooling. Even if the state does not include record keeping as a requirement, it is necessary. You may keep records as proof of homeschooling or in case you want to stop homeschooling in Illinois.
Here are the main documents you should put in your records:
- Curriculum used for teaching
- Topics
- Results of the standardized test you give your child
- Quiz and Draft Work
All of these entries will be combined into a Portfolio that you need when you want to go back to public school.
The Homeschool Portfolio is a record of all major activities done during the homeschooling period.
It should include the curriculum, core and electives, and the child's educational progress during home schooling. If you want to learn more about how to maintain a portfolio, see here.
On the other hand, if you have completed homeschooling and want to go to college, this generates a homeschooling transcript for college assessment.
Illinois Homeschooling
Illinois Graduate Requirements:
No graduation requirements Illinois Homeschool Laws but you need to know when your child will graduate.
In Illinois, the law requires a child between the ages of 6 and 17 to attend a public or private school (home schooling). So, if you homeschooled your child until age 17 and you know your child is ready for college, you can graduate from him/her.
On the other hand, your child will not receive a high school diploma after completing home school in Illinois. The diploma is issued to public school students, but there is a way to get the high school equivalent.
It can be obtained by passing the HiSET exam.
What is the HiSET exam? According to HiSET, this exam is one of three tests US states and territories use to assess high school equivalent skills. You take it to demonstrate that you have the same skills and knowledge as a high school graduate. And it can help you create a whole new future.
The good news is that HiSET credentials are accepted everywhere, you get them at your own pace, but the only thing is that you must be at least 18 years old.
Return to public school:
A family may decide to stop homeschooling due to certain factors such as finances or a change in location. In this case, there are no formal requirements under Illinois Homeschooling Laws for admission back to public school. Just enroll your child in any school of your choice.
The school may review your homeschooling portfolio to see how well your child is doing and to determine which class to enroll your child in.
On the other hand, some schools may also decide to test a child and assign a grade based on the test results.
Illinois Homeschool Groups:
Illinois Christian Home Teachers :
A Christian homeschool group that cares so much about homeschooling. They organize conventions and conferences for homeschool families to meet and discuss emerging issues. home schooling in Illinois.
East Central Illinois Home Teacher Network :
The East Central Illinois Home Teacher Network (ECICHEN) provides opportunities for homeschooling Christian families seeking support to homeschool their children.
Catholic Home Educators Splendor of Truth (SOTCHE) :
Catholic home school group in Illinois that supports students at home and provides answers to questions about home schooling. They also organize homeschooling cooperatives, meetings for mothers who homeschool their children.
Closing Tips:
Illinois is a great homeschooling city with few homeschooling rules. If you want to start homeschooling in Illinois, just follow the rules above and enjoy homeschooling to the fullest.
If you have questions about homeschooling, you can join homeschool groups where you can meet other students.
Cool, I hope this article helped. Thank you for reading this article.
Share a concern
Registration details: Every information we provide here is not legal advice, but the result of research. We do not support any homeschool group.
Related Articles:
Homeschooling - Education in the US - School Year 2020 / New Year
Traditionally, about 3% of American students were homeschooled, but this year the figure could rise to 10%
My daughter's new school year has begun at home - in our state of Maryland, school boards have decided to conduct online education due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And what was our surprise on the first day of school when we saw that in our class, where in previous years there were 23-25 students, this year there are only 13 children. My daughter's best friend left school and went homeschooled. Several other families also told us that they had taken their children out of the school system and would teach them themselves.
Video of the day
Most homeschoolers fear that the pandemic will require children in elementary school to spend about 6 hours a day in front of a computer screen. Our online lessons start at 9 am and continue until 3:45 pm with a lunch break.
Parents are not always able to correctly assess the knowledge of their child
Now in the United States there are no sociological data - how many families left school in the new academic year and switched to home schooling. Traditionally, in the United States, about 3% of schoolchildren studied at home.
That number could rise to 10% this year, according to the National Research Institute of Home Teachers.
I turned to Ukrainians in the United States on social networks with a question whether someone is taking their children from school to be taught at home, and why they decided to do this. They answered me from different states - Illinois, Connecticut, Texas, California, Indianapolis.
Not all parents agreed to share their story publicly, but here's what we found out after talking to a few of them.
Benefits of homeschooling
Oksana Murray is from the Ternopil region and lives in Illinois. I started homeschooling my child at the end of July this year. The woman says that “it all started with a pandemic, but when I started to learn more about it, I liked this way of learning more.”
“It turns out that kids who study at home are, on average, two years ahead of school,” says the woman.
Oksana and her husband are attracted to the idea of self-discipline during home schooling. “With home schooling, the child learns on his own, you select textbooks for him, select material, but he knows that he must get up in the morning, do everything that is necessary, and the child behaves on his own. This approach to learning and life attracts me more, ”says Oksana, mother of a 7-year-old daughter at home schooling.
Lilia Colston from Texas confirms that her daughter was homeschooled from grades 3 to 10, although both parents worked full time. “I worked and my husband worked, my husband’s parents live with us, my daughter was at home with them and worked independently. When she didn’t understand something, she asked, ”Liliya said.
In addition, it was important for the parents to have a free schedule for studying at home. “Maybe you want to study on Sunday, perhaps in the morning or at lunch, or maybe in the evening, or maybe you have such a job that you need to travel,” the woman shared her experience.
The Colstons were worried that the school, among other things, collected money from their parents for various needs. With home schooling, this problem disappeared by itself, says Lilia. “We didn't like it. As parents, we thought that we pay taxes and a lot of money is already coming from these taxes to the budget of the school system,” a Ukrainian from Texas shares her experience.
To compensate for her social life, the girl volunteered at the local theater as a stage manager.
See also:
And in the last two years of study, the daughter of the Colstons returned to the hospital and graduated with valedictorian status - the best graduate of the school. “This is how we, in Ukraine, have medalists, and there may be several, teachers and the administration decide who to give the medal to. In America, there is one child who comes first in all grades and points. And there can only be one Valedictorian,” says Lilia Colston.
How to switch to homeschooling and who controls it
In some US states, all you need to do to homeschool your child is to write an application addressed to the principal and indicate that you have a plan. At the same time, you do not tell anyone how you plan to teach.
“We come to a public school and say: we want to take the child out of school, what should we do? They gave us such a form of a general standard, where it was written: do you have a program by which you will study? We wrote that yes, we have a program. I signed up, and almost everything,” said Lilia Colston from Texas.
She adds: “As the mother of a child, I am responsible for his education, and my word is enough. The main requirement in Texas is that you have visual learning tools: textbooks, that your program includes reading, writing, grammar and, of course, mathematics.
When the Colstons' daughter returned to the mainstream school, she was accepted without question.
“She didn’t have to retake anything,” my mother said.
Similar procedure in Illinois. Oksana Murray says: “I made the program myself. Different states have different rules, here in Illinois you just need to write a letter, here home school is equal to private school.
There is no obligation in Illinois to report on a child's progress. Oksana says that parents can buy a special knowledge test to check the result of their pedagogical work.
“In our state, you don't need to take a test, here you can just buy a test to make sure your child is not lagging behind,” says Oksana Murray.
It looks like in Texas: “You have complete control over what your child learns, how he learns, how quickly, at what level, and in general how this process happens,” said Lilia Colston.
Lilia considers homeschooling "maximum freedom": "The American state does not forbid you from doing good, wonderful, positive things, even in terms of raising and educating your own child.
Depending on who you are, what are your beliefs about education, how it should happen, how you do it. Of course, you can do nothing, as well as do nothing in life, or you can work to the maximum at your own discretion, create your own ideal education.
Read also:
Anastasia Leukhina
Eight myths about homeschooling
It should be added that there are states in the US with more stringent requirements for homeschooling. For example, in Pennsylvania, the law requires parents to keep all records related to education, such as data on how much time is devoted to studying, examples of work performed, test results, annual assessment of the child's knowledge, etc.
In Pennsylvania, to make sure that the child receives an adequate education at home, his knowledge is checked annually by a special commission of teachers and psychologists. Also in the 3rd, 5th and 8th grades, children who study at home must take standardized tests with the rest of the students.
By the way, Pennsylvania is one of the few states where a homeschooled child can get a high school diploma.
Homeschooling was legalized in 1980 and is fully regulated by local governments in each state. Consequently, the requirements for children and parents, the system of support and verification may differ.
Disadvantages of home education and challenges for school
However, educators warn that home education is not for everyone. Yulia Shadyrya, a Washington State high school teacher, knows from her own experience that very few children are able to learn on their own. And for parents, homeschooling is hard work every day, she says.
“Now I see such a mass movement, parents are worried about the school year, they want their child to study at home, they consult. I just want to warn that parents should not expect their children to learn on their own, very few children have such maturity and responsibility, ”says the teacher.
In addition, parents are not always able to correctly assess the knowledge of their child. Many children, says Shadyrya, return to school after home schooling and demonstrate significant gaps in knowledge: “They are so far behind the program that it is very difficult for them to catch up with it later,” Yulia Shadyrya, a high school teacher, shares her experience.
A big challenge for parents is also patience with their own child.
In August, Harvard University published an article on the issue of possible domestic violence against children, which may increase in the country due to the transition of many families to homeschooling.
“Violence against children is on the rise and many children are suffering from lack of access to food due to not going to school. We also have reason to suspect that there is an increase in child neglect, which is not always noticeable to emergency physicians, ”said Harvard professor Jim Dwyer.
In addition, parents are often unaware of how modern education differs from the one they studied.
Yulia Shadyrya: “In the modern world, a huge amount of information is pouring on us, which distinguishes our children from how we grew up. Now it is becoming more and more important to be able to process information, analyze whether it is true or not true, hear some other thoughts and form some kind of critical thinking.”
According to teacher Shadyri, children often tend to repeat the position of their parents instead of forming their own opinion. At school, students have the opportunity to hear different opinions on a problem and then develop their own idea about a particular issue.
In the US, the school is interested in having the maximum number of students allowed, and attendance is monitored very carefully. This is because school funding is tied to children's attendance, says Shadyrya.
