Homeschooling is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional education. Parents who choose to homeschool their children have a wide range of options to choose from including: private, church-affiliated and public homeschool programs.
Illinois offers a particularly accommodating approach to homeschooling, as laws and regulations regarding homeschooling are among the most liberal in the country. But, just like traditional schooling, homeschooling can be expensive. Below, we will be discussing the costs associated with homeschooling your child in Illinois.
Types of Homeschooling Programs in Illinois
Homeschooling in Illinois is divided into three different types of programs. The first type is the Private Home-school Academic Program, also known as Private Home-schools.
Private Home-schools are one-person or family-run, and must be registered with the state. The curriculum must be approved by the state, and subject to periodic review. The second type of homeschooling is the Church-Affiliated Home-school Academic Program.
Church-affiliated homeschools are defined as those affiliated with an established church, or one that is recognized by the state or federal government. The third type of homeschooling is the Public Home-school Academic Program, which requires students to be enrolled in a school district, through either a contract with a board of education or a system approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Costs Associated With Private Homeschool Programs in Illinois
The costs for a private home-school academic program in Illinois will vary depending on the type and packaging of the curriculum chosen. Some parents prefer to buy all their curriculum materials for the school year at once, while others opt for purchasing materials as needed. Either way, the materials (textbooks, worksheets, science experiments, etc.
) will make up the majority of the costs associated with a private home-school academic program in Illinois. Other costs to consider include tutoring, testing and other fees associated with keeping track of student progress and maintaining records.
Costs Associated With Church-Affiliated Homeschool Programs in Illinois
Church-affiliated homeschool programs in Illinois are typically free or very low-cost. Churches often provide materials (textbooks, worksheets, science experiments, etc. ) at no additional cost, or on a sliding scale.
Parents may be asked to annually pay small fees to cover the costs of testing and maintaining records. Some churches also ask for families to volunteer time within the church, as a way of “supporting” the church for their generosity.
Costs Associated With Public Homeschool Programs in Illinois
Public homeschool programs in Illinois are typically free or very low-cost. Parents may be asked to pay small fees to cover the costs of testing and maintaining records. Public school districts in Illinois may also ask for families to “volunteer” their time within the school district, as a way of “supporting” the school for their generosity.
Other costs may include required school supplies, such as textbooks and other materials/resources.
Questions To Consider When Thinking About Homeschooling in Illinois
What is the cost of the curriculum materials I need for homeschooling in Illinois?
Are there any additional costs associated with homeschooling in Illinois (testing, record keeping, etc. )?
Are there any costs associated with private, church-affiliated or public home-schooling programs in Illinois?
How much does it cost for required school supplies (textbooks, workbooks, materials, etc. )?
Are there any grants or scholarships available to help offset the costs of homeschooling in Illinois?
What types of curriculum are available for homeschooling in Illinois?
What types of testing and recordkeeping are required when homeschooling in Illinois? Am I able to create my own homeschool curriculum in Illinois? What is the process for registering a private home-school in Illinois? Are there any state or federal regulations I should be aware of when homeschooling in Illinois? 1 What are the social implications of homeschooling in Illinois? 1 Are there any support groups or networks available for homeschooling in Illinois? 1 Are there any homeschool co-ops available in Illinois? 1 How can I find resources to support my homeschooling in Illinois? 1 How do I make sure my child is receiving education that is appropriate for their age, experience level, and goals?
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Illinois offers families an alternative to traditional education. Private, church-affiliated and public homeschool programs offer parents and students the flexibility to customize their educational experience in ways that work best for them.
As with any form of education, however, homeschooling in Illinois can be expensive. Parents who are considering homeschooling their children should carefully consider the costs associated with each type of program, as well as the costs associated with materials and supplies, testing, and record-keeping. Taking the time to research the costs associated with homeschooling in Illinois can ensure that parents make an informed decision that works best for themselves, their children, and their budget.