Homeschooling is becoming more popular as an education option for children and parents in the United States. While it used to be daunting to homeschool a child, a lot of the barriers have been broken down in recent years and homeschooling is easier than ever. Illinois has a very supportive homeschooling policy that makes it easy for parents to homeschool their child without too much red tape or bureaucratic hassle.
If you’re interested in homeschooling your child in Illinois, this article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of what you need to do.
Do I Need to Notify the School District of My Intent to Homeschool?
Yes, if you plan to homeschool your child in Illinois, you will need to first notify the school district in which you reside. The notification can be completed by form or letter and it should include your name, the name of your child, your address, and your intent to homeschool.
You will also need to provide a list of the subjects you intend to teach your child. Once the notification has been received, the school district may choose to contact you for further information about your homeschooling program.
What Resources Might Help Me with the Notification Process?
Illinois has an official homeschooler’s directory, which can provide helpful resources and assistance with the notification process. You can also find forms online, or you can contact the homeschool resource center in your state for help. Additionally, the homeschooling association in your area might have some helpful information regarding the notification process.
What Types of Documentation Do I Need to Complete?
In addition to the notification letter or form, you will also need to complete a variety of other documentation. You will need to complete and submit an enrollment affidavit, which is a form provided by the state.
You will also need to provide proof of residency for your child, such as a copy of a birth certificate or proof of a passport if the child is from another country. You also need to provide a statement of intent to homeschool, which should include the name of all school-aged children in the family, the name and address of the school district that the family lives in, and the state that the family resides in. Finally, you will need to provide a copy of your child’s immunization records or an immunization waiver, as well as proof that at least one parent has a high school diploma or its equivalent.
What Is the Age Requirement for Homeschooling in Illinois?
The age requirement for homeschooling in Illinois is that the student must be between the ages of 5 and 2 When the student turns 5, parents are allowed to begin homeschooling.
At the age of 17, the student will need to present evidence that he or she has received the required amount of education. When the student turns 21, homeschooling must end.
What Are the Requirements for Homeschooling in Illinois?
The requirements for homeschooling in Illinois are relatively straightforward. The student must receive a minimum of 900 hours of instruction each school year, with the instruction being in a variety of subjects.
Parents are allowed to teach the instruction or they can hire an accredited teacher to come in and teach the instruction, but they must be the person providing the final determination on all of the instruction. Additionally, Illinois requires parents to keep records of their child’s instruction, including attendance records and a portfolio of the student’s work. The portfolio can be presented to the state’s Board of Education if requested.
Are There Any Tests Required for Homeschoolers in Illinois?
Yes, the state of Illinois requires homeschoolers to undergo an annual assessment. The assessment can be administered by a teacher or tutor, but it must include both a standardized test and an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which is a document outlining the student’s academic goals and objectives for the year. The results of the assessment will be sent to the appropriate school district so that they can be reviewed by an administrator from the district.
What Is the Process for Registering a Homeschool Program in Illinois?
The process for registering a homeschool program in Illinois is fairly simple. The first step is completing the enrollment affidavit, which will require the parent to list the names and ages of all students in the family. Additionally, parents will need to provide the name of the school district in which they reside.
Once this information has been provided, the parent can request a program registration form from the state’s Board of Education, or they can complete an online registration form.
Do I Need to File an Annual Report?
Yes, the state of Illinois requires parents to submit an annual report to the school district in which they reside. The report should include the student’s attendance records, proof of immunization or immunization waiver, a transcript of courses the student has taken, and a portfolio of the student’s work.
The annual report should be submitted by August 1st of each year.
Are There Any Rules for Observing Holidays?
In general, there are no rules for observing holidays as a homeschooler in Illinois. However, it is recommended that parents observe the holidays from the public school district in which they are located.
This will help to ensure that the student is receiving instruction that is consistent with the rest of their peers.
Do I Need to Follow the Same Curriculum as Public Schools?
No, homeschoolers in Illinois are not required to follow the same curriculum as public schools. Parents are allowed to have complete freedom when it comes to choosing the curriculum and materials they use to teach their child.
However, it is important to ensure that the materials and instruction align with Illinois state educational standards.
Are Homeschooled Students Allowed to Participate in Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, homeschooled students in Illinois are allowed to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs. The school district in which the family resides will determine the eligibility of the student to participate in the activities offered by the district.
Are There Support Groups Available for Homeschool Families?
Yes, Illinois is home to several active homeschool support groups. These support groups provide opportunities for networking and information exchange, as well as assistance with homeschooling issues. Parents can join these groups for assistance and idea sharing.
Are There Any Legal or Other Requirements for Homeschoolers?
Yes, there may be certain legal or administrative requirements that parents need to abide by in order to homeschool their child in Illinois. It is important to check with the state’s Board of Education to ensure that all requirements are met.
Conclusion
Homeschooling a child in Illinois is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, parents should be able to easily homeschool their child without too much hassle.
With the support of homeschooling organizations and resources, as well as a supportive public school district, families in Illinois can create a successful and enriching homeschooling environment for their children.