Illinois is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States. It has a diverse population and a robust educational system that includes homeschooling options for families.
High School of America is a premier institution in Illinois that offers online homeschooling programs. As an accredited school, High School of America provides high-quality education to students in the comfort of their own homes.
Our comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. With experienced instructors and interactive online resources, High School of America is committed to providing an excellent homeschooling experience for students in Illinois.
If you’re experiencing anxiety about starting your homeschooling journey, familiarizing yourself with the homeschool laws in Illinois can help alleviate your concerns.
Keep reading to learn the essential information for getting started and feel more at ease with the process.
Homeschooling Law in Illinois
Illinois is regarded as a low-regulation state for home education compared to other U.S. states that mandate homeschooling families to participate in annual testing and submit several assessments.
In Prairie State, homeschools are treated as private schools. You don’t have to register your homeschool with the Illinois State Board of Education, and your homeschool doesn’t need recognition from the state. Actually, the law doesn’t allow your private school to be recognized or registered.
Online homeschooling in Illinois requires compliance with the state’s homeschooling laws and regulations. The following are some key requirements:
Required Courses
There are state mandated subjects in Illinois.
Grades 9-12
In order to graduate, Illinois high school students must have credits in the following subjects:
- Biological and physical sciences,
- Fine arts,
- Language arts,
- Math,
- Social sciences, and
- Physical development and health
The State Board of Education treats physical and biological science as one combined branch of education, and physical development and health as another combination.
Attendance Requirements
According to Section 26-1 of the Illinois Annotated Code, children must attend school from their 7th birthday until they turn 17 unless they have already completed high school.
Number of Instruction Hours Required
Illinois homeschooling law doesn’t specify the number of hours or days of instruction required. However, you should ensure that your child receives an adequate amount of educational instruction throughout the year.
Annual Assessment
In Illinois, there are no mandates regarding assessments for students. This means there are no requirements for tests, grades, projects, homework, or any other materials to be submitted to a school, district, or the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Record Keeping
The Illinois homeschool law doesn’t require homeschooling parents to submit records or forms to the school district or state. However, parents can keep these records to track their children’s progress.
Keeping these records of your homeschool activities will ensure smooth future transitions, such as when applying for college or shifting back to public school.
You should include the following in your homeschool portfolio:
- Standardized test results of your homeschooled child.
- Summary of the curriculum utilized, including examples of assignments, quizzes, tests, and written work, which can be easily facilitated by High School of America.
- Progress report for each homeschooled student for the current academic year.
- Detailed transcript specifically for high school homeschoolers.
Graduation Requirements
In Illinois, like in many other states, the homeschool administrator (parent) determines the graduation requirements.
It is advisable to research the expectations of potential employers, colleges, vocational schools, or the military and align your homeschool program accordingly.
This involves considering the courses, grades, tests, and activities that these institutions may require and incorporating them into your program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does homeschooling work in Illinois?
Homeschooling in Illinois is treated as a private school since there are no specific statutes governing homeschooling. While there is no requirement to notify the school district, it is recommended to inform the previous public school if your child has attended there.
How many days are required for homeschooling in Illinois?
Illinois does not have specific hour requirements for homeschooling. Homeschoolers are not obligated to adhere to a certain number of school days or hours of instruction.
Flexibility is provided, allowing homeschooling to occur any day of the week and at any time.
Who is eligible for homeschooling in Illinois?
Any family that can provide a competent education in English covering the required subjects is eligible to homeschool in Illinois.
There is no need to report to any authority, but it is important to follow the official process for withdrawing if transitioning from public school to homeschooling to avoid truancy concerns.
Do you have to be certified to homeschool in Illinois?
No certification or University degree is required for homeschooling in Illinois. The law specifies that a parent must be “competent” and provide an education that meets or exceeds the standards of public schools.
Do parents need qualifications to homeschool?
No specific qualifications such as education, certifications, training, licenses, or credentials are needed to homeschool in Illinois. Parents can proceed with homeschooling as long as the required subjects are covered and the education provided is equivalent to or more comprehensive than that of a school.
Can I homeschool someone else’s child in Illinois?
According to the homeschooling law, a homeschool teacher can be a parent/guardian or a private tutor. If hired as a private tutor, it is possible to homeschool someone else’s child in Illinois, with the ultimate responsibility for the education still resting with the parent.
What do I need to homeschool my child in Illinois?
The key requirement to fulfill Illinois homeschooling law is to have a curriculum that covers the required subjects. Additionally, it is important to have the time, energy, and a suitable learning environment within your home.
Do homeschoolers have to take standardized tests in Illinois?
No, there is no requirement for homeschoolers in Illinois to take standardized tests according to the state’s education laws for homeschooling.
At what age is school mandatory in Illinois?
In Illinois, children are required to attend school (including homeschooling) from the ages of 6 to 17.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in Illinois
According to statistics in Illinois, the percentage of families engaged in online homeschooling experienced a notable increase over time. In the months of April to May 2020, approximately 2.1% of families reported undertaking homeschooling. However, this figure rose to 5.4% during the period of September and October.
The data suggests that an increasing number of families in Illinois have opted for online homeschooling as a viable option for their children’s education, showcasing the growing popularity and acceptance of this form of learning.
How to Do it
The process of homeschooling in Illinois is very simple because it is a low-regulation state. Here are the steps to follow if you want to homeschool in the Prairie State:
- If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, make sure to officially withdraw them according to your school’s guidelines.
- You can choose to submit the Home Schooling Registration form to the Illinois State Board of Education, but it’s optional.
- If your child has never been enrolled in Illinois schools, you can start homeschooling without any reporting, paperwork, or documentation required.
- Select a curriculum that is appropriate for your child and covers the subjects and topics required by Illinois law.
- As per the law, your child’s education must be at least as good as that in public schools, so compare state standards with your homeschool curriculum choices to ensure you’re meeting the requirements.
- Identify areas in your home where your child can read books and do schoolwork, like the couch, table, or desk.
- Organize your resources, such as books and kits, for daily and long-term use.
Benefits of Homeschooling Online in Illinois
Homeschooling online in Illinois offers numerous benefits to both students and their families. With advancements in technology and the availability of online resources, homeschooling has become a viable and effective option for education. Here are some of the key advantages of homeschooling online in Illinois:
Self-Directed Learning and Responsibility
Homeschooling online fosters self-discipline, independence, and time management skills in students. They learn to take ownership of their education and develop essential life skills necessary for success in higher education and the workforce.
By managing their own schedules and deadlines, students become self-motivated learners, which can lead to increased academic achievement and personal growth.
Customized Curriculum
Homeschooling online allows families to select and design a curriculum that aligns with their educational philosophy and their child’s specific needs.
They can choose from a wide range of online resources, virtual classes, and educational platforms to create a personalized learning experience. This flexibility ensures students receive a well-rounded education while focusing on their strengths and interests.
Individualized Attention
Online homeschooling enables one-on-one instruction, providing students individualized attention from their parents or tutors. This personalized approach allows for a deeper understanding of concepts, promptly addressing learning gaps and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Students can receive immediate feedback and support, promoting academic growth and success.
Safe and Controlled Learning Environment
Online homeschooling eliminates many of the challenges and safety concerns in traditional school settings. Students are shielded from bullying, peer pressure, and other negative influences, allowing them to focus on their studies and personal development.
Additionally, online platforms often have built-in safety features, ensuring a secure and controlled learning environment for students.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is becoming more and more popular in Illinois state. High School of America is an accredited online homeschooling institution in Illinois that offers a comprehensive curriculum and experienced instructors.
The state’s homeschooling laws are relatively low-regulation, allowing families the freedom to design their own curriculum and educational approach.
Online homeschooling offers benefits such as self-directed learning, customized curriculum, individualized attention, and a safe learning environment.
The increasing popularity of online homeschooling in Illinois reflects the growing recognition of its effectiveness and the advantages it offers to students and their families.