You can now experience love for learning with the Illinois Online School K-12 solution offered by the High school of America. With this interactive online homeschool program, each student experiences the right level of challenge and support required to succeed.
Illinois Online Homeschool K-12
High School of America is an accredited online school offering Homeschooling services Kindergarten through Twelfth-grade levels to students in Illinois, nationwide, and worldwide. Most people often ask – how does Illinois online home school work? It is worth noting that our online school allows you to work on your courses at your own pace. We are dedicated to offering the best academic excellence for our students.
Looking for an online homeschool that captures the Prairie State spirit across Illinois? We bring a flexible, accredited, and self-paced education for grades K through 12 with that Illinoisan flair. Whether you’re a homeschool family craving structure with a Midwest charm, a high schooler balancing school with Chicago ambitions, or a teen chasing dreams from Springfield to the Shawnee National Forest, our fully online curriculum is ready anywhere from Lake Michigan to Starved Rock State Park. Ditch rigid schedules and let your education soak up the Illinois sun with a Prairie State beat.
Virtual school works perfectly for learners of any age
Illinois is a state that values and supports homeschooling as an alternative to traditional schooling.
Our highly vastly trained, licensed, and experienced teachers guide students through the steps to ensure that every student has a successful and quality school experience. Apart from full-time courses, students can take separate classes of their interests or attain credits. Students are given access to interactive online courses taught in a flexible online environment.
With Illinois’s online education scene booming like a festival in Chicago, we’re here to help Prairie State students score a legit diploma without leaving the comfort of home. We’ve got your back with personalized support, certified teachers, and a curriculum that’s straight-up aligned with state and national standards—perfect for Illinois’s diverse homeschool crew.
Online Courses Offered for Students Across Illinois
We serve up a full menu of accredited online courses for homeschool students (K-12) across Illinois. Our curriculum meets Illinois standards and covers all the subjects you need to graduate, with that Prairie State spirit 🌾. Whether you’re aiming for college, the workforce, or trade school, our course catalog has something for every Illinoisan dream from kindergarten to graduation.
K-5: Sparking Curiosity with Prairie Spirit (Elementary School)
For grades K-5, we create a magical learning experience that builds a strong foundation while keeping things fun and flexible—perfect for little learners 🌟. Here’s everything you need to know about what classes are offered during your elementary school online experience.
- Playful, Interactive Lessons: From phonics to early math, our curriculum uses games, stories, and virtual adventures like exploring Starved Rock State Park to make learning a blast for young minds.
- Flexible Scheduling: Whether you’re balancing family trips to Lincoln’s Tomb or visits to the Field Museum, our self-paced program lets your K-5 student learn on your Illinois schedule.
- Parent-Friendly Tools: We provide easy-to-use resources for parents, including lesson plans and progress tracking, so you can guide your child’s education with confidence no matter where you are in Illinois.
- Engaging Enrichment: Beyond core subjects, K-5 students enjoy art, music, and movement activities like drawing Illinois wildlife or dancing to Prairie State beats to spark creativity and joy.
- Supportive Community: Our certified teachers and virtual peer groups ensure your child feels connected, even from home—because every K-5 learner deserves an Illinois squad!
We have the ultimate guide to elementary school online—if you don’t see your questions answered here, click the link.
Grades 6–8: Leveling Up with Middle School Magic
- Language Arts: Emphasis on writing, reading, and speaking skills. Students use the six traits of writing to enhance their writing and engage in various reading activities. Language Arts Grade 6
- Math: Covers basic arithmetic, introductory algebra, and geometry concepts ➕. Math Grade 6
- Science: Introduction to life, earth, and physical sciences, fostering scientific inquiry and exploration 🔬.
- Social Studies: Explores ancient civilizations, geography, and cultural studies to build a global perspective 🌍. Online 6th Grade School
- Fine Art: Encourages creativity through art-focused electives 🎨.
- Challenging Yet Fun Curriculum: From pre-algebra to earth science, our lessons are interactive and engaging 🚀.
We have the ultimate guide to middle school online—if you don’t see your questions answered here, click the link.
Grades 9-12: How to Earn a High School Diploma Online with Homeschooling in Illinois
Signing up for an accredited program is smoother than a sunset over Lake Michigan 🎓. At High School of America, we keep homeschool families on track or help students speed ahead with a self-paced model that fits your Illinois lifestyle. Our program brings the heat with:
- Access to a dope Learning Management System
- Crystal-clear Graduation Requirements
- Easy Admissions and Credit Transfers—no drama
- Self-Paced online school—no login time rules, just your rhythm
- An Online High School Diploma that colleges and employers in Illinois respect
Whether you’re kicking off 9th grade or transferring from a public school to an Illinois Online High School, we’ve got the tools and support to help Illinois homeschoolers shine online—Illinoisan style.
- English: Enhance your reading, writing, and communication skills vital for college and beyond 📘. Courses include English 1, English 2 Honors, and English 3.
- Math: From Algebra to Calculus, sharpen critical thinking for everyday life and STEM careers ➕. Explore our Online High School Math Courses.
- Science: Engage with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics through interactive virtual labs 🔬. Discover our Best Online High School Science Courses.
- Social Studies: Understand civics, U.S. history, world cultures, and economics 🌍.
- Fine Arts: Express creativity with music, art, and design electives 🎨. Learn more about our Online Elective Courses.
- Physical Education: Stay fit with engaging at-home workouts and health curriculum 🏃♂️. Explore our Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) course.
- Foreign Language: Master Spanish, French, or other world languages for global readiness 🌐. Find out more about our Foreign Language Courses.
- Electives: Include Business, Computer Science, Nursing Pathways, and more—designed to match your Illinois lifestyle and future aspirations 💡.
State of the Art Technology
At High School of America’s Illinois online homeschool program, we are dedicated to integrating advanced technology to enrich the learning journey.
One of our groundbreaking innovations includes the implementation of gamification within our educational platform. This cutting-edge approach transforms learning into an interactive and stimulating experience by incorporating elements like points, badges, and leaderboards.
These features inspire homeschoolers to strive for their academic objectives while enjoying the learning process.
We are thrilled to introduce the latest update, version 3, of our portal. This upgraded version boasts a user-friendly interface, seamless navigation, and optimized performance, ensuring an exceptional user experience for all students.
Additionally, our enhanced platform now includes innovative tools that foster collaboration, nurture creativity, and encourage critical thinking. These updates uphold the renowned educational standards that define High School of America’s commitment to excellence across Illinois.
Multi-Layered Learning Approaches
- E-Books: Our digital library offers accessible online resources 📚, supporting independent learning, that can be easily retrieved from any device, empowering students to study at their own pace.
- Interactive Virtual Classrooms (upon request): Engaging live instruction and immediate feedback from skilled educators 🧑🏫 foster active participation and collaboration among peers.
- Virtual Laboratories: Through virtual lab simulations and AI-powered tools for science and math, students can practice hands-on skills in a secure online setting 🧪.
- Peer Support Networks: Our program promotes peer interaction through group projects, discussions, and study groups 🤝, enhancing learning through diverse perspectives.
- Personalized Tutoring (upon request): Tailored tutoring sessions with experienced instructors 👨🎓 provide additional support for academic success.
Homeschooling Trends in Illinois: A Rising Tide
Illinois has seen a significant rise in homeschooling, with the Illinois State Board of Education reporting that over 25,000 students were homeschooled in the 2023-2024 school year a 10% increase from the previous year. This growth is fueled by families seeking flexible, personalized education options, particularly in urban areas like Chicago and Aurora, as well as rural regions like Southern Illinois. The Prairie State’s supportive homeschool laws, such as minimal reporting requirements and recognition of homeschooling as a private school option, make it a hotspot for online education. At High School of America, we’re proud to support this growing community with an accredited, online K-12 program tailored to Illinois’s diverse needs.
According to the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), approximately 3.7 million students in the United States were engaged in homeschooling during the 2020/2021 school year. The institute’s findings also indicate that between late March and early May of 2022, about 5.22% of all school-age children were homeschooled.
Illinois is among the states in the United States experiencing an increase in the number of homeschooling families. For instance, in the academic year 2021-22, homeschooling accounted for approximately 4% of K-12 students in Illinois, with higher rates in areas like Naperville and Peoria, reaching up to 10%.
Additionally, Illinois homeschoolers are excelling academically. In 2024, homeschooled students in Illinois scored an average of 15% higher on standardized tests compared to their public school peers, according to a study by the National Home Education Research Institute. Join the Prairie State’s homeschooling wave and discover why thousands of Illinois families are thriving with High School of America!
What Does the Illinois State Board of Education Say?
How to Do It
Starting homeschooling online in Illinois is a simple process that involves just a few steps.
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in Illinois
If you want to homeschool your children in Illinois, whether they are currently enrolled in a public or private school, you must first withdraw them from their current school.
In Illinois, homeschooling is considered a form of private schooling, and no formal Notice of Intent is required. However, you should notify your child’s school in writing (e.g., via a certified letter) to withdraw them from enrollment.
You should contact your child’s school to find out which forms or procedures they require for the withdrawal process. You may be able to withdraw your child by sending a certified letter to the school.
- Notification: Inform your local school district in writing of your intent to homeschool 📩.
- Portfolio: Keep a record of your child’s progress (which our platform helps you track) 📁✅.
- Evaluation: No mandatory annual evaluation or testing required—our curriculum keeps you on track 📆🧑🏫.
With HighSchoolofAmerica.com, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your homeschooling meets Illinois’s regulations 🌟. For more details, check the Illinois State Board of Education’s Home School Page 🔗.
Switching from Public School to Homeschool in Illinois
While homeschooling is a great option for education, not all families choose to homeschool their children from kindergarten until graduation. Many families make the decision on a yearly basis whether or not to continue homeschooling.
In Illinois, state law allows credits earned during homeschooling to be transferred to public schools if the family decides to enroll their children in public schools later, subject to the school district’s evaluation.
Additionally, the law ensures homeschoolers are placed in the appropriate grade level based on their academic progress.
If a family chooses to enroll or re-enroll their child in public school after homeschooling, they will need to provide certain documents or information to the school.
- The family needs to provide a transcript that lists the courses completed by the student and their corresponding grades.
- They also need to submit a portfolio that showcases the student’s progress during their time being homeschooled.
In some cases, the public school may ask the family to provide a nationally-normed standardized test if the student hasn’t taken one recently. This may be required before the student can be admitted to the school.
If a student has been homeschooled and plans to graduate from a public high school, they must meet the school district’s graduation requirements, which may include attending classes for a specified period.
Student Testimonials & Success Stories
Homeschool students from across Illinois are vibin’ with High School of America for our flexibility, accreditation, and support. Here’s the word on the river:
- “High School of America gave me the freedom to study while exploring Starved Rock. I graduated early and got into my dream college—Prairie State represent!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- “The flexibility was straight fire. I never thought online homeschool could be this dope.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- “I switched to HSOA for my homeschool journey in Illinois and finished my diploma online while chasing my hustle near Chicago.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- “As a homeschool parent, I was stressed about high school requirements. HSOA made it smooth, legal, and easy—Illinois style!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- “Coming back as an adult was tough, but High School of America had my back every step of the way—big props!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enroll Now or Read More Reviews from our students.
Whether you’re just starting high school or wrapping up your final credits, we’ve got you covered with that Illinois pride—from Chicago to the heartland.
Illinois Location Map
Useful Information and Statewide Resources for Illinois Homeschool Students
Statewide tools, scholarships, and support services that benefit homeschool students in Illinois 📚:
- Illinois State Board of Education Home School Resources
- Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE): Support and resources for homeschool families
- Illinois Board of Higher Education: Offers college planning and scholarship tools
- Illinois Virtual School: Additional online learning resources for homeschoolers
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission: Provides financial aid and scholarship opportunities
These programs can help homeschool students in Illinois save on tuition, build skills, and plan for life after graduation.
Tips for Nailing Online Homeschooling in Illinois
Set your family up for success with these practical ideas:
- Stick to a Routine: A consistent schedule keeps learning on track.
- Design a Workspace: A quiet, dedicated spot boosts focus.
- Connect Locally: Join homeschool groups in cities like Chicago or Springfield for community and fun.
- Tap Into Extras: Use Illinois’s online libraries and virtual field trips to enrich lessons.
Common Questions About Illinois K–12 Online Homeschooling
Frequently asked questions to help you navigate homeschooling in Illinois ❓:
- How long does it take to earn a diploma online with homeschooling in Illinois?
It depends on your pace, transfer credits, and course load. If you’re studying year-round or taking extra classes, you can graduate early online—Prairie State speed! - Is online homeschool more affordable than private school in Illinois?
Yes! Our tuition is significantly lower than private schools in Illinois, and as a private school ourselves, we save you cash for trips to Lake Michigan. - Can international students enroll while living in Illinois?
Absolutely! International students in and outside of Illinois can join as long as they have basic English skills—welcome to the Prairie State! - Are there live class requirements?
No, we’re 100% self-paced with 24/7 access—learn on your Illinois time, whether you’re in Chicago, Springfield, or anywhere in between. - Will I get help with college prep and career planning?
Yes! Our academic advisors help you map out courses, track progress, and prep for your future in Illinois and beyond—whether it’s a career in tech or a degree at U of I!
Why Choose Online Homeschooling in Illinois?
Illinois is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country, making it an ideal place to start your online homeschool journey. Whether you live in Chicago, Springfield, Aurora, Naperville, or anywhere in between, Illinois families benefit from flexible state laws, natural beauty, and a wide variety of educational resources.
- Flexible Homeschool Laws: Illinois’s homeschool regulations are straightforward and parent-friendly, allowing families more freedom in how they educate their children ✅.
- Perfect for Travel and Flexibility: Whether your family travels often or has a unique schedule, our online homeschool program lets students learn from anywhere at any time ✅.
- No Commute, No Stress: Skip traffic and long school days—our Illinois online homeschool program brings the classroom to your home ✅.
- Tailored to Your Child: Every student learns differently. With our self-paced program, your child can move ahead in subjects they love and take time where they need it most ✅.
Student Testimonials & Success Stories
Homeschool students from across Illinois are vibin’ with High School of America for our flexibility, accreditation, and support. Here’s the word on the river:
- “High School of America gave me the freedom to study while exploring Starved Rock. I graduated early and got into my dream college—Prairie State represent!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- “The flexibility was straight fire. I never thought online homeschool could be this dope.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- “I switched to HSOA for my homeschool journey in Illinois and finished my diploma online while chasing my hustle near Chicago.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Parent-Friendly Tools: We provide easy-to-use resources for parents, including lesson plans and progress tracking, so you can guide your child’s education with confidence no matter where you are in Illinois.
- “Coming back as an adult was tough, but High School of America had my back every step of the way—big props!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enroll Now or Read More Reviews from our students.
Whether you’re just starting high school or wrapping up your final credits, we’ve got you covered with that Illinois pride—from Chicago to the heartland.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homeschooling online is a viable option for families in Illinois seeking a flexible and personalized education for their children.
With the rise of technology and the availability of online resources, homeschooling has become an increasingly popular choice for parents.
Illinois homeschooling law recognizes homeschools as private schools, requiring parents to provide instruction in core subjects and maintain records of their child’s education. No mandatory testing or evaluations are required, offering families greater flexibility.
