If you are considering homeschooling in Illinois, you’re making the right decision! Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. It gives you the freedom to personalize your child's education, create a learning environment that fits their needs, and spend more quality time together as a family.
Illinois is a particularly homeschool-friendly state, with laws that give you a lot of flexibility and control over your child's education.
Of course, it's natural to have some questions when you're first starting out. You might be wondering if homeschooling is even legal in Illinois (it is!), what subjects you need to teach, how to actually get started, and where to find support and resources.
Don't worry, this blog is here to answer all your questions! We'll explain the homeschooling laws in Illinois in a simple way so you can understand what's required and what you're free to decide. We'll also talk about different ways to homeschool and where you can find support and resources.
By the end of this blog, you'll have all the information you need to start your homeschooling journey with confidence!
Before diving into your homeschooling journey, it’s essential to understand the legal framework that supports it. Illinois has a relaxed set of rules, but knowing what’s expected from you will help ensure a smooth and compliant experience.
Understanding Homeschooling Laws in Illinois
Illinois is a great state for homeschooling! They have laws that give parents a lot of freedom to choose how they want to teach their children. Here's a closer look at those laws:
1. Homeschools are Like Private Schools
Legal Recognition: In Illinois, homeschools are treated just like private schools. This means that, legally, you have the right to teach your child at home instead of sending them to a public or private school. It's completely legal and recognized as a valid way to educate your child.
Important Court Case: In 1950, there was a court case in Illinois called People v. Levisen. This court case went all the way to the Illinois Supreme Court! The court decided that homeschooling is legal, as long as you teach your child well and cover the important subjects.
This court case was important because it helped establish homeschooling as a recognized option for families in Illinois.
2. Attendance Rules
Following the Law: Just like in a traditional school, Illinois has rules about how much time children need to spend learning. You need to make sure your child is getting a proper education and learning for the required amount of time. However, you have a lot of flexibility in how you meet those requirements.
Personalized Learning: You can create a daily or weekly schedule that works best for your child and their learning style. This means you can adjust how much time you spend on different subjects and take breaks when needed.
You can even change your schedule from day to day if that's what works best for your family. This kind of flexibility is one of the great things about homeschooling!
3. Teaching in English (or ASL!)
English is the Main Language: In Illinois, you're required to teach your child in English. This is to make sure they're learning the language that's used in most schools and workplaces. However, there is one exception to this rule: you can also use American Sign Language (ASL) if that's the main way your child communicates.
Flexibility and Concerns: Illinois gives homeschooling families a lot of freedom. You don't have to register your homeschool with the state, and there are no required tests that your child has to take. Some people think this is great because it gives families a lot of control over their child's education.
However, other people worry that without any oversight, some parents might not provide their children with a good education. This highlights the importance of being a responsible homeschooling parent and making sure your child is getting the education they need.
The homeschooling laws in Illinois are really great because they let families decide how they want to teach their kids. You have a lot of choices and freedom to do what works best for your family.
Once you're familiar with the legal side of things, it’s time to focus on one of the most important aspects of homeschooling: the curriculum.
Choosing and Customizing a Curriculum in Illinois
Now that you've decided to homeschool in Illinois, it's time to choose a curriculum that's perfect for your child! Illinois gives you a lot of freedom to pick what and how your child learns.
Finding the Right Curriculum
Lots of Choices: There are many different homeschooling curriculums to choose from. Some use textbooks and workbooks, some are online programs, and others use a variety of different methods.
Ask for Advice: You can also talk to other homeschooling families to get their recommendations. Many parents share their experiences and advice online in forums and groups.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Curriculum Choices?
Picking the right homeschool curriculum for your kid might seem hard, but don't worry, it's not as tough as you think! The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a refreshing and unique approach to homeschooling that can take the stress out of curriculum decisions and ignite your child's love of learning.
Here's what makes TSHA different:
The American Emergent Curriculum (AEC): Our innovative, screen-free curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and make learning an adventure.
Interconnected subjects: We show kids how everything connects, making learning more meaningful and engaging.
Hands-on activities: Get ready for lots of fun experiments, projects, and real-world learning!
Engaging stories and discussions: We use captivating stories, lively discussions, and interactive games to make learning fun and memorable.
Comprehensive Support: We're here to help you every step of the way.
Helpful videos: Learn how to teach each lesson with easy-to-follow video guides.
Printable activities: Get ready-to-use worksheets and activities to make learning fun.
Live support from teachers: Ask questions and get help from experienced educators whenever you need it.
A friendly community: Connect with other homeschooling families for support and encouragement.
Flexible and Adaptable: The AEC can be tailored to your child's individual needs and interests, allowing for a truly personalized learning experience.
Ready to ditch the curriculum confusion and adopt a joyful learning adventure?
Visit The School House Anywhere to learn more and join the TSHA community.
Making it Personal
Your Child's Interests: Think about what your child loves to learn about. Do they love science, art, music, or something else? You can choose a curriculum that focuses on their interests or add extra activities and lessons that they'll enjoy.
Learning Styles: Every child learns differently. Some children like to read, some like to do things with their hands, and some like to listen to stories. Choose a curriculum that matches how your child learns best.
Checking In: It's important to make sure the curriculum is working for your child. Pay attention to how they're doing and change things up if needed. You can always adjust the lessons, add new activities, or even switch to a different curriculum if necessary.
After selecting your curriculum, it’s crucial to stay organized and track your child’s progress.
Record-Keeping and Assessment for Homeschooling in Illinois
Even though Illinois gives you a lot of freedom in how you homeschool, it's still a good idea to keep good records of your child's learning. These records can be really helpful later on, especially if your child wants to go to college or join the military.
1. What to Keep in a Homeschool Portfolio
Important Information: A homeschool portfolio is like a big scrapbook or folder where you keep all the important things related to your child's education. This might include the curriculum you're using, samples of your child's work, any quizzes or tests they've taken, and any reports you've written about their progress.
You can also include things like photos of projects, artwork, or even notes from field trips or special learning experiences.
Why it's helpful: Having a portfolio helps you keep everything organized and makes it easy to see what your child has learned and how they've grown over time. It's also really helpful when it's time to create a transcript for your child.
2. Creating a Transcript
What it is: A transcript is an official document that lists all the courses your child has taken in high school, the grades they earned in each course, and any credits they received. It's like a report card for their whole homeschooling experience.
Why it's important: Colleges often ask for a transcript to see what your child has learned and how well they did in their homeschooling. It helps them decide if your child is ready for college-level work. Some employers might also ask for a transcript to see your child's educational background.
3. Standardized Tests (Optional)
Not required: In Illinois, you don't have to give your child standardized tests. These are the kinds of tests that many students in public schools take to measure their progress in different subjects.
Helpful for measuring progress: Even though they're not required, you can still choose to have your child take standardized tests if you want to. This can help you see how your child is doing compared to other students their age and identify any areas where they might need extra help.
Adding to the portfolio: If you do give your child standardized tests, you can add their scores to their homeschool portfolio. This can give colleges a more complete picture of your child's academic progress and show them how well your child is doing compared to other students.
It's a good idea to keep good records of your child's homeschooling, even though Illinois doesn't require it. This, along with optional tests, can help your child be prepared for college or other opportunities after they graduate.
As with any educational path, homeschooling comes with its own set of costs. While Illinois offers flexibility, it’s important to plan your budget around curriculum, materials, and other expenses.
Homeschooling in Illinois: Understanding the Costs
Homeschooling can be a wonderful way to educate your child, but it's important to understand the costs involved. Let's take a look at the financial side of homeschooling in Illinois:
1. Typical Costs
Yearly Expenses: Homeschooling in Illinois usually costs somewhere between $500 and $2,500 per year for each child. This includes things like curriculum, books, supplies, and activities.
Curriculum and Testing: Curriculum materials and any tests you might need to buy can cost between $200 and $700 per year.
Books and Supplies: Books, paper, pencils, and other supplies can add up to another $100 to $600 per year.
Extracurricular Activities: If your child participates in activities like sports, music lessons, or field trips, those costs can range from $100 to $1,000 per year, depending on what you choose.
2. Financial Assistance in Illinois
No Direct Funding: Unfortunately, Illinois doesn't give homeschooling families any direct financial help, like grants or scholarships.
Education Expense Credit: There is a small tax credit called the Education Expense Credit. This means you might be able to get some money back on your taxes if you spend enough on educational expenses for your child. You can get 25% of the amount you spend over $250, up to a maximum of $750 per family.
While Illinois doesn't offer direct funding for homeschooling, The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is committed to making high-quality education accessible to all. We are a non-profit organization that offers scholarships on a case-by-case basis to help families who need financial assistance.
3. Saving Money on Homeschooling
Share Resources: You can join a homeschool co-op and share the cost of curriculum and other materials with other families.
Use Free Resources: Libraries have lots of free books and educational materials that you can use. There are also many free websites and online resources that can help you with your homeschooling.
Get Creative: You can often find ways to incorporate everyday activities into your homeschooling, which can save you money on expensive materials or classes. For example, cooking can be a math and science lesson, and gardening can teach about nature and responsibility.
4. Planning Your Budget
Tutoring Costs: If you need to hire a tutor for a specific subject, that can also be an added expense. Tutoring usually costs between $20 and $60 per hour.
Make a Plan: It's a good idea to create a budget for your homeschooling expenses so you can plan ahead and avoid overspending. You can also look for ways to save money, like buying things on sale or taking advantage of free resources.
Homeschooling in Illinois doesn't have to be expensive! If you understand the costs and plan carefully, you can give your child a great education without spending too much money.
Illinois has a wealth of resources and support networks that can make your experience more enriching and connected.
Resources and Support for Illinois Homeschoolers
Homeschooling can be a wonderful adventure, but it's always helpful to have support and resources along the way. Luckily, Illinois has a lot to offer homeschooling families!
1. Illinois State Board of Education
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) website has a special section just for homeschoolers. You can find information about Illinois homeschooling laws, graduation requirements, and other helpful resources. It's a good place to start if you have any questions about homeschooling in Illinois.
2. Homeschooling Organizations
There are some great organizations in Illinois that are specifically designed to support homeschooling families. These organizations offer things like conferences, workshops, and local meetups where you can connect with other homeschoolers and learn more about homeschooling.
They can also provide you with information about curriculum options, legal issues, and other homeschooling topics. Some examples of homeschooling organizations in Illinois are Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) and the Illinois Homeschool Association.
3. Local Support Groups
It's really nice to meet other families who homeschool in your area! You can become friends and learn from each other. Many communities have homeschooling groups that organize field trips, co-op classes, and other fun activities. These groups can also be a great source of advice and encouragement.
4. Online Communities
The internet is a great way to connect with other homeschoolers! You can find online groups and websites where you can talk to other families in Illinois and all over the country.
These online communities can be a great place to ask questions, share experiences, and find support and encouragement. You can also find helpful information about curriculum options, homeschooling methods, and local resources.
Want to connect with a supportive online community of homeschoolers? The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a vibrant online community where you can connect with other families, share ideas, and find encouragement. We also have live Q&A sessions with teachers and experts, helpful podcasts, and regular newsletters to keep you informed and inspired on your homeschooling journey.
Wrapping Up
Homeschooling in Illinois offers a world of possibilities for families seeking a personalized and flexible education for their children. With its relaxed legal environment and supportive community, Illinois empowers parents to create a learning experience that truly fits their child's needs and interests.
As you begin your homeschooling journey, remember these key takeaways:
Know your rights: Homeschooling is a legally recognized option in Illinois, giving you the freedom to tailor your child's education.
Choose the right curriculum: Explore the diverse curriculum options available and find the one that best suits your child's learning style and your family's preferences.
Create a learning haven: Establish a dedicated learning space and a structured yet flexible routine that fosters focus and engagement.
Connect with your community: Reach out to local homeschooling groups and online communities for support, resources, and social opportunities.
Homeschooling is an adventure! Enjoy the flexibility, the personalized learning, and the close bond you'll develop with your child as you learn and grow together.
Want a curriculum that supports your homeschooling journey every step of the way?
At The School House Anywhere (TSHA), we’re committed to helping you create the best possible homeschooling experience for your child. With our comprehensive curriculum and tailored resources, you’ll have everything you need to provide a well-rounded, engaging education that aligns with your child’s unique learning style.
Here’s what TSHA offers:
Custom Curriculum – Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking, blending core academic subjects with art, civics, and nature-based learning.
Educational Tools – Gain access to over 300 instructional films, printable materials, and customized lesson plans to guide your teaching efforts.
Organizing Tools – Easily track your child’s progress with our Transparent Classroom Tool, making organizing and record-keeping simple.
Live Support – Stay connected with live weekly educator gatherings, Q&A sessions, and an active parent/educator social network for ongoing support.
Community & Connection – Be part of a nationwide community of homeschool families, sharing insights, resources, and encouragement to help you thrive on this educational journey.
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