|
||
Links
|
Illinois Law & Home Education
The jurisdiction of the Office of the Superintendent
of Educational Service Region over the Supervision of public and non-public
schools is regulated by the compulsory school attendance law. Article 26, Section 1, Paragraph 1, of the Illinois
School Code of Illinois, which states that "Whoever has custody
or control over any child between the ages of 7 and 17 years of age
shall cause such child to attend some public school in the district
wherein the child resides the entire time it is in session during the
regular school term, except as provided in Section 10-19.1; Provided
that the following children not required to attend the public schools: "Any child attending a private or parochial school
where children are taught the branches of education, taught to children
of corresponding age and grade in the public school, and where instruction
of the child in the branches of education is in the English Language." The lllinois courts have held consistently that if
instruction is given as the compulsory education law contemplates, then
the term 'private school' as a lawful substitute for public schooling
has been extended to homeschooling. The burden is on the parent to show
that an adequate course of instruction in the prescribed branches of
learning is being pursued. You will note that the Illinois School code has only
two basic requirements for private home schools. They are as follows: 1. That the branches of education or subjects taught
in a private home school be equivalent to those being taught in the
public schools. SUMMARY OUTLINE OF ILLINOIS SCHOOL LAWS: Teacher Certification: Only public school teachers
must be certified. (Section 21-1) Standard testing: Not required by statute State accreditation or state recognition: Not required
by statute Compulsory attendance: Illinois annotated Code Section
26-1, Ages 7-17 years of age (both inclusive) Subjects: Language Arts, Social Sciences, Math, Fine
Arts, Physical Sciences, Physical Education and Health Private home school visitations: Not required by statute Alternative statutes allowing for home schools: 1. Section 26-1 "Any child attending a private
or parochial school where children are taught the branches of education,
and where the instruction of the child in the branches of education
is in the English language is in compliance with the Illinois compulsory
attendance law." 2. If contacted by the state school officials, homeschoolers
could submit a "non-public school registration" form to the
local school district for the purposes of verifying that their children's
private education is providing instruction as required by Section 26-1
of the Illinois State Statutes. This, however, is voluntary and not
required by law. Sample letters for withdrawing a student from Illinois
Schools and for requesting records be transferred: Withdrawal letter: Your Name Mr.Principal Dear Mr. Principal: This is to inform you that as of today, February 8,
2006, our child, "Child's Name", will be withdrawing from
attendance at "Old" School. "Child's name" will
be enrolled at "Homeschool Name". You will be receiving a letter from "Homeschool
Name" formally requesting a Certified Copy of "Child's name" records. (Here, you may want to put in a list of items you
are returning to the school, along with a request for the return to
you of any of your child's personal supplies.) Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, Parents Name Record request letter: Your Homeschool Name February 16, 2006 Mr. Principal Dear Mr. Principal, This is to notify you of the enrollment of "Child's
Name" in "Homeschool Name" as of February 8, 2006. In compliance with Chapter 1, Section 375.75 of the
Illinois Administrative Code, we are writing to request that a Certified
Copy of "Child’s Name" records be forwarded to us. Your
prompt assistance in this matter will be appreciated, as it will enable
us to complete our files. "Homeschool Name" is a private homeschool. "Child's
Name" receives instruction in all branches of education in the
English language as required by law. This instruction is in compliance
with the requirements of the Compulsory Attendance Law, Chapter 122,
Section 26-1 of the Illinois School Code. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, "Parents Names" Illinois Home Education does
not, and will not, assume any legal responsibility for families who
choose to use these letters. Several members of the group have successfully
submitted similar letters to their school districts whenSeptember 12, 2017For further information on
the laws pertaining to homeschooling within the state of Illinois, please
visit the Illinois
General Assembly website. |
|
Home Starting Illinois Law Resources Booklet Sites About Contact
Updated September 12, 2017
Site
hosting,
text, graphics & design by KZH Design
Questions? Comments? Contact the Webmaster.
Text, Graphics & Design Copyright © 2005-2017. All rights reserved.
Site contents may be printed for personal use only.