ILLINOIS

State of Illinois -- Legislature
http://www.state.il.us/legis/default.htm

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 l6 years shall cause such child to attend some public school in the district wherein the child resides the entire time it is session during the regular school term, except as provided in Section 10-19.1; Provided that the following children not be required to attend the public schools:

I. 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 schools, and where the instruction of the child in the branches of education is in the English language."

The Illinois 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 home schooling. The burden is on the parent to show that an adequate course of instruction in the prescribed branches of learning is being pursued.

Legal Schoolday - Schools must be in session not less than 176 days each school year. The length of the school day shall not be less than (5) five clock hours of teaching and supervision or for a total schoolyear of 888 clock hours.

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.

2. That the daily instruction of a child in a private home school be in the English language.

In addition, attendance must be at least 176 days, five hours per day or for 888 clock hours.

SUMMARY OUTLINE OF ILLINOIS SCHOOL LAWS THAT PERTAIN TO PRIVATE HOMESCHOOLS

-Compulsory Attendance:: Illinois Annotated Code Section 26-1, (1981)

Ages 7-15 years of age (both inclusive)

Days-176 for % hours per day OR 888 clock hours

Subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, History of U.S.-Section 27-22

-Specific Home School Statutes:: None

-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 state school officials, home schoolers 9could: submit a "statement of assurance" form to the local school district for the purposes of verifying that their childrens' private education is providing instruction as required by Section 26-1 of the Illinois State Statutes. The statement of assurance process, however, is voluntary and not required by law.: Parents who decide to submit a statement of assurance should be aware of the fact that this form has two illegitimate points. Therefore, parents should modify this form that is sometimes sent by public school officials, entitled: "Statement of Assurance"., by omitting points ten and twelve:.

(see below)

-Teacher Certification:: Only public school teachers must be certified (Section 21-1).

-Standardized Testing:: Not required by statute.

-State Accreditation or State Recognition:: Not required by statute.

-Private Home School Visitations:: Not required by statute.

-The statement of assurance form, while still voluntary, has been changed to a non-public school registration form:. On this form there is now the option to check if you are homeschooling.