Frequently asked questions

I want to start homeschooling. How do I tell the current school that I am withdrawing my child?

In Illinois, you only need to provide the school with a letter. Here's an example letter ILHSA - Sample Letter of Transfer From Public School to Private Homeschool

Deliver the letter to your child’s school in a way so that you have proof they received it.

a) Go to the Post office and mail the letter “return receipt requested” OR b) Fax the letter OR c) Hand-carry both copies of the letter into the school and ask the school secretary to sign and date your copy of the letter acknowledging receipt of the letter.

What are the rules to homeschool in Illinois?

Here is a brief overview of what those rules are ILHSA - Illinois Homeschool Law

Should I name our homeschool?

Yes. This will be necessary for a transcript or diploma to be assigned. Also, You are a private school now so you need a name! Here are some examples: What is a good name for my homeschool?

Do I need my child's school record?

Yes. Some schools will not consider a student transferred until their records are sent to the new private school. On your school letterhead, request a “certified copy” of your child's records and mail it to your child's school “return receipt requested” as above. (See our sample of this letter) OR Request a copy of their records and tell the school you will deliver them. If they refuse, please refer them to the federal law known as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).

What do I do if my child has special needs?

Here's an overview of what to know ILHSA - Special Needs

Should I register my homeschool with the state?

No. Here is a full explanation as to why not at ILHSA - Should I Register

Does my child need a school ID?

No, but it can help provide identification when needed, which is helpful. These can be ordered through small businesses, websites, or at-home programs like Canva.

Is there more than one way to homeschool?

Yes. Absolutely. There is no set schedule, days or hours that need to be assigned. Structure is based on what is best for your child's needs. Here are some examples of different styles of homeschooling ILHSA - Homeschooling Styles

Can my child still play in sports?

Some schools/school districts will allow participation of a homeschooled child in a sport but often times they do not. This is where it is important to connect with homeschool co-ops, competitive sports teams, or other programs offered through a separate facility (ex. YMCA). ILHSA - Sports Participation

Is there a grant to help cover homeschool expenses?

No. There is a tax exemption of about $200 if eligible when filing your yearly taxes.

Does my child need to be in an online curriculum?

No. You can make learning flexible by incorporating any or none of the online programs. Using a traditional paper format is still a very effective way to learn. Learning can be done through hands-on learning, virtual or in books. You decide what and how to provide the educational material.

Does my child's online program need to be accredited?

No, but there could be future pushback from another school if your child returns to a public school or a different private school. The school could request a placement test to be completed prior to accepting enrollment. This is a personal choice.

What do I do if a truancy officer shows up?

Be polite but do NOT let them in unless they have a signed search warrant. ILHSA - Truancy