ILLINOIS HOMESCHOOL CHAMPION

RESEARCH EVERYTHING AT ICHE

Illinois Christian Home Educators is obviously a Christian organization, but even if you are secular you will still find helpful and pertinent information to assist you. ICHE holds a fantastic annual convention full of wonderful speakers and a large vendor hall so you can see curriculum in real life.

HOME EDUCATION RESEARCH

Dr Brian Ray has performed an extensive amount of research involving homeschoolers. Please read as much as possible for your own knowledge and so that you may also pass that knowledge on to people who are unaware of the positive outcomes homeschools produce.

UNDERSTAND AND ABIDE BY ILLINOIS HOMESCHOOL LAW

There are essentially two requirements in Illinois: teach in the English language and teach those subjects taught in public school. However, that's where state involvement in Illinois home education ends. There are no home visits, no curriculum review, no required standardized tests, no reporting to the district or local school, no portfolio review, no required hours or days of attendance. No one has a right to enter your home without a warrant and clear legally defined evidence of danger to the children. You always want to keep records of your children's work, and how you do so is up to you. We always worked to mastery so I never gave grades until I needed to create a high school transcript for college entrance. There are online record keeping software programs available, as well as old school journals. It's entirely up to you. In Illinois, homeschoolers are legal private schools so you issue your child's diploma after you have set the requirements and determined if they have been met.

WITHDRAW YOUR CHILD FROM TRADITIONAL SCHOOL

Please do not refer to any information found on the Illinois State Board of Education website. ISBE is not a knowledgeable source of information regarding home education practices, laws, or requirements. You are NOT required to fill out any paperwork provided by the school you are withdrawing from, and we recommend that you do not. It's not legally required and we don't do extra-legal things. Please craft your own letter or email to let your school know AS A COURTESY that your child will not return to their institution. Illinois homeschoolers do not register with the local district or state, and you should not mention where your child will now be educated as it's none of their concern. Your child may leave or re-enter their school at any time. IHSA has determined that homeschoolers may or may not participate in school activities on a school-by-school basis.

DE-SCHOOLING

Most of us have only gone to traditional school. Take some time off and get to know your kids. Have fun together, find out what they're interested in, and relax! You will not ruin your children and they won't live in your basement until they're 45. You determine how long you de-school, or if you do. Home education puts you and your children in the driver's seat. The world is now your oyster.

CHOOSING CURRICULUM, OR NOT

Homeschool curriculum is a multi-million dollar industry. Check out Cathy Duffy's curriculum review materials for an overview of many. Decide which method is right for your family by checking out the resources below. Decide whether you would like to set a daily schedule or not, work in a particular location in your home or not. We learned together at the kitchen table, dining room table, under the table, in the basement, on the couch, on the floor, outside on the deck, in an army tent, and at the park. You are in charge.

THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER

Home education will be the best thing you ever do for your children. It has been my honor to learn with my kids. Please reach out to me if you need further assistance and remember...

What if I fail?

Oh, but darling, what if you fly?