Concerned about homeschooling in Illinois

Question

I'm seriously considering relocating to the state of Illinois in part because I thought it had some of the least restrictive home schooling laws. But I'm concerend to read a 'what to do if' scenario on About.com regarding how to handle a truant officer and police officer that may show up and ask to be let in to speak to your child, etc.? Can anyone in Illinois who homeschools respond please?? Can this really happen? Are the public school officials and law enforcement at odds with homeschoolers or what is going on...? Thank you.

Answer 1

First of all, why would you trust something that was said on About.com?  Was it specifically for HS'ing in IL???  I'm assuming it was some "template" for HS'ing "in your state".

Illinois *is* one of the easiest states to HS in.  I've been doing it for three years here in central IL, and before that, I HS'ed for three years in Kansas (another easy state).

If a public official or social services person showed up at my door, I have no legal obligation to let them, or to let them talk to my kids.  HS'ing is legal in IL as private schooling.

FWIW, the majority of IL school districts are *very* open to HS'ing; many of them allow dual enrollment.  I HS my son, but my daughter is in public school.  Both our district, and the one she's bussed to, know we HS our son and they couldn't care less.

Again, there is *nothing* to be afraid of.  HS'ing is alive and well and there's no more "government intrusion" here than anywhere else regarding it.  Sure, you get a wacked-out school superintendent or CPS representative now and then, but *every* state can have that problem.

Here's the best source for HS'ing info in IL:

http://www.illinoishouse.org/

Answer 2

I found this site because we may be relocating to New York, and I am concerned about homeschooling there and finding some support groups.  Right now we live in Rockford, IL and it is VERY homeschool friendly since the public schools are not that great in Rockford.  We have a wonderful support group and co-op we go to once a week.  I have never had anyone say the authorities have shown up at someone's door, or anything of the sort.  A lot of people do join HSLDA for $100/yr as a precaution to anything.  They will represent homeschoolers in any state and is a good investment regardless of where you live.  All in all, it is quite unrestrictive and you can find out the laws on the HSLDA website.  By the way, my son went to school for kindergarten and when we pulled him out, I told his teacher at the end of year, and she thought it was a great idea to homeschool.  He is now starting 4th grade, and we haven't had a problem.  Hope this helps!