In Illinois, home schools are one kind of non-public, private school (in 1950 the Illinois State Supreme Court in People vs Levisen 90 N.E.2nd 213 no.31133 determined that home schools were private schools). There is no law requiring non-public schools to register with any public school official, nor are they required to seek state recognition, approval or accreditation.
Under Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 5/26.1 (known as the Compulsory Attendance Law) parents of children ages 6 through 17, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, must make sure the education their children receive includes the branches of education taught to their age group in the local public school (language arts, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts and physical development and health). Instruction in these branches must be in the English language.
If parents educating their children in a private home school receive an inquiry from a public school official about their educational program, it is advisable for them to respond in writing, verifying compliance with the Compulsory Attendance Law as outlined above.
Ad Hoc does not encourage home educators to complete the form entitled “Statement of Assurance”. Home educators choosing to voluntarily register with the state are encouraged to do so using the Non-Public Registration, Enrollment and Staff Report. This form can be obtained from the Illinois State Board of Education in Springfield.