Homeschooling in Illinois
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Illinois site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Illinois
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Illinois
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Illinois
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Illinois
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Illinois has to offer!
Resources
Illinois Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Illinois.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Illinois, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
Resources
Homeschool Support & Groups in Illinois
One of the reasons homeschooling has been on an upward trend in recent years is because of the amount of support available to homeschool parents and students.
Almost every state has at least one homeschool association and many homeschool support and co-op groups. Homeschool associations provide legal advice and resources to both members and non-members. In Illinois, there are two statewide homeschool associations. Illinois H.O.U.S.E. is a secular organization that is focused on providing homeschool families with support networks. The organization also provides legal advice and other tips related to homeschooling in Illinois.
The Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) is an organization founded on Christian values to provide homeschooling families with a variety of resources to help them be successful. The ICHE offers a beginner’s packet, faith-based support groups, special events, and an annual homeschool convention.
In addition to joining a homeschool association, families can join homeschool support and co-ops groups for additional networks of people who can provide advice, resources, and assistance. You can find many of these groups with a simple Facebook query. Homeschool support groups can offer advice and a way to meet other homeschool families in your area. Co-ops, on the other hand, are more academic-focused and provide homeschoolers with the opportunity to learn in group settings. Both group types give homeschoolers the chance to meet peers and make friends.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in illinois
If you are considering homeschooling your child, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before you get started. First, make sure you can follow the homeschool requirements in Illinois. Although the state is fairly lenient, laws can always change, so make sure you have the most up-to-date information before making your decision.
After you decide to start homeschooling, you should notify your child’s current school and select a homeschool curriculum. Power Homeschool offers an online curriculum for K-12 students with various tools and resources to help homeschool parents provide their students with successful at-home educations.
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips in Illinois
Field trips can be a wonderful way to enhance any homeschool curriculum. With plenty of museums, nature centers, and historic sites, homeschoolers have plenty of options when it comes to choosing fields trips. The following are just a few examples of the many field trip destinations in Illinois.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS FIELD TRIPS
- Chicago History Museum in Chicago: Learn about the history and culture of one of the country’s largest cities with various exhibits, educational programs, and special events.
- Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago: Enhance any science curriculum by touring exhibits, learning labs, and other guided exploration.
- Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve in Joliet: Discover the flora and fauna that are native to the region. Students can learn about conservation through various educational resources and programs.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS FIELD TRIPS
- Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana: Young thespians can get a behind-the-scenes tour of sets and production facilities after attending one of the Youth Series performances.
- Lincoln’s New Salem in Petersberg: Discover where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood at this reconstructed village. New Salem was a turning point in Lincoln’s career and where he first got his start in politics.
- Scovill Park in Decatur: Homeschoolers can explore exotic and domestic species, participate in education programs, and go on a Zoo Safari through 62 acres of land. This park makes a great addition to any lesson about animals, habitats, and ecosystems.
- Illinois State Capitol in Springfield: Tour the Illinois Capitol building to learn about the state’s history, government, and culture.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS FIELD TRIPS
- Ballard Nature Center in Altamont: At a place for outdoor fun and education, there are plenty of exhibits, educational programs, and special events for students of all ages at the Ballard Nature Center.
- Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis: This state park allows visitors to explore the outdoors, attend special events, and learn about American and Illinois history.
- The Science Center in Carbondale: Children gain hands-on experiences through various interactive exhibits, field trips, camps, and so much more. The center also hosts homeschool programs once a month.
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