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Winnebago requires state approval

When a Home School Legal Defense Association member family in WinnebagoCounty sent a letter of withdrawal to the regional superintendent of schools notifying him of their intent to homeschool, they received an unexpected reply. The superintendent wrote to the family outlining their homeschool "rights" and "responsibilities" under Illinois law. The responsibilities included completing a "Home School Registration Form" and returning it to the regional office of education.^* This form requested the name, address, email address, and telephone number of the parents and children; the curriculum they would be using; the grade level, birth date, race, and gender of each student; and a list of subjects that would be taught. Although the form did note that it was voluntary, the cover letter implied that the family could not withdraw their child from public school until they had "received approval verification from the Regional Office of Education."

The family immediately contacted HSLDA, concerned that if they did not "register," they would be reported as truant. In a letter to the superintendent, HSLDA explained that homeschool families are not required to register their program and do not need approval verification from the state in order to withdraw their child from school.

If you receive a letter from your superintendent requiring state approval of your homeschool, please notify our office immediately.

— by Christopher J. Klicka