Official Homeschool Letter of Intent Form for Illinois

When filling out the Illinois Homeschool Letter of Intent form, it's important to approach the process with care. Here are some essential dos and don'ts to keep in mind.

• Do provide accurate information about your child, including their full name and date of birth.
• Do ensure that you sign and date the form before submission.
• Do submit the form to the appropriate school district office.
• Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

• Don't leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms may lead to delays.
• Don't forget to check for spelling errors in your child's name or other details.
• Don't submit the form late; ensure it is sent in a timely manner.
• Don't assume the school district will contact you if there are issues; follow up if necessary.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth process in declaring your intent to homeschool in Illinois.

When families decide to homeschool in Illinois, they often complete the Homeschool Letter of Intent form to officially notify the local school district of their educational plans. However, there are several other forms and documents that can complement this process, ensuring a smoother transition into homeschooling and providing necessary information for both parents and educators. Below is a list of commonly used documents alongside the Homeschool Letter of Intent.

• Educational Plan: This document outlines the curriculum and educational objectives for the homeschooling year. It serves as a roadmap for parents, detailing subjects to be covered and learning goals to be achieved.
• Attendance Records: Keeping track of daily attendance is important for accountability. These records can help parents monitor progress and provide proof of education if required by the school district.
• Progress Reports: Regular assessments of a child's learning can be documented through progress reports. These can include evaluations of academic performance and skills development, which are beneficial for both parents and students.
• Standardized Test Results: Some families choose to administer standardized tests to evaluate their child's academic performance. Keeping these results can provide insight into areas of strength and those needing improvement.
• Portfolio of Work: A portfolio showcases a child’s completed assignments, projects, and other educational materials. It can serve as a tangible representation of learning and growth over the homeschooling period.
• Withdrawal Letter: If a child is transitioning from a public or private school to homeschooling, a formal withdrawal letter may be necessary. This document notifies the previous school of the change in educational status.

Utilizing these documents alongside the Homeschool Letter of Intent can facilitate a more organized and effective homeschooling experience. By maintaining thorough records and plans, families can ensure they meet educational requirements while providing a rich learning environment for their children.

The Illinois Homeschool Letter of Intent form is a crucial document for families choosing to homeschool their children. However, several misconceptions surround this form. Below are six common misunderstandings and clarifications regarding the form.

1. Misconception 1: The Letter of Intent is a binding contract.

   This is not accurate. The Letter of Intent serves as a notification to the local school district that a parent intends to homeschool their child. It does not create a legally binding contract.

2. Misconception 2: Parents must submit the Letter of Intent every year.

   In Illinois, once a Letter of Intent is submitted, it does not need to be resubmitted each year unless there is a change in the homeschooling status or the child’s enrollment status.

3. Misconception 3: The form requires detailed curriculum information.

   The Letter of Intent does not require parents to provide specific details about the curriculum they plan to use. It is a simple notification that they are homeschooling.

4. Misconception 4: The school district has the authority to approve or deny the Letter of Intent.

   This is incorrect. The school district does not have the power to approve or deny the Letter of Intent. Their role is merely to acknowledge receipt of the document.

5. Misconception 5: Submitting the form guarantees access to public school resources.

   While some districts may allow homeschooled students to access certain resources, submitting the Letter of Intent does not guarantee this access. Each district has its own policies regarding resources for homeschoolers.

6. Misconception 6: Parents must have teaching credentials to homeschool.

   In Illinois, parents are not required to have formal teaching credentials to homeschool their children. The law allows parents to educate their children without such qualifications.

• Understand the Purpose: The Illinois Homeschool Letter of Intent form serves as a formal notification to the local school district that you intend to homeschool your child.
• Eligibility: Any parent or guardian can submit this form for children between the ages of 6 and 17 who are not enrolled in a public or private school.
• Filing Timeline: Submit the Letter of Intent at the beginning of your homeschooling journey or at least 14 days before the start of the school year.
• Information Required: The form typically requires basic information about the student, including their name, age, and address, as well as the names of the parents or guardians.
• Record Keeping: Keep a copy of the submitted Letter of Intent for your records. This can be useful for future reference or in case of inquiries from the school district.
• Annual Updates: While the form does not need to be resubmitted each year, it is advisable to notify the district if there are any significant changes in your homeschooling situation.