Free Homeschool Letter of Intent Form for Illinois

When it comes to homeschooling in Illinois, there are several common misconceptions about the Letter of Intent form that can lead to confusion. Here are five of those misconceptions, along with clarifications to help parents navigate the process more smoothly.

1. Misconception 1: The Letter of Intent must be submitted every year.

   Many believe that they need to submit a new Letter of Intent each school year. In reality, once a Letter of Intent is filed, it does not need to be resubmitted unless there is a change in the child's educational status or if the family moves.

2. Misconception 2: The Letter of Intent requires extensive documentation.

   Some parents think they need to provide a lot of detailed information or documentation with the Letter of Intent. However, the form is straightforward and only requires basic information about the child and the educational plan.

3. Misconception 3: Submitting the Letter of Intent guarantees approval from the school district.

   There is a belief that submitting the Letter of Intent will automatically lead to approval from the local school district. In fact, the form simply notifies the district of the intent to homeschool; it does not require their approval.

4. Misconception 4: The Letter of Intent needs to be notarized.

   Some families think that the Letter of Intent must be notarized to be valid. This is not true; the form does not require notarization, making it easier for parents to complete.

5. Misconception 5: There is a specific format for the Letter of Intent.

   Many believe that the Letter of Intent must follow a strict format. In reality, while there are some guidelines, parents have the flexibility to create their own format as long as it includes the necessary information.

Understanding these misconceptions can help parents feel more confident in their homeschooling journey. It's essential to stay informed and seek clarity when needed.

Here are some important points to keep in mind when filling out and using the Illinois Homeschool Letter of Intent form:

1. Provide accurate information about the student, including full name and date of birth.
2. Include the address where the homeschooling will take place.
3. Submit the form to your local school district within 14 days of starting your homeschool program.
4. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
5. Use clear and legible handwriting or type the information to avoid confusion.
6. Be aware that the form does not require a specific curriculum or teaching method to be stated.
7. Understand that filing the letter does not require approval from the school district.
8. Remember that you must file a new letter if you change your address or if the student changes school districts.
9. Consider notifying the school district if you plan to discontinue homeschooling.
10. Stay informed about any changes in Illinois homeschooling laws or regulations.

Following these steps will help ensure a smooth process for your homeschooling journey in Illinois.

When filling out the Illinois Homeschool Letter of Intent form, it's essential to approach the process with care and attention to detail. Here are five important 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 include your own contact information, such as your address and phone number.
• Do clearly state your intent to homeschool by using straightforward language.
• Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
• Do submit the form to the appropriate school district office in a timely manner.

• Don't leave any sections of the form blank; incomplete forms can lead to delays.
• Don't forget to check for spelling errors or incorrect information before submitting.
• Don't assume that verbal communication with the school district is sufficient; written intent is required.
• Don't submit the form late, as this can affect your homeschooling plans.
• Don't overlook the importance of following up with the school district to confirm receipt of your form.