Families Opt Out of Public Schools

Across the United States, homeschooling and private education are on the rise, with many families opting out of the public school system in favor of more values-driven learning environments. While traditionally more common in conservative states, this trend has gained significant traction in Democrat-led states as well, with Illinois emerging as a key battleground in the debate over parental rights and government oversight in education.

According to data from the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy, 90% of reporting states saw an increase in homeschooling for the 2023-2024 academic year. In states with Democratic leadership, such as Connecticut, homeschooling has surged—rising by 128% since 2019. Parents cite a range of concerns, including dissatisfaction with public school curricula, school safety issues, and a desire to instill specific moral and ethical values in their children. A Washington Post–Schar School poll found that issues such as bullying, ideological shifts in public education, and concerns over school violence are major factors influencing this decision.

Illinois, in particular, has seen growing tensions between parents and state policymakers regarding educational oversight. House Bill 2827, introduced by State Representative Terra Costa Howard, sought to establish the "Homeschool Act," which would require homeschooling families to submit educational portfolios for approval and provide private information to the State Board of Education. The measure was not called for a full vote during the recent legislative session but is expected to be attempted again in 2026. Critics argue this proposal places unnecessary restrictions on parents and infringes on their ability to tailor education according to their personal and religious beliefs.

Historically, Illinois courts have upheld the rights of homeschooling families, with the Illinois Supreme Court’s 1950 People v. Levisen decision recognizing homeschooling as a legitimate form of private education. However, with increasing state oversight efforts, many Illinois parents are now considering homeschooling or private institutions to ensure their children receive instruction aligned with their values.

The debate in Illinois mirrors broader national discussions about educational choice, parental rights, and the role of government in education. As legislative efforts continue, parents advocating for homeschooling and private education are making it clear that their concerns go beyond policy—they reflect a fundamental desire to instill strong moral and ethical foundations in their children.

At the same time, public school performance in Illinois—especially in central and southern regions—has raised widespread concern. Data from the Illinois State Board of Education shows that many districts struggle with chronic absenteeism, low proficiency in reading and math, and teacher shortages that leave classrooms understaffed. In some rural counties, fewer than one in three students meet grade-level expectations, while several schools have been placed on state watch lists due to persistently low performance. Families in these communities often cite these conditions as a driving factor in their decision to seek alternatives outside the traditional public school system.