ILLINOIS HOMESCHOOLERS LEFT BEHIND AGAIN
Illinois Homeschool Families Shut Out: Pritzker’s Silence, Union Pressure, and Failing Schools Block Federal Relief
Illinois parents are fleeing failing schools in record numbers, but while Washington has approved new homeschool scholarships, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s silence may leave families stranded—and unions are cheering.
By Staff Writer | August 26, 2025
A Parent’s Dilemma in a Broken System
Imagine this: your child is one of the two-thirds of Illinois students who can’t read or do math at grade level. You’ve watched the local schools slide year after year. Dropout rates climb. Violence in classrooms makes the news. Teachers’ unions demand more funding, but outcomes only worsen. So, like thousands of other parents, you make a wrenching choice: pull your child out of the system and homeschool them—paying for everything yourself.
Now, for the first time, Congress has approved a way to help. A federal tax-credit scholarship program could send thousands of dollars directly to families like yours. Relief is finally in sight.
But there’s a catch: Gov. J.B. Pritzker has to say yes.
And so far, he hasn’t said anything at all.
“Illinois families will effectively subsidize homeschooling in Indiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin, while their own children are denied the same opportunity.” —Kevin Shelby, education advocate
A Lifeline Held Hostage
The Educational Choice for Children Act was designed to empower families, not bureaucracies. It works through private donations—not taxpayer funds. Donors receive federal tax credits, and families receive scholarships that can be used for curriculum, tutors, online programs, and therapies for children with special needs.
In states that opt in, parents are preparing for real help. In Illinois, families are left waiting—because Gov. Pritzker has not approved participation. Despite repeated calls to his office, no answer has come.
Why Pritzker Stays Silent: The Union Sway
The likely reason lies not in Springfield’s families, but in its politics.
Teachers’ unions, particularly the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), remain fiercely opposed to scholarship programs, calling them “backdoor vouchers.”
These unions are among Pritzker’s most powerful allies, contributing over $1.5 million to his campaigns since 2018.
For them, any program that legitimizes non-public education—even one funded privately—undermines their grip on Illinois’ education system.
“The governor owes much of his political machine to union backing. That makes programs like this dead on arrival in Illinois unless he decides to break with his allies.” —Education policy analyst, speaking on background
Failing Schools Fuel the Exodus
Parents aren’t turning to homeschooling on a whim—they’re fleeing a system in freefall.
Only 30% of Illinois 11th graders tested proficient in reading in 2023.
Fewer than one in three students met state math standards.
Dropout rates in parts of Chicago remain nearly double the national average.
Post-pandemic learning loss has left Illinois students years behind in core subjects.
The result? A surge in homeschooling. The U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey reports Illinois homeschooling doubled between 2019 and 2024, from 5.4% to 11.3% of households.
📊 Illinois by the Numbers: Why Parents Are Fleeing Public Schools
30% — Illinois 11th graders proficient in reading (2023, ISBE)
<1 in 3 — Students statewide meeting grade-level math standards (ISBE)
Nearly 2x — Chicago dropout rates compared to the national average (CPS data)
–2 years — Average learning loss in math and reading post-pandemic (ISBE)
11.3% — Illinois families homeschooling at least one child in 2024, up from 5.4% in 2019 (U.S. Census)
“Parents are looking around and saying, ‘Why keep my child in a system where two-thirds of kids can’t read or do math at grade level?’” —Kevin Shelby, education advocate
Illinois vs. Its Neighbors: A Stark Contrast
While Illinois drags its feet, surrounding states are leaping forward.
Indiana quickly signaled participation, ensuring its homeschool families can access funds.
Missouri and Wisconsin are moving in the same direction.
Meanwhile, Illinois donors can still contribute—but their money will leave the state, helping children across the border while Illinois families are left with nothing.
The contrast is glaring: families in other states thrive while Illinois parents remain trapped in a system defined by failing schools and political obstruction.
Who Really Benefits if Illinois Refuses?
The losers in this fight are obvious: Illinois families. But who gains if Pritzker keeps the door closed?
Teachers’ unions, who maintain their dominance by blocking recognition of non-public education.
Neighboring states, who stand to gain millions in scholarship dollars funded by Illinois donors.
Political insiders, who boast of “protecting public schools” while ignoring the families who have already walked away from them.
This is why the governor’s silence is more than bureaucratic delay—it’s a political choice.
The Unanswered Question
For Illinois homeschoolers, the issue is urgent. Parents are demanding resources to give their children a chance at success. Neighboring states are moving forward.
But in Springfield, the phone keeps ringing unanswered.
“Homeschool parents have proven they will fight for their rights. Now we’ll see if their governor will fight for them.” —Kevin Shelby
The future of homeschooling in Illinois may come down to whether one governor answers that call—or whether Illinois families are sacrificed to protect the very system they fled.
Sources
U.S. Congress, Educational Choice for Children Act (2025)
Illinois Policy Institute, Education Analysis by Rich Witzel, August 25, 2025
Illinois General Assembly, HB 2827 – “Homeschool Act”
Illinois State Board of Education, Report Card Data (2023–2024)
U.S. Census Bureau, Household Pulse Survey (2019–2024)
Illinois State Board of Elections, Campaign Finance Records (2018–2024)
Illinois Federation of Teachers, Public Statements on Education Policy (2023–2025)
