The School Code (105 ILCS 5/2-3.25o) requires ISBE to “provide for the voluntary registration and recognition
of nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.” (A nonpublic school is ”any non-profit, non-home-based, and nonpublic elementary or secondary school that is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and attendance at which satisfies the requirements” of
105 ILCS 5/26-1 of the Code.) Nonpublic schools and interested parties may find the
FAQ document
helpful in answering some basic questions.
This program also includes the approval of ethnic language schools and nonpublic drivers education programs.
Detailed information about the program has been organized below in the form of questions and answers. Most of the answers contain links to forms and documents that are a part of this program. Before becoming a recognized nonpublic school, however, a school must have been registered at least for the school year preceding the recognition application.