American Family Association warns that Illinois HB 2827 threatens student success and well-being

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — American Family Association (AFA) is raising an alarm over Illinois House Bill 2827, also known as the “Homeschool Act,” which could harm the academic progress and emotional well-being of thousands of homeschooled students across the state.

“House Bill 2827 is a misguided attempt to impose unnecessary state mandates on homeschool families who are already delivering excellent educational outcomes,” said Jenna Ellis, senior policy advisor for AFA. “This legislation risks undermining environments where children are thriving academically and personally.”

Threatening what works for children

Countless families choose homeschooling precisely because it allows for flexible, personalized instruction tailored to their children’s academic strengths, learning styles and emotional needs. HB 2827 threatens to replace this individualized approach with rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates poorly suited to support student success.

“Homeschooling allows children to learn at their own pace and in a setting where their well-being is prioritized,” Ellis said. “By introducing vague state requirements, HB 2827 risks disrupting these nurturing environments and impeding student achievement.”

Strong academic results undermine the case for HB 2827

Data consistently shows that homeschooled students excel academically. A nationwide study by Dr. Brian D. Ray found that homeschooled students scored between the 84th and 89th percentile on standardized tests — far above the national average for public school students.

Additional research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) confirms that homeschooled students not only achieve higher academic results but also demonstrate strong social development and college readiness.

“These students are thriving — both academically and developmentally,” said Ellis. “There is no evidence that state interference is needed, and plenty of evidence that it could do real harm.”

Government overreach risks student well-being

While the bill frames its intentions in terms of guaranteeing a “quality education,” the lack of a clear definition opens the door for subjective and politically motivated enforcement. This could pressure families to conform to rigid educational models that do not serve their children’s best interests.

“Children are not standardized products,” Ellis emphasized. “What helps one child succeed may not work for another — and that’s exactly why homeschooling has proven so effective for so many families.”

Protecting the environments where children flourish

Rather than supporting children’s academic growth and emotional health, HB 2827 imposes bureaucratic hurdles that risk making homeschooling less accessible and more stressful for parents and kids.

“This bill isn’t about improving education — it’s about asserting control,” said Ellis. “We must protect the ability of families to make decisions that put their children’s well-being first.”

A call to support student-centered education

AFA calls on Illinois lawmakers to reject HB 2827 and stand with families who are successfully educating and nurturing their children.

“This is about what’s best for the child,” Ellis said. “When students are flourishing in a supportive, academically strong home environment, Illinois lawmakers should be celebrating that — not trying to dismantle it.”

For over 40 years, AFA has operated within the mission to inform, equip, and activate individuals to strengthen the moral foundations of American culture and give aid to the church here and abroad in its task of fulfilling the Great Commission.  Founded in 1977, AFA has long been on the front lines of America’s culture war. Today,  AFA is one of the largest and most effective pro-family organizations in the country, with nearly a million online supporters and approximately 110,000 subscribers to The Stand (formerly known as the AFA Journal), the ministry’s monthly magazine. Find AFA Action Alerts here. In addition, AFA owns and operates nearly 180 radio stations across the country under the American Family Radio banner. 

For more information on the American Family Association, visit www.afa.net or follow AFA on Facebook or X @AmericanFamAssc.        

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To interview an AFA spokesperson, contact [email protected], Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, Dawn Foglein, ext. 100, or Richard Jefferson, [email protected].