Illinois law requires students between the ages of 6 and 17 to attend public or private schools. We are not a recognized/accredited private school regulated under Illinois Law or the Illinois Department of Education. In Illinois, homeschooling is considered a "form" of private education. The Compulsory Attendance Law applies to students attending a non-public or parochial school where the branches of education correspond to their age and grade in public school.

The term "private school" includes homeschooling if the teacher (parent or private tutor) is competent and the required subjects are being taught. The student receives an education at least equivalent to public schooling. People v. Levisen, 404 Ill. 574, 90 N.E. 2d 213 (1950) and 105 ILCS 5/26-1 et seq. In 1950, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that homeschools should be considered private schools. In "People v. Levisen," the court ruled that a private school is "a place where instruction is imparted to the young. . . the number of persons being taught does not determine whether a place is a school." Click this link for homeschool laws in your state:  HSLDA

Please tell us the name of your home-based private school or write homeschooler. 

  2.

CHESS Membership 

A $55.00 non-refundable membership fee per family is due at the time of registration and renewed annually.  The fee covers essential expenses such as insurance, web fees, administrative and cleaning supplies, and operational fees.  Fee is subject to change. 

Do you agree?

  YES
NO
3.

Active Members

Homeschool parents attend support group meetings ten (10) out of twelve (12) calendar months, and the membership fee is current. Attendance has two (2) options: In person (8 out of 10 times is highly recommended) or Zoom meetup. You will receive an email or text message with details about the meetings.

Do you agree?

  YES
NO
4.

Inactive Members

Parents who have NOT attended three (3) or more support group meetings without notifying of extenuating circumstances and whose membership fee is not current are considered inactive members. CHESS will email an Inactive Member Notice to rectify the situation, and a response is required within 14 days of the email.

If there is no response, we will assume that you are no longer interested in being a member of CHESS. Therefore, we will make no further contact, and your membership will be revoked; however, We know that there are life-changing circumstances, and families may be interested in rejoining the group later. Therefore, returns will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Do you agree?

  YES
NO
5.

Parental Commitment

You will be assigned to teach at least once a week from September until May in a subject or area where you are comfortable or talented. While we make every effort to accommodate requests, there may be instances where assignments are based on the needs of CHESS. It is mandatory for all children attending CHESS to register for classes. Additionally, we strongly encourage parents to contribute by facilitating, creating, and suggesting courses.

Do you agree? 

  YES
NO
6.

Your Responsibility

Members are responsible for regularly visiting the website to stay updated on events listed on the calendar. Additionally, please adjust your email settings through the group website to ensure you receive important messages regarding events, meetings, and opportunities. We also have a Telegram group; you will receive an invitation to join. This group is primarily used for friendly reminders rather than important communication.

Do you agree?

  YES
NO
7.

Co-op attendance

Attending co-op is a requirement for membership in CHESS. We kindly request that you consider your commitment to the co-op when scheduling non-emergency appointments and vacations.

We understand that illness and unforeseen emergencies can happen. In such cases, you must call the Director before co-op and inform them you cannot attend. If you are assigned to teach a class, you must find a substitute and ensure they have the necessary materials to conduct the lesson.

 

Do you agree?

  YES
NO
8. Dress Code

Co-op t-shirts are mandatory for CHESS member families, staff, and students. 

 

Do you agree?  Yes
No
9.

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed! Please indicate the area or areas in which you are best suited to provide assistance. If you have any ideas or areas of interest that are not listed, please select "Other" and reach out to you.

 
(1 required) Field Trip Coordinator
Mom's Night Out Coordinator
Supply Coordinator
Hospitality Coordinator
Asst. Scheduling Coordinator
Asst. Web/Email Coordinator
Asst. Program Coordinator
OTHER
10.

NO Drop-offs 

Co-op drop-off is not allowed. If a parent is unable to participate in the co-op due to an emergency, their children may still attend. However, they must be under the supervision of another responsible adult, and this agreement must be given to the Director in writing. 

Do you agree?

  YES
NO
11.

Sick Policy

As a private Christian homeschool and co-op group, we have deeply held religious objections to vaccines. However, we still share the common goal of promoting good health for children and families, focusing on their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Therefore, in good conscience, we cannot agree to the state mandating the vaccination of our children. We stand united against religious discrimination, as it contradicts our sincerely held Christian beliefs.

We have chosen not to promote or participate in the current clinical trials, PCR experimental testing, and gene therapy, commonly referred to as COVID-19 vaccines. If you or your child choose to participate in the current COVID-19 experiment, it is important to note that you and your child must remain at home for two weeks after each injection.

For the safety and well-being of everyone, we kindly request that you do not come to school or co-op if anyone in your family has experienced a stomach bug or fever or is currently experiencing yellow/green mucus within the last 24-72 hours. This precaution is particularly important if you have more than one child. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Do you agree?

  YES
NO
12.

Pictures Taken

Do you consent to have pictures taken, posted, and shared? These images may be used in the yearbook, marketing, or promotional materials in print and on the Internet. Your agreement grants CHESS permission to post your child. However, posting their name will require written authorization and approval.

Do you agree?

  YES
NO
13. Annual Award Ceremony

We kindly ask every participating family in our annual award ceremony to consider making a suggested donation of $75. Your generosity will have a tremendous impact and enable us to continue recognizing the outstanding achievements of our students! You will receive an invitation to participate by January 31st. If you choose to participate, payment is due by March 1st of that year.

Do you agree? Yes
No
14. How did you hear about us?  15.

Your Agreement

The policies, guidelines, procedures, and requirements mentioned here, including but not limited to the information provided in our CHESS handbooks, have been compiled to safeguard our faith, ensure the safety of our families, and support our co-op group, school, and ministry endeavors. Please note that these are subject to change at any time, as determined by the Ministry.

We reserve the right to deny enrollment, re-enrollment, membership, or withdrawal of a student and their family at any time if, according to our policies, it is deemed necessary to uphold the integrity of CHESS, as well as maintain the spiritual and moral atmosphere of the co-op community. 

Do you agree? 

  YES
NO