Peoria Standard

Travis Weaver, the state representative for Illinois' 93rd District, has expressed support for homeschooling as an ideal solution for many children. He pledged continued backing for homeschool families in a statement made on X.

"Homeschooling isn't the problem," said Travis Robert Weaver, State Representative from Illinois. "For many kids, it's the perfect solution. I will always defend homeschool families."

In early 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 2827, known as the "Homeschool Act," which aimed to increase oversight of homeschooling through mandatory registration, education plans, and penalties for non-compliance. According to reports, the bill sparked intense backlash and drew over 90,000 opposing witness slips—a state record. Although it missed a legislative deadline, sponsor Representative Terra Costa Howard indicated plans to revise and reintroduce the measure.

Accurate figures on Illinois’ homeschooling population are challenging to determine since the state does not mandate registration. However, data from 2022 showed that approximately 4,493 students were reported as withdrawn from public schools for homeschooling—double the number from a decade ago. Experts suggest that the true number is significantly higher due to the lack of comprehensive reporting requirements.

Research indicates that homeschooled students often outperform their public school peers academically. Studies show they score 15 to 30 percentile points higher on standardized achievement tests. While results can vary depending on teaching quality, curriculum, and home environment, the data suggests that homeschooling can offer a strong and effective educational alternative.

Weaver has been a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 93rd District since January 2023 and has been a strong advocate for homeschooling freedoms. He has publicly opposed efforts to increase state oversight, arguing that additional regulations are unnecessary and burdensome. Weaver maintains that homeschooling provides a flexible and effective alternative to traditional public education, particularly for families seeking more control over their children’s learning environment.