Illinois
Coalition of Nonpublic Schools
(formerly Illinois Advisory
Committee on Nonpublic Schools)
The I.C.N.S. is a coalition of Illinois non-public elementary
and secondary schools designed to promote the fundamental goal
of education as it is set forth in the Illinois State Constitution
(Article 10, Section 1),
"Each citizen of the state of Illinois has a right to
an opportunity to obtain an education sufficient for the development
of the individual's capabilities."
They affirm that the primary obligation for the education of
the child belongs to the parents. As formal education in our society
generally occurs within the framework of the school, it remains
the parents' right and obligation to select for the education
of a child either a public or a non-public school. When the selection
of a school has been made, the State is obligated within legal
parameters and without interference to assist parents with the
schooling they have chosen.
- The ICNS represents 20 associations of non-public schools
in Illinois, one of which is the Ad Hoc Committee for Illinois
Home Education.
- The ICNS are concerned about preserving the right of parents
to select legitimate alternatives to public school education.
- The ICNS work with the Illinois State Board of Education,
the General Assembly and the Governor's office to strengthen
educational opportunities for all children in Illinois.
I.C.N.S. in action
- They monitor state-wide education activities and share information
of interest to non-public schools who seek to assist each other
in common efforts.
- The Illinois Coalition of Nonpublic Schools meets monthly.
- Members of the I.C.N.S. serve on a variety of committees
at the state level -- (Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Textbook, etc.)
- A sub-committee monitors current legislation at the State
level to keep members informed of areas which might impact on
private schools.
- The I.C.N.S. filed an Amicus Brief in a court case involving
the Department of Children and Family Services contesting a decision
which would change the regulations for day care programs.
- They publish newsletters keeping all non-public schools informed
on latest issues.
- The I.C.N.S. designed current Policies and Guidelines For
Registration and Recognition of Non-Public Elementary and Secondary
Schools (in effect since 1977), and is currently monitoring their
revision.
For more information, visit the ICNS web page at:
ICNS
117 South Cook Street, #235
Barrington, IL 60010
847/309-5220
A not-for-profit, tax exempt Illinois corporation
Revised 06/20/2005
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