Free Republic

************************************************************************** ISBE DECIDES TO SHUT OUT PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS Citing budget constraints, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has decided to eliminate its state recognition process for nonpublic schools starting with the 2004-2005 school year. Last year, about 800 private schools, most of them parochial schools, were certified by the State. This accreditation is important for many reasons, including: - Participation in IHSA athletics - Student access to many scholarships - Many colleges and universities require attendance at a state recognized secondary school as a prerequisite for admission - Many federal, state, and local grants are only open to...