While failing its own students, Illinois lawmakers target parents who seek educational freedom through homeschooling ... children in the nearest public school—despite not attending it.

Looking for the best public middle schools in Illinois? School rankings are a valuable resource for parents, helping them compare academic performance, student outcomes and overall school quality.

The IAR test is given to students in grades three through eight in public school districts to examine “their readiness for what’s next,” according to the Illinois State Board of Education.