All Illinois students have a right to attend school for free, but most schools ask students to pay various fees for things like lockers, field trips, a graduation cap and gown, or even science lab courses.
Schools have a process for waiving fees for families:
At traditional public schools and charter schools, if you receive free or reduced breakfast or lunch, you can also have school fees waived. This means that the fee is not charged, and you will not have to pay it at any point. But you will still be able to participate or receive the benefit as though you paid the fee. For example, you will be allowed to go on the field trip, get your cap and gown, and take the science lab course.
Schools cannot punish or discriminate against families or students if a family cannot afford to pay required fees or fines. Schools cannot do any of the following because a student is unable to pay school fees:
Under recent changes to Illinois law, charter schools must waive all fees other public schools do. Also, students experiencing homelessness cannot be fined for lost or destroyed property.
Schools are required to include a “Waiver of School Fees” form with the first fee notice each school year. You can request and submit this form at any time during the school year.
CCH builds community power and advances racial equity through organizing, advocacy, legal assistance, and education to prevent and end homelessness because housing is a human right.
© 2025 Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness | Donor Privacy Policy
