Local Homeschool Support Groups
A New Homeschooler's Lifeline
Local homeschool support groups vary widely in their mission and activities.
Some are completely internet based providing e-mail chain or website information about area homeschool events, curriculum sale notices, and advice.
Some have support and encouragement activities for parents only. These might include parent meetings or mom’s nights out.
Some are co-ops and provide and outlet for children and parents opportunities to learn together through classes or field trips.
Some are a mix of all of the above.
Finding a local homeschool support group as a new homeschooler was critical for me. The women I met were understanding and helpful to this frazzled, nervous, former teacher about to embark on an unknown journey.
My children were “mid year pullouts.”
Read my story here.
I knew the homeschool support group was meeting the last day they went to school. I dropped them off that day with cookies and milk (to share with their classmates) and went directly to the location of their meeting place.
I nervously waited in the parking lot for 45 minutes wondering if we were making the right decision. When the group started to arrive, I went inside and explained to the first person I saw that today was my children’s last day at public school. We would start homeschooling on Monday. WHAT DO I DO?!?
Immediately, three or four other women gathered around congratulating me and telling me everything would be OK. They plugged me into a small group class for new homeschool moms. (The children were all attending their own “classes”.) I learned so much in that hour.
Before I left, several of the mom’s suggested I pick my children up from school and meet them at a local park after lunch. “That way, they’ll get to meet some kids right away.” Needless to say, I was thrilled with the idea and we showed up at the park. I couldn’t believe the size of the turnout. There had to have been 50 people-all homeschoolers- there. The girls were nervous, but found several new playmates of varying ages. The moms just sat around in the grass and talked while the kids played. I was amazed at how well all the children got along. Teens were playing soccer with 8 year olds, 8 year olds were playing with toddlers, and everyone was having a good time, we stayed almost 3 hours!
I’m sure I would have done fine homeschooling on my own, but the extra encouragement and wisdom that is available from families in the local homeschool support group is incredible. Once you get a year or two under your belt, stick around and help someone who is newer than you are, you’ll be surprised at the positive influence you will continue to experience by helping others in their journey. I’ve had many veteran moms (ladies with nearly 20 years of homeschooling experience) say they are so energized by the new members’ enthusiasm, it keeps them from "homeschool burn out." I’m happy to say I am still an active member of that group and hopefully “repaying” some of the benefits I received by helping other new homeschoolers.
Check the list below for a homeschool support group in your area. If none is listed, do a Google search using your city name plus “homeschool group” and see what comes up. You can also check with your local librarian – they usually know the homeschool families, especially in the children’s department.
Some larger cities may have more than one group. Talk to the leadership or visit the ones you are interested in and choose one that you think is the best fit for your family. Of course it is fine to join more than one, but most families are only “really active” in one group.
I hope you find great encouragement and ideas from all those veteran homeschool families out there!
I would love to list your group on this site. Click here to skip down to the link request form. If your group would like help planning field trips,
click here for details on my e-book that makes field trip planning a breeze for homeschool support groups.
Alabama
Lake Forest Home School Club - We are a Christian home school activities and support group for families living on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Please visit our website map to see if your city is within our area for participation and use links to other regional groups.
North Alabama Home Educators - We are a not-for-profit support group for anyone in the North Alabama area interested in home education.
North Baldwin County -
We are a christian support group for families living in North Baldwin County. We host creation science classes in our group. We provide helpful information for new homeschoolers and veteran homeschoolers. visit our site and see if we would be a great resource for your family.
Indiana
White County Home Educators - This support group is for those homeschooling families who are in White County and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to encourage and support those just beginning this home educating process as well as those who are veteran homeschoolers. To do this, we offer field trips as well as special groups, clubs, and events to our members. There is also information available for those who have not joined our membership - a calendar of upcoming events in the area available to all, website links and articles to help in your schooling.
Mississippi
Christian Home Educators in Lowndes County - A group of like-minded believers who strive to support and encourage each other in our endeavor to homeschool our children.
Ohio
Grace Home Extension Program -
is the perfect place for Christian homeschooling families to participate in classes to receive academic credit or for families who would like to enhance their children's homeschool experience. Grace Home Extension Program follows the classical education model and classes are offered in all subjects for grades K-12. Grace Home Extension Program believes "we should be consciously striving to prepare the next generation for the new battles they will face" (Francis Schaffer) and we take this mission seriously while at the same time making learning fun. For more information and to view the class schedule, please visit our website.
New Heights Education - exists to help people find the right education for their family. We welcome all families regardless of school choice (Charter, Public, Parochial and/or Home schools), religious background, race and socio-economic status.
New Heights Educational Group strives to provide parents with all available options to help round out and strengthen their child’s education, including but not limited to classes in the arts. We will also offer fieldtrips, support group meetings, sporting activities and live productions and other opportunities in our tri-State area.
Oklahoma
Green Country HERO (Green Country Home Educators Resource Organization) - was established to provide support for homeschoolers in the greater Tulsa area. The group is open to all homeschoolers and is Christian based. We provide a wide variety of social and educational opportunities, all organized by group members. Benefits include the following: a monthly newsletter, a member directory, use of our lending library, an HSLDA discount, bi-monthly business meetings, and monthly moms night out. We are affiliated with OCHEC, THE, and HERO of Oklahoma.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Guild of Home Teachers - is a Christian-run group that organizes activities on the state level and in local chapters. We also offer support to homeschoolers in dealing with school districts and encouragement in all aspects of homeschooling.
South Carolina
Carolina Homeschooler
- formed in 2004 to increase communication and support for South Carolina's Third Option homeschoolers. Third Option homeschoolers are those who choose to register through an accountability association which operates under Section 59-65-47 (the third option) of the SC Code of Laws.
Tennessee
The Center for Homeschool Excellence- Looking for an active homeschool group? We offer field trips, service projects, classes for all grades (including high school), Heart and Soul Mom's Meetings, support, encouragement and more! We have the privilege of meeting in the old Snow Hill Elementary School in Ooltewah, TN. Area: Chattanooga, Ooltewah, Collegedale, Harrison, Hixson, Hwy 58, Birchwood, Cleveland
Texas
Christian Home Educators Family Support (CHEFS) of Hunt County - is a support group whose goal is to encourage one another and provide fellowship for our members. First and foremost, we desire to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in all that we do. We strive to be an encouragement to one another as we educate and disciple our children. We offer field trips, fellowships, and parent-taught cooperative classes for preschool through 12th grade. We are a private, membership-based, dues supported organization. Monthly meetings are open to members and prospective members. Visit our website to find out when our next meeting is. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Virginia
Winchester Area Homeschoolers Association
- is a voluntary support group for homeschooling families and those interested in homeschooling in the Winchester Virginia and Northern Shenandoah Valley area. Assisting new homeschoolers is one of our top priorities. WAHA will help to provide support and information to first-year homeschoolers as they face these challenges. WAHA is also part of a support system for the established homeschoolers. We strive to provide cooperative learning activities and socialization opportunities for both children and parents. We focus a great deal on field trips and group activities that provide both education and fun. We also make sure our members are aware of educational and legislative information relative to homeschooling. Much of this information is given through our groups private message forum on The Apple Peel website.
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