Support Groups
Homeschoolers have created networks of support to provide a way to make friends, get ideas and information, and to offer positive socialization opportunties to their children. You can join in! There are many groups to choose from, many with specific affiliations, like Christian groups or unschoolers' groups. Some are eclectic, inclusive, and open to anyone. Whatever your interest, you are sure to find other like-minded parents. And if you don't find what you are looking for, we've put together tips for starting your own group.
Local & State Groups
Support groups offer a way for those interested in homeschooling or new to home education to get information and support. They also offer opportunities for social activities, group learning, and networking. Find a support group near you in California.
National Groups
Tap into the national homeschool movement by connecting with these national homeschool groups and support organizations.
Social Media
Connect with other homeschooling using social networking tools. You can share tips and ideas, get support, collaborate on lesson plans, upload photos, and much more.
Co-Ops
A co-op offers a way to share teaching duties with others who are excited and knowledgeable about a subject. It also offers an opportunity for your children to learn in a group and to make friends. Browse through this list of co-ops in California.
Umbrella/Cover Schools
An umbrella or cover school provides an alternative way for parents to fulfill governmental educational guidelines and requirements. Most offer a variety of services, which can include curricula, social activities, field trips, standardized testing, portfolio reviews, evaluations, and graduation materials, including diplomas. While umbrella schools do tend to the needs of homeschoolers, they are considered a type of private school in most states.
Resource Centers
Homeschool resource centers offer classes, materials, field trips, and other activities for parents and children alike. They are great ways to get new information, engage in group activities, and network with other homeschoolers.
Public School Programs
Public schools are increasing offering programs to appeal to homeschooling families, from classes to educational materials to computer and distance learning. In most cases, students enrolled in these programs are considered public school students rather than homeschoolers. Learn more about these programs and decide if these are right for your family.
Group Management
Learn how to start and manage a homeschool support group, including how to stay organized, how to handle conflict, and ideas for your support group.
What's Popular
California Homeschool Network (CHN)
California Homeschool Network is a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the fundamental right of parents to educate their children.
San Francisco Homeschoolers
Inclusive support group for homeschoolers in the San Francisco area. Offers classes, activities, park days, nature hikes, Brownie Girl Scouts troop, Boy Scouts, crafts, and more.
Homeschooling Children With Love
This group was formed to post events and share information or ideas that may be useful to families that homeschool or are considering homeschooling in Placer and surrounding counties.
Unschool LA
Unschool LA is a group of Greater Los Angeles-area parents, children, teens and extended family/friends who identify as unschoolers (or their supporters).
Family Homeschool Adventures
Family Homeschool Adventures is an inclusive activity group for Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara and surrounding communities. They are an active group with weekly park days and monthly field trips. We meet every week, weather permitting, at a park in Lompoc.
Home Schooling at Beale Air Force Base
The purpose of this group is to provide a venue for assistance and information concerning home schooling at Beale AFB. It is open to all who wish to participate, whether a member of a local charter school, independent study program, private school (R4) filer, or those who may just be curious about home schooling in general.
San Diego County 4-H Homeschool Group
San Diego County 4-H Homeschool Group is a group of homeschoolers who have a interest in 4-H. This list discusses the group's activites, meeting schedules, leader info, current projects, etc.
Culver City Homeschoolers
Culver City Homeschoolers is a playgroup that gets together that lives in the Culver City/West LA area.
South Orange County Home Schooling Group
South Orange County Home Schooling Group is an inclusive and eclectic multi-age and multi-leveled educational based support group for families in South Orange County. Members include families just checking out homeschooling, new homeschoolers, and those who have homeschooled for years. The group sponsors a weekly park day, member hosted field trips, and member hosted special events/activities (i.e. book clubs, Discovery Days, science fairs, MNOs).
San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District (SLVUSD) Charter School
This conversion charter school serves homeschool children from across the state. They offer classes, curricula, and a lending library.
Temecula Home Education
Email support group for homeschoolers living in or near the Temecula Valley area of California.
OC Homeschool Events
This is an announcements only (low volume) for events and activities that may be of interest to homeschooling families in and around the Orange County, California area.
Solano Homeschools
Solano Homeschools is a secular group for Solano County homeschoolers to meet each other, plan educational field trips, exchange information, and chat. Member include those actively homeschooling in the Dixon-Vacaville-Fairfield area.
Mountain and Desert Homeschoolers in Southern California
Mountain and Desert Homeschoolers in Southern California is a support group for families living in the mountain and desert areas of Southern California, including Big Bear, Arrowhead, Crestline, Hysperia, Victorville, and the surrounding areas.
Del Rey Home Educators
Del Rey Home Educators is a group of home school families enrolled in the private ISP Del Rey, located in San Diego/El Cajon, California.
Looking for Another State?
Featured Resources
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