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
Classical Homeschoolers of the Silicon Valley
Classical Homeschoolers of the Silicon Valley is an all-inclusive support group for those following the classical homeschooling education model of "The Well Trained Mind" (Jessie Wise and Susan Bauer) or similar methods (e.g. Hirsch, Bennett, Mason).
Northern California Special Needs Homeschooling
This is a place for parents of special needs children living in Northern California to talk about their adventures in homeschooling.
Butte County Unschoolers and Eclectics
This email group is for unschoolers and eclectic homeschoolers in Butte County.
Mind Explorers
Mind Explorers is an eclectic, non-sectarian homeschool support group of Napa Valley. Offers ideas, activities, and homeschooling discussions.
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.
Homeschooling in Santa Clarita Valley
Email group based in the Santa Clarita Valley, California. Offers support, local information, field trips, park days, and more.
All Ways Learning-Discuss
All Ways Learning is an inclusive group of homeschooling families in the Silicon Valley. This is the email discussion group for the group.
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.
South Bay Free Scholars
The South Bay Free Scholars homeschooling group meets weekly in the San Jose, CA area. This email list facilitates discussions for the group.
Heritage Valley Homeschoolers
Heritage Valley Homeschoolers is a support/social group for homeschoolers in the Upper Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru areas of Ventura County.
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.
YoHoAnnounce
This list is for the posting of announcements and discussion of interest to homeschooling families living in or near Yolo county, including Davis, Woodland and West Sacramento. Discussion topics include field trips, classes, and community events, as well as any questions about homeschooling in this region.
Homegrown Kids
Homegrown Kids is an inclusive group of homeschooling families in the East Bay. They meet weekly for park days and organize field trips, classes, potlucks, and other events according to members' interests and schedules.
Homeschool Fun for Silicon Valley Teens
This support group, inclusive and non-profit, fosters a rich social life amongst homeschool and small school students by organizing sports leagues, dances, games, Karaoke, bowling, pizza or movie nights. Teens take responsibility to pick the events, decide upon the participants, set rules and select volunteers on this site, even to set up and clean up. Parents of teens then supervise and advise to make this group beneficial to all.
West River Academy
West River Academy is a fully accredited independent private school in Colorado designed for families who desire the benefits of private school enrollment but minimal oversight over their educational activities. Families may follow the curriculum and/or learning style of their choice, or may receive assistance from us in designing or choosing a program that fits their needs. Grading of students is optional and if desired, it is done by the parents. West River Academy enrolls students of all ages...
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