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
Sierra Homeschool Network
A homeschool support group open to all families in Nevada, Placer and Yuba Counties of California. The group offers support, and activities to families who are homeschooling or just considering homeschooling.
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.
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.
Modesto Area Homeschooling
This email loop is for Modesto area homeschoolers. Includes information about homeschool events, field trips, co-ops, park days or anything else going on in the area that would be of interest to the homeschooling community.
CaliforniaHS
Email support group sponsored by California Homeschool Network (CHN), a non-profit statewide organization.
Homeschooling in Santa Clarita Valley
Email group based in the Santa Clarita Valley, California. Offers support, local information, field trips, park days, 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.
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.
Homeschooling in Orange County
Provides information and support to home educating families in Orange County.
High Desert Homeschoolers
High Desert Homeschoolers is a group of Victor Valley, California, parents who have chosen to educate their children outside of the traditional classroom. Offers support and homeschooling ideas, as well as fun opportunities, both structured and informal, in a safe supervised setting.
San Diego Wonderschool
San Diego Wonderschool is a holistic education co-operative organized by families practicing attachment parenting styles and other forms of natural parenting and natural living.
Sycamore Tree Center for Home Education
The Sycamore Tree, Inc. was incorporated in California in 1982, and provides homeschool educational services to students in grades K-12. This is a text-based homeschool computer program. They also provide testing services.
Learning Circle Cooperative Homeschool Support
The Learning Circle Homeschool Support Group is an inclusive group partially sponsored by Trinity Lutheran ISP. Homeschool families of varying religious or educational philosophies are members. Serves all homeschool families in San Benito County and adjoining counties.
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.
Sunland Christian School (SCS)
Sunland Christian School (SCS) is an evangelical Christian ministry operating to serve families who desire to teach their own children at home by providing accountability, resources and counsel. They are accredited with the National Independent Study Accreditation Council (NISAC). They offer classes, record keeping services, field trips, seminars, achievement testing, summer school, a high school program, high school graduation, and more.
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