Homeschool Community and Support Organizations

As you begin your homeschool journey, you will have many questions. One place to find what you need is through support organizations. Homeschooling has been a vital and thriving educational alternative for over 25 years, producing many knowledgeable people just waiting to help you succeed. Homeschool organizations usually include membership and contain resources to support you and your family in your homeschool effort. They are a fabulous resource for information and relationship.

There is a support to be found for every niche in the diverse homeschool population; geographical location, educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and curriculum preference. Some groups are highly structured, while others are loose social networks or simple email lists. Some groups are inclusive and welcome everyone. In others, membership-only offered to those that adhere to a specific set of beliefs. There are organizations dedicated solely to educating parents and some whose focus is activities for children.

Questions to Ask When Searching for a Homeschool Support Group:

Table of Contents

–  What does the homeschool support group offer?
–  Does the homeschool support group charge fees?
–  Do I agree with the homeschool support group’s purpose and values?
–  What are my responsibilities to the homeschool support group?

Types of Homeschool Support Groups

National Homeschool Support Groups

The groups that are on a national level provide information and resources instead of direct relationship. These are excellent resources for up-to-date information, trends, and articles from experts.

State Homeschool Support Groups

State organizations focus on supporting homeschooling state-wide. They usually are involved in the legal process including policing legislation, lobbying, and communicating to its members what is happening on the legal front. The state organizations are also a great place to find out about local support groups and special events such as homeschool conferences, seminars, and book fairs. Many state groups offer newsletters or magazines in order to communicate.

Local Homeschool Support Groups

The local group is often where people jump in, get involved and build relationships. The local group is a rich environment where the grassroots of homeschooling take place. It is a place for you and your children to make friends and build camaraderie. Because of the sheer number and variety, finding the right group for your family may take some time. Make some calls, ask questions, and visit around to different groups.

Special Interest Homeschool Support Groups

These groups are more exclusive in their membership because they focus on particular religious beliefs, curricula, or various teaching methods and learning styles. These offer further help, forums, and articles for you to gain knowledge and confidence in your preferred method or challenge. These are good sites to visit if you are considering a particular method. Also included in this group are satellite schools, umbrella schools, curriculum support, and educational coops.

Virtual Homeschool Support Groups

Virtual support has exploded over the last few years. There are dozens of websites, email lists, blogs, articles, and ezines to find information and support.

Links to Homeschool Support Organizations

General Interest Homeschool Support Groups

Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
HSLDA is the premiere site for understanding the legal issues that surround home education. Their goal is to protect the freedom of all homeschoolers through education, legislative advocacy, and defending member families should that be necessary.

The Home School Foundation

American Homeschooling Association

National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools

National Home Education research Institute

National Home Education Network

National HS Social Register