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
Humboldt Unschoolers
Share your homeschooling journey. Unschooling is a life-long learning adventure. Unschoolers learn from everything, so feel free to talk about anything and everything. Come share your stories, ask questions, philosophize. Find out what's going on in Humboldt County, and/or make things happen.
Truckee Tahoe Homeschoolers
Truckee Tahoe Homeschoolers is an inclusive group for homeschoolers and those considering homeschooling in the Truckee-North Lake Tahoe region.
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).
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.
Tri-City Homeschoolers
Tri-City Homeschoolers (TCH) is an informal community of homeschooling families in the Fremont-Union City-Newark area. They are an inclusive, secular group, and they welcome all homeschoolers regardless of race, religious orientation, or homeschooling program. The group offers weekly park days, an annual Talent Show, an annual Games Day, and general support and friendship.
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.
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.
Riverside Area Home Learners (RAHL)
RAHL offers friendly, homeschooling support to all families, whether they are just beginning their home-schooling journey or have been traveling the road for years. They have park days, field trips, and other activities.
Homeschooling in Orange County
Provides information and support to home educating families in Orange County.
North Valley Academy
North Valley Academy is a group of families of North Valley Church in Antelope, CA.
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.
Liberty Christian Academy-Ventura County
Liberty Christian Academy is a non-profit, non-accredited, conservative, Bible-based, private school utilizing the Independent Study Program option, as per the California Eductional Code.
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.
West Orange County Homeschool Group
West Orange County Homeschooling Group is an inclusive, member directed support group of home schooling families, located in Southern California. The majority of members reside in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Westminster, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Santa Ana and surrounding cities.
Welcome Homeschoolers
Welcome Homeschoolers is a support group for homeschooling families from Redwood City to San Francisco. Their purpose is to offer support, information and encouragement to homeschoolers and those interested in homeschooling.
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