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).
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.
CaliforniaHS-Calendar
CHN's Statewide Calendar of Events gives the latest on activities, field trips, & classes for all California homeschoolers. Sponsored by California Homeschool Network, a non-profit organization for all who are interested in homeschooling in CA. Use the list to learn about field trips, cooperative classes, and homeschooling events taking place in your community and throughout California. Information about homeschool days at museums, and theme parks, etc., is welcome. Support groups are encouraged...
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.
Bay Area Homelearners Support Group
Bay Area Homelearners Support Group offers support, park days, activities, classes, field trips, and more.
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.
Hawthorne Center
Hawthorne Center is a non-profit corporation with the mission to provide homeschool teachers in Southern Califonria with opportunities to stimulate their students. With that purpose in mind the Center is in the process of developing innovative programs and projects to supplement and suppport homeschool teachers' efforts to make the homeschooling experience as rewarding as possible. The Center is developing Early College programs and projects. Students who participate in one or more Hawthorne C...
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.
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.
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 Francisco Gifted Kids
San Francisco Gifted Kids is an email resource group for parents of gifted children in San Francisco to share tips, events, inspiration, and support, to ask and answer questions, and link to other relevant resources.
San Francisco Bay Area Homeschooling
San Francisco Bay Area Homeschooling support group offers information, resources, and support. This list is sponsored by Homefires, "The Journal of Homeschooling Online" and is dedicated to networking information in an all-inclusive, neutral forum that is respectful of all beliefs and philosophies.
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.
Home4Kids
Home4Kids is an inclusive group of homeschoolers from the West San Gabriel Valley (California) and its surrounding area. Offers park days, field trips, outings, and more.
Homefires Calendar
Get the latest updates on field trips, co-op classes, museum days, park days, educational events, etc., for homeschoolers in California and beyond, with special focus on the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Featured Resources
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