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
High Desert Homeschoolers (HDH)
High Desert Homeschoolers (HDH) is a support group for families in the Victor Valley / Victorville area of Southern California.
Colorado River Homeschoolers
Colorado River Homeschoolers an inclusive homeschool group, open to all homeschoolers, regardless of style of homeschooling or religion. Located in the Bullhead City/Fort Mohave, AZ, Laughlin, NV, and Needles, CA area.
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.
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.
Unschool San Diego
Unschool San Diego is designed to facilitate connections between unschooling families in the Greater San Diego area and surrounding communities. It exists to provide a place where local unschoolers can meet and get to know one another, arrange get-togethers and have a local unschooling support group.
Bay Area Homelearners Support Group
Bay Area Homelearners Support Group offers support, park days, activities, classes, field trips, and more.
Culver City Homeschoolers
Culver City Homeschoolers is a playgroup that gets together that lives in the Culver City/West LA area.
Butte County Unschoolers and Eclectics
This email group is for unschoolers and eclectic homeschoolers in Butte County.
Truckee Tahoe Homeschoolers
Truckee Tahoe Homeschoolers is an inclusive group for homeschoolers and those considering homeschooling in the Truckee-North Lake Tahoe region.
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.
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.
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...
Unschool LA
Unschool LA is a group of Greater Los Angeles-area parents, children, teens and extended family/friends who identify as unschoolers (or their supporters).
Featured Resources
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The Outdoor Life of Children: The Importance of Nature Study and Outside Activities (Charlotte Mason Topics - Volume 2
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MCP PLAID Phonics
MCP PLAID Phonics from Modern Curriculum Press incorporates best practices for teaching essential phonemic awareness and phonics skills with lots of flexibility. Find information on these products here.
