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
Mind Explorers
Mind Explorers is an eclectic, non-sectarian homeschool support group of Napa Valley. Offers ideas, activities, and homeschooling discussions.
Culver City Homeschoolers
Culver City Homeschoolers is a playgroup that gets together that lives in the Culver City/West LA area.
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.
South Orange County Homeschool Info List (SOCHS-INFO)
This list is for families interested in obtaining more information about South Orange County Homeschooling Support Group (SOCHS). This home school group serves communities that are south of Los Angeles and north of San Diego located in Southern California. The majority of our members are from San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Foothill Ranch, Irvine, Huntington Beach Newport Beach.
San Joaquin Homeschoolers
San Joaquin Homeschoolers is a place to keep in touch with other homeschoolers in the Greater Stockton area
So Cal Homeschool Teen Connection
This is the Southern California Homeschool Teen Connection Announcement board. This group is strictly for promoting Teen Only activities around southern California and connecting teen homeschoolers to groups in their locality.
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).
Alternative Family Education-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz City Schools Alternative Family Education (AFE) is an independent home study school provided for kindergarten through twelfth grade students and families who prefer an individualized approach to education, combined with the support of school district resources. The program gives parents the responsibility to directly supervise instruction, with professional guidance from a credentialed teacher consultant. The program is designed by and for homeschool families, with teacher consultants...
California Homeschool Leaders
California Homeschool Network invites local support group leaders throughout California to join together in a statewide e-mail list to network together on legal and legislative issues that might impact all California homeschoolers. This list is limited to local leaders, and also legal/legislative representatives from the 3 state organizations.
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...
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.
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.
Temecula Home Education
Email support group for homeschoolers living in or near the Temecula Valley area of California.
High Desert Homeschoolers (HDH)
High Desert Homeschoolers (HDH) is a support group for families in the Victor Valley / Victorville area of Southern California.
San Francisco Homeschoolers
San Francisco Homeschoolers is an inclusive group of homeschooling families in San Francisco that meets weekly park days and other events.
Looking for Another State?
Featured Resources
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