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
Freedom Valley Home Learners
Freedom Valley Home Learners is an all-inclusive group of homeschooling families in the Temecula Valley area. The purpose of the group is to provide information and support to homeschooling families in the Temecula Valley area. Offers regular parkdays throughout the valley and fieldtrips throughout Southern California. Most of the members of this group reside in Southwest Riverside County (Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Canyon Lake, Wildomar, Menifee, South Corona, and Temecula and outlying areas).
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).
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.
Homeschoolers of La Mirada
Homeschoolers of La Mirada is an inclusive support group for families in the La Mirada area.
All Ways Learning-Discuss
All Ways Learning is an inclusive group of homeschooling families in the Silicon Valley. This is the email discussion group for the group.
San Joaquin Homeschoolers
San Joaquin Homeschoolers is a place to keep in touch with other homeschoolers in the Greater Stockton area
CaliforniaHS-Announcements
CHN's announcement list is for California homeschoolers who want to receive homeschooling announcements, alerts, and other important homeschooling information, without discussion, debate, or chatting.
Fresno and Madera Homeschoolers
Fresno and Madera (FAM) Homeschoolers is a group of homeschooling families from Fresno and Madera counties in Central California. Offers support to local homeschoolers, and provides group activities and discussion. The group is open to all homeschoolers, regardless of method or other affiliations.
Ventura Homeschool
Ventura Homeschool is a support resource for homeschoolers in and around Ventura, California. This is an inclusive homeschooling group that welcomes all styles of homeschooling.
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.
Homeschooling in Orange County
Provides information and support to home educating families in Orange County.
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.
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.
San Francisco Homeschoolers
San Francisco Homeschoolers is an inclusive group of homeschooling families in San Francisco that meets weekly park days and other events.
West Valley Homeschoolers of Los Angeles
Support group for West Valley Homeschoolers of Los Angeles, California, a secular group of homeschooling families.
Featured Resources
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