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 Florida.
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 Florida.
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
Brandon Homeschool Cooperative (BHC)
Brandon Homeschool Cooperative (BHC) is a fully inclusive group of families that shares resources, ideas, and support for all methods of homeschooling. There are regular activities for children in a wide variety of ages, including park days, field trips, and subject sessions. Parents also enjoy the monthly Parent's Night Out, as well as sessions that provide information and support for homeschooling.
Other activities and benefits include Scholastic book ordering, FPEA and SHEAF membership at...
Pasco Christian Homeschooling Association
This homeschool support group serves families in Pasco County. There are monthly parent meetings and activities for the kids.
Oasis Christian Academy
O.C.A. is a private school whose method of education is homeschooling. It operates as a homeschool umbrella school.
Orlando Home Educators (OHE)
Orlando Home Educators is a vibrant co-op group for homeschool families to meet and plan group activities. This is a secular home school group serving families in central Florida (within easy driving distance of Orlando).
Florida LIFE
Florida LIFE is the discussion list for the statewide support and networking group, LIFE of Florida, and affiliated state chapters. This list acts as a resource center and clearinghouse for home and alternative educators interested in enriching their learning environments and maximizing their learning opportunities, and as an advocacy center for Choice in Education.
Pensacola Unschoolers Email List
This is the email list for L.I.F.E. (Learning in Freedom Everyday), an alternative education support group in Pensacola, Fl, composed of radical unschoolers, some just leaning that way, and some of the school at home variety. This is an all inclusive, eclectic group aimed at supporting the unschooling family.
Secular Home Educators Association of Florida (SHEAF)
Secular Home Educators Association of Florida is organized to provide support for secular homeschool families in Florida.
Chipola Home Educators
The purpose of Chipola Home Educators is to enrich the educational and social elements of each homeschooling family. They provide field trips, group activities, and park day gatherings so that children can learn and play together. They also support adult family members. Moms' meetings provide an opportunity to give and receive encouragement, as well as exchange ideas and resources. Many of the members are Christians, but a statement of faith is not required to join Chipola Home Educators.
FL Scholars Homeschool Group
FL SCHOLARS (Students Choosing Homeschool Opportunities for Learning and Resources) Homeschool Group, Inc. is an educational co-op meeting in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville, FL on Monday mornings September through April, for a total of 24 classes each year. Classes range from preschool activities on up through high school level computer programming, and everything in between. There is a mix of free classes taught by parents, and pay classes offered through outside instructors. Parental involv...
Community Christian Homeschoolers
Community Christian Homeschoolers is a Christian support group serving families in Alachua and surrounding counties offering fellowship, support, and encouragement for parents: park days, field trips and other activities for their children. CCH began in 1985 with just a handful of families and has now grown to over approximately 70-75 member families. The large group meets two times each year for re-registration and an Information Fair. This large group is broken down into sub-groups of 5-10 fam...
Arlington Explorers (AE)
The Arlington Explorers (AE) is an eclectic homeschool support group serving Arlington and surrounding areas that meets for weekly park dates, monthly field trips, and quarterly service projects.
Catholic Homeschooling
This Catholic homeschooling email list is intended to discuss issues of homeschooling and everyday life in the Catholic home.
THINK Tampa Homeschoolers Instructing & Nurturing Kids
THINK is a co-op for homeschool families. It is an inclusive group, which means that they are open to all homeschooling families. They provide group fun and learning opportunities for homeschool students and families.
NOAH Discussion
This is an offshoot of the North Okaloosa Association of Homeschoolers announcement list and is an open forum discussion list to chat about local events, ideas, prayer requests, curriculum, and related topics.
Tampa Area Home Ed
A list for Christian home educators in the Tampa, FL area.
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