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.
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| Local & State Groups |
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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.
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| National Groups |
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Tap into the national homeschool movement by connecting with these national homeschool groups and support organizations.
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| Email Groups & Lists |
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Connecting via email can be a life-line for anyone who is looking for support, guidance, information, and friendship. Many support groups rely on email lists to facilitate communication and to pass along information and ideas. Browse through these group to find some that might meet your needs.
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| Forums & Message Boards |
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Message boards and forums are like the public squares of homeschooling. Come and find ongoing discussion covering every aspect of homeschooling imaginable.
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| Social Networking |
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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.
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| Co-Ops |
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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.
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| Cover/Umbrella Schools |
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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.
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| Resource Centers |
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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.
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| Public School Programs |
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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.
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| Support Group Management: Starting & Running a Support Group |
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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.
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Homeschool CPA |
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As more parents choose to homeschool, homeschool support groups and co-ops find that they are no longer the small group of moms they were when they started. Perhaps your homeschool organization is growing and you need help. You may be wondering how to manage a larger group or how to establish a budget for your group, or even becoming a formally recognized nonprofit. Do you know what 501c3 means and is your group ready? Here you’ll find helpful articles on the steps to take, answers to your questions and products and links to guide you. This website was created by a homeschooling mother and Certified Public Accountant, specializing in not-for-profit management and accounting.
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Brevard HEAT (Home Educators Activities Teams) |
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Brevard County, Florida |
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Brevard HEAT (Home Educators Activities Teams) is designed to assist homeschool parents in Brevard County who desire their children to participate in extra-curricular activities with quality instruction in a moral environment. They are a member of Florida High School Activities Association and offer various Varsity and Jr. High sports to homeschool students. This allows homeschooled students to compete on a team of their own. They offer programs in cross country, volleyball, gold, basketball, soccer, track and field, and tennis.
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Willow Creek Home Educators |
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Seminole County, Orange County, Florida |
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WCHE is a ministry of Willow Creek Church, PCA, operating as a home school support group. They have many activities planned throughout the year, including field trips, events and clubs for all ages, as well as two 8-week co-op class sessions (fall and spring). |
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Live Free Learn Free Email Group |
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This group is an announcement list for the print magazine Live Free Learn Free, a forum for unschoolers and relaxed homeschoolers in which to share ideas and experiences. |
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Starting a New Support Group |
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One of the most persistent criticisms of homeschooling is that the children will have no social life. Though homeschooling parents may know better, many parents are more secure knowing a number of other homeschoolers in their area so children can get together with other kids who are being homeschooled. You may find, however, that there is no group in your area. As you (and any interested parents you may know) consider forming a group, you may want to consider some questions first. |
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