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
Home Educators Lending Parents Support (HELPS)
Home Educators Lending Parents Support (HELPS) is an inclusive home school support group serving Broward and surrounding counties. They offer field trips, events and focus groups.
Why Join? How Can a Support Group Help Me?
The FPEA helps safeguard your legal right to homeschool by keeping its finger on the pulse of what’s happening in Tallahassee and Washington. The FPEA partners with the Home Education Foundation (a full-time lobbyist) and the Home School Legal Defense Association. The annual FPEA Day at the Capitol shows legislators that homeschoolers have a united voice.
The Homeschooler's Friend (THF)
The Homeschooler's Friend (THF) is a homeschool support organization open to all homeschoolers in Bay County, FL and the surrounding areas. THF offers the unique opportunity of belonging to a group where each member shares benefits including monthly newsletters, support meetings, field trips, park days, classes, and more.
JMJ Catholic Home School Support Group
This is a Roman Catholic home schooling community, faithful to the Magisterium of the Church, offering social opportunities for families in the Tampa area. The flexible approach fosters friendship, fellowship, and support, while helping members grow in the Catholic faith, following the model of the Holy Family. Current enrichment opportunities include art, science, literature, creative writing, Spanish, sports classes/clubs and various field trips for Preschool through high school. Current fait...
Palm Beach Homeschool Moms
Palm Beach Homeschool Moms is an active, inclusive and social support group for homeschooling mothers of school-age children. All members are encouraged to plan and participate in many fun and enriching activities including playdates, field trips, study sessions and more.
Life Learners
Life Learners is a secular homeschool group servicing Highlands and Hardee Counties of Florida. They are relaxed homeschoolers interested in learning through living rather than testing, grades and forced learning. Membership benefits include gatherings, field trips, play days, homeschool discussion and group membership with the Secular Home Educators Association of Florida.
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 currently over 50 member families. They have 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 bo...
Pinellas Parents Educator's Association
This support group of approximately 300 homeschooling families. They offer a newsletter, field trips, a homeschool lending library, a science fair, used curriculum sale, and a graduation ceremony, along with monthly homeschool support group meetings and county wide orientation meetings for new homeschoolers.
Academy Of Biblical Character Development (ABCD)
850 N.E. 36th Terrace Unit E
Ocala, Florida 34470
Phone: 352-694-ABCD (2223)
The Academy Of Biblical Character Development (ABCD) began with a handful of families committed to the godly upbringing and teaching of their children. The school was incorporated in 1984 in accordance with Florida Statute Section 623 and operates solely in Marion County. Since its inception, ABCD has grown to an organization of more than 120 students, representing approximately 75 families from a broad spectrum...
APPLE Homeschool Group
APPLE is an Adventist homeschool support group for families in the Central Florida area. On this site their homeschool activities, field trips, workshops, etc. are shared. Ideas, encouragement, and support are also passed along among members.
HOPE at Home-Florida
HOPE at Home-Florida is a homeschool support list for families in Northwest Florida.
Homeschooling in Central Florida
Homeschooling in Central Florida is a support group for parents in Central Florida who are interested in discussions about issues affecting homeschooling. This group is centered in the Orlando area and is open to those from the surrounding areas.
Summit Homeschool Co-op
Their purpose is to provide a Christ centered cooperative learning and social experience by combining adult gifts and talents to meet the needs of older homeschooled students, thus providing an opportunity for growth and service to all who participate.
Parents Educating Children (PEC)
Parents Educating Children (PEC) was created out of a need for homeschooling parents to come together to offer each other support and to share information on different aspects of home education. The purpose of PEC is to support and encourage its member families who are engaged in a home education program, as well as those considering home schooling as an academic option.
Christian Institute of Arts & Sciences
6100-H West Fairfield Drive
Pensacola, FL 32506
Phone: 850-457-4058
The Christian Institute of Arts & Sciences is a private school designed to provide a structured organization for parents who want their children to have the benefits of home education with the advantage of enrollment in a private Christian school.
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Featured Resources
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Drawn Into the Heart of Reading
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The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education
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Florida History from the Highways
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Only Child: Writers on the Singular Joys and Solitary Sorrows of Growing Up Solo
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