Last Updated on April 9, 2024 by Sarah McCubbin
You may be wondering, how do I find homeschool groups in my area? After all, community is essential. They say, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but if that is the case, I want to pick my village carefully. And with a full plate of responsibilities, it can be challenging to find like-minded people to spend time with.
I’m going to share the best places to find homeschool groups. And further down, I have specific tips on finding groups for teens and for making mom friend’s in your group!
But before I do, I must warn you…this can take a little bit of time. People want to find a group FAST, but unless you know someone in the group, that is often challenging! If it takes a few months…or even a full year to find your people, don’t get discouraged. You will find them!!
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Table of Contents
State Homeschool Organization Websites
Most states have a state homeschool organization that helps families in the states stay in compliance with the law and connect with local resources.
On their websites, they often maintain lists of local homeschool groups and support groups. Because homeschooling is growing so quickly, these lists may be incomplete…or a group may have moved locations. But they are definitely worth checking out as a good place to start your search!
List of State Homeschool Organization Websites
State & Local Facebook Groups
If you find yourself up at night searching,”homeschool groups near me” or “homeschool groups in my area,” the BEST place to start your search is on local and state Facebook groups. State groups often have a files section which lists homeschool groups by region.
Local or County Facebook groups will also have a listing of homeschool groups and co-ops. These lists are often slightly out of date as people start new co-ops and groups every year, but they will give you a good place to start.
Once you have narrowed down a few options, its time to do the legwork of researching group sites and communicating with the group leadership to find out if the group will work for you and your family.
Keep in mind, most co-ops close registration around the end of July or early August, so if you are searching after the school year starts, your options may be limited.
Local Library Offerings
If you are unable to find a group online, you may have to get a little more creative and start participating in local activities targeting homeschoolers…so you can meet people who are already in a group.
Many times, libraries will offer monthly classes for homeschoolers. Oftentimes its something ART or STEM related. By signing kids up, you will have the opportunity to meet other parents and find out about other local groups.
As an added bonus, when families discover library offerings, they often come back repeatedly for me…which make it a great place to make friends!
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Parks Classes for Homeschoolers
Our local metro park system has class listings on their site that are for homeschoolers. They are daytime classes when other students would be at school. These are often inexpensive or free. Want to meet other outdoor enthusiasts? This is a great way to find like minded homeschoolers who enjoy more of a back to nature approach.
Homeschool Days Events
Oftentimes popular field trip destinations will hold homeschool days. Our local historical locations and museums hold events for homeschoolers. While you aren’t likely to make lifelong friends at these events, they are a great place to meet other homeschoolers and have conversations about other groups they are in.
Local Churches
If you attend a local church, many of them have homeschoolers who also attend. Even if you don’t know who the homeschoolers are, others will. Ask people in your church if other homeschoolers attend and they will probably be able to connect you with someone. Of course small churches may not have homeschoolers there, but its a good place to start…especially if you are hoping to find like-minded people who believe the same thing.
More Tips for How to Find Homeschool Groups With Teens
Finding groups with teens is more challenging because homeschooling tends to follow the students interests more in high school. That said, here are tips on finding groups with teens:
- Contact local homeschool groups and ask about how many teens are in the group. Pick a group based on the number of teens. You may need to travel
- Homeschool teens use more paid classes than elementary. Find out where teens are taking classes in your area. My teens took classes through our co-op, college classes, a local career center, a local science center and private subject based classes.
- Prepare to host. In order to make friendships, teens need to hang out. Once you find a group with teens, take initiative as a parent and become part of the planning of events and activities for the teens. Connect with the leader of the group and ask what you can do to help plan.
- Help your teen develop their social skills. Oftentimes parents see the need for the teens to connect more than the teens do.
- Think outside the box. You may not need a homeschool group for your teens. They may find their people through their interests, jobs, hobbies or extra curricular activities.
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Tips for Finding Homeschool Groups With Mom Friends
Ok, let’s be honest, this whole homeschool gig is great, but some days its lonely. So, if you are looking for groups, you might want to look for ones where you can make some mom friend’s too. Friendship does not happen by accident and if you are intentional from the beginning, you will find it so much easier to find mom friends.
Here are a few tips:
- Join a groups which shares your values.
- Prioritize playdates outside the group. Invite one mom and her kids to do something
- Intentionally spend time with moms who have kids the same age as your kids
- Volunteer to organize an activity for moms…when you are the leader, you get to know more people
- When you are in group, be proactive. Ask if you can help in an area that you enjoy or you know that you have something to contribute. Don’t wait to be asked. Planning a Simple and Inexpensive Mom’s Night
Mindset & Strategy to Find Homeschool Groups in My Area
If you want to find a homeschool group that is a great fit for you, its time to be strategic:
- Get Organized – Write down the names of groups you find and a few notes about them (homeschool philosophy, participation requirements, cost, why you think it would or would not work for you)
- Be Curious – When you are out and about, be prepared to ask perfect strangers about homeschool groups they are in…or have been in. This gives you insider perspective. Add it to your notes
- Be Flexible – Oftentimes people will say, “I want my kids to make friends, but I don’t want to join a co-op….only a local field trip group with no commitment.” Honestly…those don’t go together. To make friends, you have to spend a LOT of time together, so you need to find a group that meets consistently and where members feel committed to attend. Usually that means they pay money to be part of the group…which generates more consistent attendance. So you need to be flexible in what you are looking for and focus on your PRIMARY goal!
What If I Can’t Find Community?
Sometimes people can’t find community…for awhile. It can take time. But in the meantime, it can feel lonely to homeschool without connections. Here are some great options for finding connection. Some are online and others are in person…but not homeschool related.
- Local & State Facebook Groups
- Outschool Classes – face to face interest-based learning online
- Online classes through HSLDA, One Year Novel, Apologia and other platforms
- Take lessons through local businesses
- Join other groups that are not homeschool related. These can be found on Meetup.com, your local church, sports teams and local businesses
- Join 4-H in your community
Community is Worth Searching For & Investing In
The effort to find homeschool groups in my area has led to lifelong friendships for me and my kids. At times, it was hard, but the more invested we became, the more valuable the community became as well.
Having led a large homeschool group, I will tell you that people leading groups are investing a TON of time to make that group happen. If you want to be part of the group, plan to invest some time. Matt. 6:21 says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This is a great reminder, that we will find connection in the places we invest our “treasure” which is our time and money.
Sarah McCubbin and her husband and 9 kids live in Ohio. She loves talking about all kinds of education topics and is passionate about helping families find the best education options in each season! Socially awkward growing up, she loves to help families teach life skills, social skills and leadership.
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Most homeschool state organizations have lists of groups on their websites.
This is definitely true and is worth checking…but I have found that many of those lists are out of date. For example, in my town, just a few years ago there were 5 homeschool groups. As of last year, there were none. This year there is 1. Most of the websites can’t keep up with the change and many groups operate without much of an online presence. Trying to find one near you that fits your philosophy sometimes requires a little digging. I appreciate the suggestion though…I’ll add it to the post! Sometimes the most obvious things elude me!!