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
Indian River Home School Association
The Indian River Home School Association serves home educating families in Indian River, St. Lucie, and Brevard counties.
Christian Home Educators Association of Collier County (CHEACC)
The purpose of CHEACC is to provide information, support and encouragement to local Christian homeschool families.
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).
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...
Osceola Homeschoolers 4-H Club
This homeschool support group offers meetings that involve crafts, games, and fun as part of the 4-H community.
Alternative Education Institute
The Alternative Education Institute is a non-public/private school registered with the Florida Department of Education. Their main focus is supporting independent learners in the homeschool environment.
Lighthouse Homeschoolers, Inc.
Lighthouse Homeschoolers, Inc. is a Florida Not-for-Profit Corporation based in Lakeland, Florida. It operates as a cooperative group of homeschooling parents and children and provides support to interested homeschoolers throughout Polk County. They are Christian-based but not Christian-exclusive. Their purpose is to encourage family members in their homeschooling efforts by providing information, socialization, fellowship, and support.
Florida Inclusive Home Education Network (FIHEN)
The Florida Inclusive Home Education Network (FIHEN) exists to facilitate and encourage networking and resource sharing among homeschooling support groups that actively embrace the FIHEN philosophy and mission.
South County Home Schoolers (SCHS)
South County Home Schoolers exists to provide networking and support to homeschooling families regardless of race, religion, or teaching style. They provide networking and support through monthly meetings, park days, field trips, legislative updates, clubs and activities, and more. SCHS is a founding affiliate of the Florida Inclusive Home Education Network (FIHEN) and a member of the Home Educator's Association of Palm Beach County.
Early Years Homeschooling Club of Palm Beach County
This email group is for members of Early Years Homeschooling Club of Palm Beach County, Florida. The club is specially geared toward the needs of exclusively homeschooled children ages 3 to 7 and their siblings. All like-minded families sharing natural family living philosophies are welcome.
Alliance of Bay County Homeschoolers (ABCH)
Alliance of Bay County Homeschoolers is an internet-based group created to forge an atmosphere of camaraderie among local homeschoolers. ABCH provides a forum for homeschoolers to connect with others, plan events and activities, and promote knowledge in its members.
Homeschoolers By The Sea
Homeschoolers by the Sea is a Christian-based homeschool co-op group serving the St. Augustine, Florida area. They offer a Christian atmosphere, co-op classes for children, educational field trips, parent support programs, an email loop, and Moms' nights out.
Charlotte Harbor Organization of Independent Child Education
Homeschool discussion for families in the Charlotte County, Florida area.
NearHim Home Educators
NearHim Home Educators is a Christian homeschool support group which exists to support and encourage families whom God has called to the task of teaching their children at home. They offer activities, special events, fairs, co-op classes for Kindergarten through high school, field trips, and more.
East Pasco Unschoolers Connection
The East Pasco Unschooling Family Connection is a support and activity group for unschoolers in the Dade City/Zephyrhills area.
Featured Resources
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The Unschooling Handbook : How to Use the Whole World As Your Child's Classroom
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A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning
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