As homeschool enrollment grows, homeschool co-ops and communities are surging right along with it. Over 3 million U.S. students are enrolled in homeschool programs, and homeschooling has recently grown by more than 25%. With more ways to help your kids get involved in a homeschool community, they’ll soon discover the rewards of local connection, shared projects, and friendship.
“Even though we’re homeschooling with Abeka Academy, my kids are able to get social interaction with after-school co-op activities, field trips, or just playing with their friends down the street,” said Fae, a homeschool mom and military wife. “Before, they couldn’t do that. By the time they got home from school, they still had homework and chores.”
Homeschool co-ops, community sports, church, and local homeschool groups make homeschool socialization a natural part of your school days and routines. Plus, these community groups are excellent social outlets for parents, too. Building community with other homeschool parents has its own advantages.
Looking to learn more about homeschool communities and how to get involved? We’ve put together eight ways to get involved in a local homeschool co-op or group.
1. Homeschool Co-ops
Homeschool co-ops can be organized around interests, including academics, social activities, community sports, crafts, educational tours, field trips, and more. Some academic and extracurricular activities, especially sports, theater, or public speaking, naturally lend themselves to group participation.
A homeschool co-op or similar group offers a nice change of pace for homeschool students, making it possible to pair up with fellow homeschoolers for group assignments or exercises. Smaller co-ops usually include a few families, while larger co-ops have up to several hundred homeschool students. Often co-ops meet in churches, family homes, libraries, or community centers.
Wondering how to find a homeschool co-op in your area? It’s easier than you think. Network with other homeschool families through social media, Facebook groups, email lists, and your local library. Odds are, someone is part of a co-op or knows of one they might recommend.
2. Homeschool Communities and Parents
For a homeschool parent, getting involved in a homeschool community fosters connection with other moms and dads who homeschool.
Having a built-in support system can be a game-changer. While there’s no end to the homeschool-related content online — from quick tips and best practices to deeper dives like how to teach phonics at home or learning to recognize learning styles — it’s fellow homeschool moms and dads who truly empathize with your day-to-day challenges and provide firsthand support, advice, and answers to tough questions, because they’ve been through it before.
3. Your Local Library Is a Gateway to Homeschool Community
The library is often a community’s central hub. It’s a great place to hear about all the latest happenings in your town and get the 411 on local homeschool groups and co-ops. Many homeschool groups meet at the library, too! Check out bulletin boards and flyers around the library for leads, and ask your local librarian. He or she can point you in the right direction.
4. Church Community as a Homeschool Resource
Many homeschool co-ops and groups have religious affiliations. Your church may even have its very own homeschool co-op! Be sure to reach out to church members and staff to learn about their local groups, homeschool initiatives, or affiliations hosted by neighboring churches in your area. Chances are, you’ll meet a fellow homeschool parent!
5. Homeschool Group Search Tools
The Home School Legal Defense Association offers homeschool families an online database of homeschool groups and a search tool to locate communities in your local area.
6. Homeschool Conventions Can Jumpstart Community
Each U.S. state and region hosts homeschool conferences and conventions. These events host homeschool publishers and families, along with other homeschool-related professionals and brands. Like other industry conferences and trade shows, homeschool conventions bring like-minded people together and offer families exclusive insight and access to experts in the homeschool space.
7. Pursue Hobbies, Find Homeschool Groups
The best way to make a new friend is through shared interests. Why not enroll your kids in sports, music classes, or another activity they’re passionate about? While they’re burning energy and learning new things, you may make a new friend too.
8. Abeka All Access
Abeka All Access was created as the premier destination for all things Abeka. Connect with other homeschool families. Share your victories and your trials and tribulations. Find support and encouragement, exchange tips, or humor, or both! After all, we’re in this homeschool adventure together.
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