How to Find a Homeschool Group

One of my favorite aspects of homeschooling is actually what happens outside of our home with our homeschool group. One of the perks to living in a state with the worst performing schools is having a thriving homeschool community. Now that many families are finding themselves heading down the homeschool road this fall, these homeschool groups can become even more diverse and exciting! However, it can be hard to find the perfect fit especially when first starting out.

 

What Do You Want in a Homeschool Group?

It’s important to understand what you most want out of a group experience. You probably won’t find a group that is EXACTLY what you want, but knowing your priorities will help you find a good fit.  Are you looking for…

• a group where all the families do the same curriculum at the same pace?
• a co-op where parents take turns teaching a few different subjects or leading structured projects?
• a relaxed group of kids who interact freely during events like park days?
• regular field trips?
• interest-based group classes?
• volunteer opportunities?
• frequent events or just something every now and then?

Is it important for you to be surrounded by like minded families who share similar views about religion, politics, and social issues?

Do you want to hang out with families that share a similar homeschool philosophy?

Or do you not care as long as everyone respects different views and homeschool styles?

 

Not Many Choices?

If you live in an area without many homeschoolers, that may very well change this fall because many families are considering homeschooling for the first time – even if only temporarily. If you still find yourself without many options for a homeschool community, you may have to broaden your criteria for what you’re looking for in a group. Or perhaps you can start a new group that better meets your needs. In other words, if you can’t find what you want – create it yourself! Pst…that also goes for group classes your kids want. If you can’t find it, create it.

 

Can You Commit?

A group of any kind is only as good as the leaders and members make it. Most homeschool groups have a few rules about how they expect families to participate in the group. Make sure you understand the expectations before committing. Can you reasonably expect to follow through with that commitment?

Even if a group doesn’t have written rules, there is usually an understanding about participation among the families. Actually, the best run group I’ve been in has no set rules… just an understanding that it takes all of us to plan, host, and actively participate in events.

Other groups have strict rules about attendance and hosting events and classes – even to the point of taking attendance and assigning tasks instead of asking for volunteers.

Some homeschool groups have no participation requirement at all. It may be hard to see the same families frequently in these groups because many only came to a couple of events a year. Kids and parents often don’t connect well (or deeply) with people they rarely see. But that may be the type of group that fits your needs.

It is okay to join more than one group. Just be honest with yourself about the time and energy you have to commit to any group – especially when joining more than one. Of course life can get in the way of plans, but can you can reasonably expect to meet their participation requirements? Be honest with the other families if you’re having a hard time doing your part. Show grace and understanding to others who may be having difficulties with their commitment.

Related: Find Balance in Your Homeschool Routine

 

Try a Few Local Homeschool Groups

Facebook and Meetup are excellent resources for finding local homeschoolers. A simple search with “homeschool” plus your city or state should pull up a few options. Go ahead and join any groups that you think may be a good fit. You can often get a feel for the vibe of the group from their online interactions. Some groups may not resume in-person events right away this year, but connecting with people online is still better than nothing.

When you’re ready to start meeting people in-person, go to a few events before fully committing. Ask a lot of questions. Listen to the conversations.

• Are these people you want to spend quality time with?
• Are the moms and kids welcoming to new people?
• Do they invite you to join conversations or do you still feel like an outsider after a few events?
• Does it feel like you’re back in middle school with cliques and gossip?
• Don’t feel bad leaving a group if it’s just not working out.

 

As difficult as these last few months have been, this coming year could be a fantastic year for meeting many new friends in our homeschool communities. Some of the new homeschoolers may head back to school as soon as they can. Some may decide to continue down the homeschool road. Either way, let’s embrace this opportunity to find and create new homeschool groups that can add so much to our journey.