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 New York.
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 New York.
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
Miss Martha's Sunshine Homeschoolers
Miss Martha's Sunshine Homeschoolers is a homeschool group with activities and field trips for homeschoolers of all ages in Sullivan County, NY.
New York City Home Educators Alliance (NYCHEA)
NYCHEA is a non-sectarian, non-profit and member-run support group for families in New York City and the New York metropolitan area who choose to educate their children at home. Their mission is to provide parents with resources, support, and a collective voice for home education.
TriCounty Unschoolers
This is an email networking/discussion list for a support group of families who are already fully committed to the ideas of unschooling.
Tri-State Homeschoolers
This is a secular, inclusive support group for homeschoolers in a large area (no longer just the three original counties) generally Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, & Westchester Counties in NY, Bergen County in NJ, and Fairfield County in CT, and into neighboring counties. Offers events, activities, newsletter, and more.
NYHEN-Support
Email list sponsored by the New York Home Educators' Network (www.nyhen.org) for all homeschoolers in NY state.
New York Home Educators' Network (NYHEN)
This is a diverse group with different views and approaches to homeschooling. Veterans and newcomers alike will find information, support, and more.
Suffolk County New York Homeschoolers
This list is meant to provide a forum where homeschooling families can connect with other homeschoolers located on the eastern half of Long Island. It is open to homeschoolers from all backgrounds, religious beliefs, and homeschooling methods.
Woodstock Homeschoolers
The purpose of this group is to facilitate communication among members of the Woodstock Home Educators' Network, a group of homeschooling families in northern Ulster County, NY.
Catholic Homeschoolers
Catholic Homeschoolers of Western New York is an organization of Catholic families throughout the Diocese of Rochester. Offers support for moms, family events, children's clubs and activities, and more.
NYHEN News (NYHEN-News)
This low-traffic list provides news on New York State homeschooling issues from the New York Home Educators' Network (www.nyhen.org), including newsletters and other announcements of interest to New York homeschoolers.
Jewish Home Educators of New York City
This list, Jewish Home Educators of New York City, is a meeting place for homeschooling or unschooling Jewish parents (or those just thinking about it) living in or around New York City. It is a place to discuss issues unique to New York-area Jewish homeschoolers and unschoolers and a place where friendships will be formed and meetings will be planned.
New York Homeschool
This is a mailing list for people who home school or are thinking of homeschooling in Alabama, kids and parents alike. Here you can exchange ideas, support each other, and share resources and information.
FUN Schooling - Fingerlakes Unschoolers Network
An e-mail list for the Fingerlakes Unschoolers Network, located in and around Ithaca, New York. Despite the name, this group is not really an unschooling group. It's a group for homeschoolers in the area, regardless of "style" or reasons for homeschooling. The list is mostly announcements of events and activities, rather than discussion, although it is certainly acceptable to ask questions.
Charlotte Mason Western New York
This is a discussion list for homeschoolers in the Buffalo, NY area interested in Charlotte Mason's teaching methods and ideas.
The Homeschool Hut
The Homeschool Hut is a collective of homeschooling parents and their children. The Hut has an African–centered approach towards curriculum
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