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
NYHEN-Support
Email list sponsored by the New York Home Educators' Network (www.nyhen.org) for all homeschoolers in NY state.
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.
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.
Chautauqua County Homeschooling & Mentoring Program (CHAMP)
This group is seeking to connect homeschoolers in Chautauqua County.
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.
St. Thomas Aquinas Homeschoolers of the Rochester Area
St. Thomas Aquinas Homeschoolers of the Rochester Area is an organization of Catholic families who hold several common goals relative to the education of their children in today's world. These include faith formation, socialization, and academics.
Northern New York Homeschoolers
This list is for all homeschoolers/unschoolers in Northern New York.
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.
nyhsforum
This list is for New York State homeschoolers to facilitate discussion of the current or proposed homeschooling regulations and/or legislative action.
Family Educators Resource Network FERN (FERNetwork)
FERN is an informal networking group for home educators in the areas of Columbia, Rensselaer, and Albany counties in New York and in Berkshire county in Massachusetts. FERN operates as a computer-based "newsletter" for activities, resources, and information to support homeschooling families and those interested in home education.
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.
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.
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.
New England Jewish Homeschoolers
This list is for Jewish homeschoolers in the New England area, including CT, NH, VT, ME, RI, MA. Members include Orthodox Jews, Conservative Jews, Reform Jews, Reconstructionist Jews, and secular Jews.
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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