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 Virginia.
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 Virginia.
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
CM Families of the South
The purpose of this loop is to encourage homeschooling families living in the Southern states who are trying to incorporate the philosophy of Charlotte Mason in their homes in their efforts to raise their children with an enthusiasm for learning.
Roanoke Home Educators Network (RHEN)
RHEN is an unstructured network of homeschooling families in the Roanoke area. They offer homeschooling information and opportunities to network with other homeschooling families.
Charlotte Mason in VA
This is a group for families living in Virginia who are using the Charlotte Mason Method and homeschooling.
amie network
The amie network is for Christian homeschooled teenage girls. Members of the amie network receive a monthly newsletter, have opportunities to meet and connect with other homeschooled teens, and receive support and encouragement.
Appalachian Regional Cooperative
Appalachian Regional Cooperative is an inclusive group of homeschoolers in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
SEARCH homeschooling in Tidewater, VA (SEARCHVA)
Inclusive email list for homeschoolers in the southside area of Tidewater, Virginia.
Nova Unschoolers
NovaUnschoolers is an inclusive list for homeschoolers in the northern Virginia area to chat, find support and meet others, and those who are looking for information about homeschooling.
Virginia Homeschool Hotline (Homeschool_Hotline)
The Homeschool Hotline list is for announcements of interest to homeschooling families in the Virginia USA area.
FAMILIES News
This is a large group of over 600 homeschool families who want to encourage each other and share information, events, curriculum, fieldtrip, and homeschooling resources, and ideas. This is a Christian group but all who homeschool are welcome to join. Most members are from the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia area (Delmarva).
VaEclecticHomeschool
A large, active list for in-depth discussion of issues affecting homeschooling, and for news about media articles and programs, proposed legislation, research, conferences and other information of interest to Virginia homeschoolers.
Culture at Home
Culture at Home is an African American homeschool support group in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area with an emphasis on the older homeschooled student. Culture at Home is a support group for families concerned with the healthy well-being and academic guidance of the African-American child. The purpose of this group is to provide an educational outreach support program and to supplement the curriculum of homeschoolers with children ages 10-18 (grades 5-12), but they also provide ...
Blue Ridge Family Unschoolers Network (FUN)
Blue Ridge FUN is an inclusive support group of homeschooling families. All homeschoolers are welcome, without bias to style of homeschooling, choice of curriculum, or personal beliefs. Blue Ridge FUN members live and learn in a large geographical area of Virginia including the following cities and counties: Amherst, Bedford, Botetourt, Lynchburg, Campbell, Floyd, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, Roanoke, Rockbridge, and Salem.
Ashburn-Sterling Homeschoolers
Ashburn-Sterling Homeschoolers is an inclusive, relaxed homeschooling support group for those living and hsing in or near Ashburn or Sterling. They have a monthly support group meeting and a weekly park day. This group is affiliated with NovaUnschoolers.
Home Organization of Parent Educators (HOPE)
HOPE is a non-profit Christian organization committed to equipping and encouraging parents of all faiths to better serve their homeschools and families. HOPE is active in most of Northern Virginia, including Prince William County, Fairfax County, and Fauquier County.
Valley Homeschooling Network
The Valley Homeschooling Network is open to all homeschoolers and unschoolers in Augusta County and the surrounding area. This message board will serve as a way to contact fellow homeschoolers, share resources, offer support and 'get connected' with one another.
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Featured Resources
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The Grammar Of Our Civility: Classical Education In America
This book explains the history of classical education in America and offers a vision for the role of classical education in 21st century America.
Should I Home School?: How to Decide What's Right for You & Your Child
Have questions about homeschooling? This book has the answers. The information in this book will help you decide if homeschooling is right for you and your child.
Homeschool Open House
Personal insights from 55 families worldwide about a real day of homeschooling. Includes homeschool illusions, family culture, learning and family style, parenting strategies, chores and organization, family management, personal empowerment, decisio...
KONOS
KONOS offers unit studies for homeschoolers, with a focus on character building and the study of history.
Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore Walking
With Jim Arnosky as your guide, an ordinary hike becomes an eye-opening experience. He'll help you spot a hawk soaring far overhead and note the details of a dragonfly up close. Study the black-and-white drawings -- based on his own field research --...