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.
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| Support Group Management: Starting & Running a Support Group |
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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.
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| National Groups |
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Tap into the national homeschool movement by connecting with these national homeschool groups and support organizations.
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| Local & State Groups |
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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 Massachusetts.
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| Co-Ops |
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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 Massachusetts.
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| Cover/Umbrella Schools |
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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.
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| Resource Centers |
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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.
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| Public School Programs |
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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.
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| Email Groups & Lists |
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Connecting via email can be a life-line for anyone who is looking for support, guidance, information, and friendship. Many support groups rely on email lists to facilitate communication and to pass along information and ideas. Browse through these group to find some that might meet your needs.
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| Forums & Message Boards |
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Message boards and forums are like the public squares of homeschooling. Come and find ongoing discussion covering every aspect of homeschooling imaginable.
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Unschooling Families |
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This list is a friendly place for all to chat about anything you wish to explore. Parenting issues, schooling issues, political issues . . . as unschoolers, we know that nothing is off topic. |
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CM-Waldorf |
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This list is designed for those interested in the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling with a Waldorf twist. Topics for discussion will be geared towards combining these two approaches successfully, and any other related issues. |
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Organizing a Book Club |
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Book clubs all of a sudden have become hot stuff--which makes perfect sense, since the joys of reading a great (or even not-so-great) book is the opportunity to hash it over with interested friends afterwards. Book clubs vary widely in character and activity, depending on the goals, ages, and reading choices of the participants. If the range of available choices doesn't suit you (mother/daughter clubs, for example, don't do much for our three-boy household), the obvious solution is to start one of your own.
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MAhomeschoolers |
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This is an inclusive list for homeschooling families in Massachusetts.
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Homeschool Information Nights |
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Sue Patterson |
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This article includes some basic tips for putting together a homeschool information night. This is not only a great way to help prospective homeschool parents, but an important part of community outreach for homeschool organizations. |
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