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 Ohio.
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 Ohio.
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
Ohiohomeschool
This is a mailing list for people who home school or are thinking of homeschooling in Ohio, kids and parents alike. Here you can exchange ideas, support each other, and share resources and information.
Unschoolers Network Ohio (UNO)
This is an email list for unschoolers in Ohio. The mission of this group is to promote and support unschooling, AKA natural learning, interest led learning, child led learning. Join in discussion about the unschooling lifestyle, how to succeed within Ohio regulations, and basically anything that relates to learning by living life.
SE Michigan Homeschooling Teens & Preteens
SE Michigan Homeschooling Teens and Pre-teens is an informally structured homeschool support group comprised of homeschooling families in Southeastern Michigan. Email list offers a place to connect to place events and activities for teens and pre-teens.
CHESCA Support Group (CHESCA)
Christian Home Educators Stark County Association's email list is intended to provide support to Christian home educators in the Stark County, Ohio area. This is a restricted list. You must be a current member of CHESCA to receive announcements from this list.
homeschool-Ohio
This list is for the discussion of topics related to homeschooling in Ohio.
Toledo Homeschool Education League of Parents (ToledoHELP)
An email list for members of the Home Education League of Parents in and around Toledo, Ohio, and for non-members looking for information about area resources, child-led or interest based learning, or general homeschooling issues.
Dayton Area Homeschoolers
Dayton Area Homeschoolers is an informal, inclusive group of homeschoolers, or those interested in learning more about homeschool, in the Dayton Ohio area. They have no religious affiliation. The main idea: to share info, go on field trips, teach or participate in co-op classes in all subjects, support each other in whatever method of homeschool is used.
Christian Home Educators Co-Op (CHEC)
Christian Home Educators Co-Op (CHEC) is a large group consisting of approximately 85-100 families each year. We provide support, resources, activities, and Christian fellowship to its members. They are located in Summit County, Ohio and meet primarily at The Chapel, 135 Fir Hill, Akron, OH, near the University of Akron.
Gifted Ohio Homeschoolers (GOHome)
Email list for Gifted Ohio Homeschoolers, parents who are homeschooling or considering homeschooling a gifted child in Ohio.
Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT)
The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) is an online public community school sponsored by the Lucas County (Ohio) Educational Service Center (LCESC). It is based in Columbus and has provided students in Ohio with an online public education since the 200-2001 school year.
Mahogany Homeschoolers of Ohio
Mahogany Homeschoolers of Ohio purpose is to provide support for African American homeschooling families. They are located in the Canton-Akron area. This support group strives to unite African American homeschooling families by providing encouragement and information that is critical for successful homeschooling.
Families Independently Schooling at Home (FISH)
FISH is an online group of Ohio homeschooling families coming together to offer help and support to each other. They are also an online resource for families that are just starting or thinking about homeschooling. Although many members homeschool for religious reasons, they are not an exclusively Christian group.
Ohio Home Educators Network (OHEN)
Ohio Home Educators Network (OHEN) is a regional network of homeschooling families. They are an inclusive group supporting families of all religious beliefs. Although OHEN supports a student-led, interest-centered approach, they welcome all homeschooling families regardless of educational philosophy or teaching style. OHEN’s purpose is to provide interested parents with accurate information about home education in Ohio. They hold informational meetings and publish an monthly email newsletter lis...
Large Families
This list provides a forum for families who have three or more children to discuss the unique concerns and joys of raising what is today considered a larger family. Parents of smaller families who are considering having "maybe one more" will also find the list a great place.
Inclusive North Columbus Home Education (INCHES)
INCHES stands for Inclusive North Columbus Home Education Support. Inclusive means that it is open to anyone regardless of race, religion, home school styles, parenting styles, etc. Public online charter school and "08" school families are welcome to join this support group and participate in activities. This is an informal support group that meets on the first week of each month.
Featured Resources
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Greenleaf Press
Greenleaf Press is a small family-owned and operated publisher and supplier of quality books for children. They are committed to "twaddle-free", living books, and approach teaching history to children using biography and chronology. You will find sec...
The Complete Home Learning Source Book : The Essential Resource Guide for Homeschoolers, Parents, and Educators Covering Every Subject from Arithmetic to Zoology
This ambitious reference guide lives up to its name. Practically three inches thick--and we're not talking large print here--it's packed with titles, ordering information, and Web site addresses. From where to send away for a kit to make your own Chi...
Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook
A short, illustrated guide to the use of Montessori classroom materials. Describes how to set up a "children's house" - an environment for learning where children can be their own masters.
America's Spectacular National Parks
The concept of the national park is an American contribution to world civilization, and it remains a defining characteristic of our country. From the rocky shore of Maine's Acadia to the barren crater and lush rain forest of Hawaii's Haleakala, Ameri...
Discovery of the Child
Maria Montessori went beyond the conventions of the day to seek a new way of knowing and loving a child. In THE DISCOVERY OF THE CHILD, she describes the nature of the child and her method of working more fully with the child's urge to learn. With 16...
