by Renée Gotcher

When my mother started homeschooling us in 1988, we had joined an umbrella school affiliated with an existing Christian school, which offered some in-person activities for enrolled homeschooling families to participate in. However, most of these activities were at the school’s location, which was more than an hour’s drive from our home. If there was a “homeschool group” outside of the families we met at those activities, we didn’t know about it. Thankfully, my mom soon discovered a homeschool “park day” taking place much closer to us, so she added it to our monthly schedule. 

Today, a quick Google search for “homeschool groups” will attest to the fact that there are a growing number of organizations that fit the description. From homeschool support groups and co-ops to hybrid or enrichment programs and even online communities, the options are plentiful enough that you should never feel alone in your homeschooling journey! 

However, finding a homeschool group that works for your family isn’t as easy as a quick Google search (more on that later). In this article, you’ll learn five ways to make your search for homeschool groups that are aligned with your homeschool mission more focused and fruitful.

Know what you’re looking for before you search

The park days I attended as a homeschooled high schooler in the late 80s were a simple gathering of homeschooling families at a selected park on a specific day and time. We didn’t know who would show up or whether there would be similarly aged children for my younger siblings to play with. We didn’t even know if we’d have much in common with the families who came, other than being homeschoolers (which was awkward at times). Still, we consistently attended them because they were the only opportunity for face-to-face time with homeschoolers living near us — and yes, we did make a few friends!

As homeschooling has gained popularity, the variety of homeschool group options has also expanded. Terms such as “hybrid” and “enrichment” have vastly different meanings when it comes to the type of program being offered. It’s essential to know the difference before you start your search – it will save you a lot of time when you’re ready to narrow down your list.

A note of caution: These definitions aren’t set in stone, and some groups might operate differently than what is described below. CHEC provides these distinctions for the Colorado homeschool groups that are listed in the CHEC Homeschool Group Directory. You will also want to clarify if the group is privately sponsored or publicly funded. Before scheduling a visit with a group, ask for more details about the leadership, the group’s purpose, and the involvement of parents.

Support Group

Whether formal or informal, a homeschool support group primarily exists to support and encourage parents in their homeschooling journey. Some groups may provide activities for children during the parent meeting, offer outside activities to foster relationships among participating families, and even organize field trips or park days. However, the mission is not to provide a program; it’s to support the homeschooling family.

Traditional Co-op

Since the early days of modern homeschooling, a homeschool co-op was a way for homeschooling families to teach together while their children learn together. Whether the subject is academic, creative, or something in between, the format is cooperative – parents work together to teach classes, manage logistics, and usually remain present for co-op classes. Due to the changing landscape of homeschool programs, most refer to this type of co-op as a “traditional” co-op.

Enrichment Program

A homeschool enrichment program utilizes a combination of parents and hired teachers to offer classes on a variety of subjects, often extending beyond traditional academic subjects. A group that provides enrichment classes does not determine the student’s overall curriculum; however, the teacher of the class sets the agenda for what is accomplished during class time. Drop-off is usually permitted, but parent participation is always encouraged.  

Hybrid Program

The hybrid program typically utilizes hired teachers who set the agenda and determine the curriculum and assessments to be used in the classes they offer. Many of these teachers may also be parents of participating students, while others are usually professionals in their field of study. In a hybrid program, teachers typically determine the curriculum to be used for the subjects they teach, and coursework completed at home may be required for grading purposes. 

Although parents are generally not involved in a hybrid program classroom, it’s important to note that as the primary teacher for your child, you are still responsible for complying with Colorado Homeschool Law. A hybrid program does not operate as an independent school for legal compliance purposes.

Online Groups

While your primary goal in finding a homeschool group for your family is to meet other homeschoolers in person, an online homeschool forum (such as a Facebook group) can be a good place to start connecting with other homeschoolers for support, encouragement, and idea sharing. Online groups typically do not have consistent in-person events, classes, or meetings, although they may still coordinate field trips, park days, or meetups. On the plus side, online groups are readily accessible and are usually free to participate in.

Five places to find homeschool groups near you

Now that you have a better idea of the types of homeschool groups that might be operating in your area, you will save yourself time by starting your search in places that are likely to list vetted groups and those recommended by the community and current participants. 

Although a quick Google search will produce a list of websites that meet search engine requirements for the term you typed in, no one is screening what’s on the end of that website link. You want to ensure that you are contacting a legitimate group that actually offers what its website advertises.

1. CHEC’s Homeschool Group Online Tools

Colorado homeschoolers can start with CHEC to provide a time-saving starting point for locating Christian homeschool groups in the state. CHEC’s Homeschool Group Directory has an interactive map to help you quickly locate Christian homeschool groups in your area, and you can refine your search for specific types of groups with one click! 

While you’re on the CHEC website, click on “Homeschool Community” from the top menu bar, and you will also find:

• The CHEC Community Calendar: An online calendar that lists a variety of ongoing and scheduled local educational activities and events specifically for homeschoolers. 
• The 5 Ways to Find Homeschool Community FREE eBook, with everything you need to know to get plugged in right away.
• The Homeschool Group Leaders Network: CHEC designed this network to equip homeschool group leaders with the encouragement, community, training, and resources to help their group members thrive. The network comprises faith-based groups that prioritize parental involvement in homeschooling and have applied for membership.

2. Independent School Resources 

Although the primary purpose of an independent (umbrella) school is to support you in legally complying with state homeschool laws, some also provide a resource list with vetted local homeschool groups and programs that you can trust, as well as additional details to help you decide if they offer what you’re looking for. 

As part of Christian Home Educators of Colorado, the CHEC Independent School is an umbrella school that covers the legal responsibilities of homeschooling in Colorado with privacy, security, and flexibility. Although CHEC Independent School doesn’t specifically host events, families enrolled have access to the broader network of support provided by CHEC, including in-person seminars, the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference, and all the online tools listed above. 

For more about how independent schools can help you plug into the community from the beginning of your homeschooling journey, read my recent blog post: “Why Use an Independent (Umbrella) School if It’s Not Required?”

3. Social Media 

Believe it or not, I have found valuable communities through social media. Thanks to the Facebook Groups tool, many homeschool groups (both formal and informal) are using social media to stay in touch with their existing members and attract new members. You might be surprised how many groups pop up when you search here: I’ve even found local homeschoolers who have organized their own park days using Facebook groups – go figure!

Begin by searching for “homeschool” and your city or town on Facebook, and expand your search area as needed. If that’s not immediately fruitful, try searching for local parenting or mom groups (which you’re sure to find), then search the group’s page for the word “homeschool.” The bonus (in my opinion) about finding a group on social media is that you can get a sneak peek of the group and its participants immediately through their posts, photos, resources listed, activities posted, etc.

CHEC also hosts a Facebook Group for Colorado homeschoolers called “Colorado Homeschool Discussion.” The purpose of this group is to connect Colorado parents or homeschool graduates who are currently (or considering) homeschooling and provide a place for sharing encouragement, information, resources, activities for homeschoolers, and homeschooling events in Colorado. Joining this online community will help you stay informed and connected with homeschooling families that may be located near you.

4. Online Resources 

CHEC has been serving homeschooling families in Colorado since 1990, providing membership-free online resources and support to encourage home discipleship that is Christ centered, parent directed, and free from government control. If you are homeschooling outside of Colorado, you can find homeschool groups in your state using a national homeschooling organization’s website, like HSLDA, Homeschool Freedom, or Homeschool.com. 

Why are these sites a better place to start than Google? Similar to your state organization or an independent school’s recommendations, websites like HSLDA have a process for choosing the groups that will be listed, which narrows down your results to reputable, active homeschool groups and programs.

5. Local Resources

Now that you’ve spent plenty of time searching through your computer, why not get out of the house and go to the library or your local community center to narrow your search back down to your physical community? Homeschool groups often post their events on the library or community center’s bulletin board for local activities. 

When I started homeschooling our daughters in 2010, I joined a Christian homeschool support group that met monthly at the town library. As families filed in and out on meeting days, we were a walking advertisement for our group as we bumped into other families who would ask what our group was about.

The next time you’re at your local library, keep an eye out for other families taking part in activities there during the day (especially during school hours). You might meet a homeschooling mom who is already part of a homeschool group you haven’t heard of yet!

Simple still works!

I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon that local homeschooling mom who was organizing weekly park days through a Facebook Group. Park days — a concept that has gone full circle back to simpler times. I chuckled at first, then realized it was proof that what homeschoolers really need is one another, no matter how we find each other!

Your Homeschooling Friend, Renée Gotcher

Dive Deeper

Access CHEC’s homeschool group resources

• Start with these homeschool group search tools:
  • Groups Search & Interactive Map: https://chec.org/community/homeschool-groups-co-ops/
  • Community Calendar: https://chec.org/community/calendar/
  • Download CHEC’s 5 Ways to Find Homeschool Community – Click Here!

• Are you a homeschool co-op or group leader? We’d like to help other homeschool families find your group, too! Plus, you’ll find support, fellowship, and resources through the CHEC Homeschool Group Leaders Network:
  • Submit your group: https://chec.org/community/homeschool-groups-co-ops/leaders/ (scroll down to the bottom)
  • Submit your event: https://chec.org/community-event-submission/
  • Did you know CHEC recognizes a homeschool group leader nominated by their group members with a leadership award each year? Visit the CHEC Awards page for a list of previous winners, including this year’s winner, Linda Kidder of Homeschool E.T.C.

Stories from Homeschool Veterans

• Listen to the podcast: “Homeschooling Together: The Power of Community and Co-Ops in Colorado,” an interview with homeschool group leader Tara Roehl
• Read this related post: Looking for Community? Start a Simple Homeschool Co-op!
• Share your story! We would love to hear your questions and personal experiences with homeschool groups you have been a part of. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

About the Author: Renée Gotcher

Renée Gotcher is a freelance writer, editor, and recently “retired” homeschooling mother of three daughters (her youngest started attending Bob Jones University last fall). Renée and her husband of 30 years, Kenny, are next-generation homeschoolers who were homeschooled for part of their schooling and started homeschooling when they moved to Castle Rock in 2010. Soon after, she launched a homeschooling blog, NextGenHomeschool.com, and actively supported the local homeschool community through part-time teaching, administrative roles, and volunteer leadership positions at homeschool support programs. As a freelancer, she contributed to “Life Changing Stories: A Devotional Collection Revealing God’s Faithfulness and Transforming Power” and currently writes monthly devotionals for the Daybreak Devotions series on Crossmap.com and her personal blog, The Pace of Grace.