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 Texas.
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 Texas.
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
EastTexasCMason
This is an email list for members of a Charlotte Mason Support group that meets monthly in Lufkin, Texas.
aah-discuss
A discussion group for those interested in homeschooling in the Austin, Texas area.
DFW School Free Education Zone
The DFW School Free Education Zone is a support group for parents/guardians of home-learners. These are unschoolers, believing that child-led learning is preferable to curriculum use.
Longview Area Relaxed Home Educators (LARHE)
LARHE (Longview Area Relaxed Home Educators) is an email support list for homeschoolers in the Longview area. They have a weekly Park Day, monthly Mom's Nights Out (MNOs), group field trips, information about local events, sharing of interesting websites, friendship (for themselves as well as for their kids) and general chitchat about life as homeschoolers. LARHE is an inclusive group; all faiths and beliefs are welcome as well as all methods and experience with homeschooling.
Minority Homeschoolers of Texas (MHOT)
A Christian discussion list for Minority Homeschoolers of Texas to promote homeschooling among minorities, including Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics, Jews, Native Americans, Anglos with adopted minority children, and others.
Texas Unschoolers Facebook Page
This Facebook page is a Texas-wide unschooling support page. Find links and information about unschooling in general and specifics for Texas.
Garden Oaks HS Support Group
Garden Oaks HS Support Group is a Christian home school support group for the greater Houston community. They offer group activites, a newlsetter, information, and support.
Texas Rural Unschoolers
Texas Rural Unschoolers is a support group for unschoolers (and those wanting to unschool) who live in rural areas or small communities (urban dwellers are welcome, too).
Tarrant Home Education Association (THEA)
THEA is a support group for Tarrant county and the surrounding area for families who educate their children at home.
Texas Home School Coalition
The Texas Home School Coalition is dedicated to serving the home-school community of Texas and promoting a greater knowledge, understanding and acceptance of home education in our state.
Crossroads Home Educated Children (CHEC)
Crossroads Home Educated Children (CHEC) is a local non-profit Christian based support group serving families in the Crossroads area (Victoria, Texas and surrounding areas) who have made the decision to homeschool their children. CHEC accepts all applicants regardless of age, race, religion or lack of religion. CHEC seeks to be inclusive, reaching out to any and all who need support and encouragement in the area of homeschooling.
Austin Area Homeschoolers Announcement List
Announcement group for those interested in homeschooling in the Austin, Texas area. This is an inclusive group composed of individuals who are willing to share their homeschooling experiences.
West Houston Unschoolers
This email list is a group of Unschooling families in the Houston area.
Home School Texas (HOST)
Home School Texas (HOST) is a statewide ministry to the Christian home schoolers of Texas and other regions of the United States. Though they are willing to serve any homeschooling family, all of their activities and publications are designed to be consistent with the teachings of Biblical Christianity.
Unschooling Community of Austin
This group is for unschooling families in and around Austin, Texas. This is a secular community where members can gather to discuss their unschooling journeys, ask questions, and offer support. They have periodic park days, field trips, and other special events so that children are able to meet and develop long lasting relationships.
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