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 West 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 West 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
Facebook kicking it with homeschoolers
A short discussion of Facebook's decision to offer a verification method for homeschool students without having to list a high school.
West Virginia Home Educators Association (WVHEA)
The West Virginia Home Educators Association is open to everyone, regardless of religion, personal beliefs, or educational philosophy. It is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers – homeschooling parents who fit their work for WVHEA around the needs of their families. Offers an information line, newsletter, standardized testing services, Homeschoolers Day at the Legislature, and more.
African American Unschoolers (AfAmUnschool) Email Group
African American Unschoolers email group is for African-American homeschoolers who use the whole world as their child(ren)'s classroom.
Starting A Homeschool Group
Some basic tips for starting a homeschool support group. This article has three parts--be sure to continue on to each part. The first part focuses specifically on how to find other interested parents. Part two discusses how to communicate with the group, conduct meetings, and decide on a direction for the group. The final part of the article addresses the nuts and bolts of support group management--money issues, dealing with difficult people, and delegation.
wvirginiahomeschool
This is a mailing list for people who home school or are thinking of homeschooling in West Virginia, kids and parents alike. Here you can exchange ideas, support each other, and share resources and information.
Fairmont Area Homeschoolers Together (FAHST)
Christian homeschool support group for families in the Marion County/Fairmont area. Offers a co-op, science fair, speaking group, field trips, holiday events, and more.
Ritchie County Home Educators (RCHE)
Christian homeschool support group for families in the Ritchie County area. Offers children's activities, field trips, park days, and more.
Southern West Virginia Homeschoolers (SWVH)
Support group for homeschooling families in Southern West Virginia. Membership is limited to those who live in Southern West Virginia close enough to participate in activities that center around Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh and Kanawha Counties. This is an inclusive group.
Christian Home Educators of West Virginia (CHEWV)
Christian home school support group offering conferences, a newsletter, testing and assessment services, legislative monitoring, and more.
West Virginia Home Schoolers (WVAHS)
Online support group for homeschoolers in the West Virginia area and beyond.
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.
Appalachian Regional Cooperative
Appalachian Regional Cooperative is an inclusive group of homeschoolers in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Homeschool Leaders Support
This is a group for those who lead homeschool support groups, co-ops, or other groups for homeschool families to connect and talk about their common (or unique) issues and challenges of organizing, managing, leading, and growing groups are organized for homeschool families.
Monongalia Homeschoolers Association
Monongalia Homeschoolers Association is a secular organization of homeschooling families in Monongalia County, West Virginia, and surrounding areas. Offers newsletters, field trips, monthly meetings, playgroups, special events and activities, annual testing, and more.
WV Unschooling Family Connection
This is a support group for unschoolers for the Eastern Panhandle Area.
Looking for Another State?
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