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 Hawaii.
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 Hawaii.
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
Forming a Homeschool Support Group
This webpage has a list of articles detailing many of the issues and ideas surrounding starting a homeschool support group. You'll find discussions of everything from why you should form a support group, to choosing a leader, to delegating and handling tough situations.
Blind Homeschoolers
This email group is for families who are homeschooling/parenting a blind child. Teachers of the Visually Impaired who would like to share tips and suggestions are also welcome.
West River Academy
West River Academy is a fully accredited independent private school in Colorado designed for families who desire the benefits of private school enrollment but minimal oversight over their educational activities. Families may follow the curriculum and/or learning style of their choice, or may receive assistance from us in designing or choosing a program that fits their needs. Grading of students is optional and if desired, it is done by the parents. West River Academy enrolls students of all ages...
Hawaiihomeschool
This is a mailing list for people who home school or are thinking of homeschooling in Hawaii, kids and parents alike. Here you can exchange ideas, support each other, and share resources and information.
Homeschool Fun for Silicon Valley Teens
This support group, inclusive and non-profit, fosters a rich social life amongst homeschool and small school students by organizing sports leagues, dances, games, Karaoke, bowling, pizza or movie nights. Teens take responsibility to pick the events, decide upon the participants, set rules and select volunteers on this site, even to set up and clean up. Parents of teens then supervise and advise to make this group beneficial to all.
Starting a Homeschool Co-Operative Overseas
Includes tips and ideas for starting a formal co-operative learning environment for the special situation of overseas living.
Hawai'i Homeschool Association (HHA)
Hawai'i Homeschool Association is an inclusive support group of homeschooling families on Oahu. HHA enables its members to share homeschooling ideas and experiences and to disseminate information relevant to homeschoolers on Oahu. HHA itself does not organize or sponsor any classes, events, field trips, etc., but HHA members are encouraged to organize such activities and share them with other members of the group through the HHA website and bulletin board in order to provide educational opportun...
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.
Catholic Homeschooling in Hawaii/Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Homeschoolers of Hawaii
Catholic Homeschooling in Hawaii is the website for Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Homeschoolers of Hawaii. Offers a free online newsletter, monthly meetings, information about Hawaii, and more.
K12HI
K12HI is a group for Hawaiian islands-based users of the K12 curriculum led by Dr. William J. Bennett. Members include home schoolers and charter schoolers.
So Cal Homeschool Teen Connection
This is the Southern California Homeschool Teen Connection Announcement board. This group is strictly for promoting Teen Only activities around southern California and connecting teen homeschoolers to groups in their locality.
Big Island Homeschoolers
Support group for homeschooling families on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Military Home Educators Network-Oahu (MHEN-Oahu)
The Military Home Educators Network is a Christian support group of military home schoolers from all across the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. Offers monthly meetings at Hickam Air Force Base.
Christian Homeschoolers of Hawaii (CHOH)
The purpose of Christian Homeschoolers of Hawaii (CHOH) is to share information regarding homeschooling from a Christ-centered perspective and provide support for homeschooling families.
What is an Umbrella School?
There is no universal definition for an umbrella (or cover) school because home education laws vary from state to state. In some states, homeschoolers can get some level of support and legal protection for their home education program. Umbrella schools typically provide legal legitimacy to a family's home education program, maintain attendance records, host field trips and activities, and more. 
Looking for Another State?
Featured Resources

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