Looking for homeschool support? Here are the top 10 forums to join in 2024:
- Reddit » Homeschool
- Homeschool World Forum
- SA Homeschoolers
- Simply Charlotte Mason Forums
- The Well Trained Mind Forum
- COAH Community
- Gifted Homeschool Forum
- Beyond the Page Homeschool Community Forum
- Our Homeschool Forum
- Vegsource Homeschool Message Board
These forums offer:
- Advice from experienced homeschoolers
- Curriculum discussions
- Teaching tips and tricks
- Support for different homeschooling methods
- Resources for special needs and gifted learners
Quick Comparison:
| Forum | Users | Posts/Day | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reddit » Homeschool | 1.7M Facebook | 11 | General support |
| Homeschool World | N/A | 27 | Law, curriculum |
| SA Homeschoolers | 14.6K Facebook | N/A | South African |
| Simply Charlotte Mason | 43.4K Facebook | 1 | Charlotte Mason method |
| The Well Trained Mind | 47.6K Facebook | 6 | Classical education |
Choose a forum that matches your teaching style, location, and support needs. Try a few to find your best fit.
Reddit » Homeschool
Reddit's r/homeschool is a powerhouse for homeschoolers. With 100,000+ members, it's one of the biggest online homeschooling communities out there.
What makes r/homeschool tick?
- 20-30 new posts daily
- Mix of newbies and pros
- Tons of free resources shared
- Quick answers (usually within hours)
The forum's easy to use:
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Flairs | Sort posts by topic |
| Wiki | Covers basics, state laws, FAQs |
| Weekly threads | Regular chats on set topics |
The best part? Good stuff rises to the top thanks to Reddit's voting system.
But it's not perfect. Long-term chats can be hard to follow, and finding old posts can be tricky. Plus, if you're new to Reddit, it might take some getting used to.
Still, most users say the fresh info and different viewpoints make it worth it.
2. Homeschool World Forum
The Homeschool World Forum is a bustling online community. With 27 daily posts, it's where homeschoolers get answers and swap ideas.
What's on the menu?
| Topic | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| Homeschool Law | Legal stuff you need to know |
| Getting Started | Newbie tips and tricks |
| Curriculum | What works, what doesn't |
| Special Needs | Help for unique learners |
| Homeschool vs Public School | Weighing your options |
The forum's smart layout helps you find your way:
- Unanswered Topics: Be a hero, help someone out
- Active Topics: See what's buzzing
- Search Function: Find exactly what you need
But it's not all textbooks and lesson plans. You'll also find:
- A chat board for casual chit-chat
- A swap meet for trading materials
Got niche interests? They've got you covered. From Latin lovers to Spanish speakers, you'll find your people here.
Want to make the most of it? Here's how:
1. Search before you ask. Someone might've already answered your question.
2. New to this? Hit up the "Getting Started" section.
3. Don't lurk - jump in! That's how you'll make homeschool buddies.
3. SA Homeschoolers
SA Homeschoolers is South Africa's largest independent online platform for home education. Since 2011, it's been the hub for parents starting or continuing their homeschooling journey.
Here's what they offer:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Website | www.sahomeschoolers.org |
| "Home Education in South Africa" page | |
| YouTube | Dedicated channel |
| Forum | 2.64K discussions, 5.79K members |
The forum isn't just a chat room. It's a lifeline for many parents:
"I'm currently homeschooling my 6 year old and 5 year old it is soo amazing really enjoying it the flexibility and less stress compared to school." - ummiLion, Homeschool Mum from KwaZulu-Natal
SA Homeschoolers doesn't push one teaching method. Instead, it shows you ALL your options. Muslim curriculums? They've got it. Laid-back approaches? Yep, those too.
Some quick facts:
- Homeschooling's been legal in South Africa since 1996
- Each province sets its own rules
- About 300,000 kids were homeschooled in 2021 (up from 140,000 in 2019)
Why join? You'll get:
- The latest home education news
- Local support group info
- Curriculum breakdowns
- Connections with other homeschooling families
SA Homeschoolers isn't alone. It's part of a network, working with groups like the Eastern Cape Home Schooling Association and the KwaZulu Natal Home Schooling Association.
New to homeschooling? This forum's your first stop. You'll find answers, make friends, and get the support to make homeschooling work for YOUR family.
4. Simply Charlotte Mason Forums
The Simply Charlotte Mason Forums are a go-to spot for homeschoolers using the Charlotte Mason method. This approach is all about short lessons, real books, storytelling, and getting out in nature.
Here's what you'll find on the forum:
- A place to find local groups and events
- Tips from seasoned Charlotte Mason educators
- Curriculum guides to help you get started
The forum's big on community. They say it themselves: "Charlotte Mason is even better in community."
New to Charlotte Mason? The forum's got you covered:
1. Curriculum Guide
Right on the homepage, you'll find a guide to get you started.
2. Transition Tips
Switching to Charlotte Mason? They've got advice for that.
3. Method Support
Learn how to use key parts of the Charlotte Mason approach.
Why do families like Charlotte Mason? It's flexible:
| What | Why It's Good |
|---|---|
| Short lessons (10-15 mins) | Great for kids who can't sit still |
| Real books | Makes subjects like history fun |
| Storytelling | Helps kids remember what they learn |
| Nature study | Gets kids learning hands-on |
One parent on the forum said:
"Now that we've gone full Charlotte Mason, I feel like I have a plan for this year and beyond."
The Simply Charlotte Mason curriculum is a hot topic on the forum. It offers:
- Ready-to-go lesson plans
- Lessons that work for different ages
- A mix of structure and flexibility
Laura, a forum user, shared:
"The Simply Charlotte Mason lesson plans are a lifesaver. I don't have to figure out schedules. I just do the next thing."
Thinking about trying Charlotte Mason? Forum users suggest:
- Let kids color while you read to them
- Mix old and new teaching methods
- Use crafts and nature in your lessons
Whether you're new to homeschooling or a pro, the Simply Charlotte Mason Forums are a great place to get support and ideas.
5. The Well Trained Mind Forum
The Well Trained Mind Forum is a hub for homeschoolers focused on classical education. It's based on Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise's book about teaching this method at home.
Classical education has three stages:
| Stage | Focus |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Facts and language |
| Logic | Connecting facts |
| Rhetoric | Clear expression |
The forum covers:
- General education talk
- Learning challenges
- Bilingual education
- Resource trading
Subscribers get access to a Resource Recommendations Portal with top curricula picks.
Susan Wise Bauer, the forum's founder, has been in the education game for over 20 years. She's not just an author - she taught at the College of William & Mary for 16 years.
Since 1999, the forum has grown a lot. They updated the book in 2009 to keep it fresh. Why? Because classical education isn't stuck in the past - it's about giving kids tools to learn anything.
You'll find:
- Homeschooling tips from preschool to high school
- How to use the classical method
- Talk about field trips and special needs education
It's not just for full-time homeschoolers. You'll also see parents who:
- Are thinking about homeschooling
- Want to add extra learning at home
- Are looking into online schools
If you're after a solid academic foundation for your kids, this forum's worth a look.
6. COAH Community
The COAH Community is a buzzing hub for homeschoolers. It's where you can find help, swap ideas, and chat about everything from planning lessons to teaching tricky subjects.
What makes COAH special? Here's the scoop:
- It's packed with active discussions. People talk about what curriculum works best, how to schedule their days, and cool teaching tricks.
- Got a question about music or want to learn a new language? There's a forum for that.
- Members love sharing their go-to tools and favorite curricula.
- They even throw in some fun giveaways to keep things exciting.
The founder's pretty pumped about how it's all going:
"I've been so amazed by the participation in the COAH Community. You all have amazing questions, and I love reading through all of the responses as well."
Sounds like a place where everyone's learning from each other, right?
If you're homeschooling and want to connect with others who get it, COAH's got your back. Here's what you can expect:
| What You Get | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Advice from the trenches | Tap into the wisdom of seasoned homeschoolers |
| New teaching tools | Discover fresh curricula and resources |
| Solutions to tough spots | Work through challenges with fellow parents |
| A boost when you need it | Get inspired by others' success stories |
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7. Gifted Homeschool Forum
The Gifted Homeschool Forum (GHF) is a hub for families teaching gifted and twice-exceptional kids at home. This non-profit has been around for over 15 years, offering tons of resources for gifted learners.
What makes GHF special?
- They host free online events like workshops and Q&As
- They cover different homeschooling methods (classical, hybrid, online)
- They feature content from both parents and gifted education pros
Here's what GHF offers:
| Feature | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Free Community Membership | Live events and forum access |
| DIY Education Course | Self-paced learning with videos and podcasts |
| GHF Conversations | Quarterly mini-conferences |
| Annual Conference | Three-day event with top experts |
Corin Barsily Goodwin, the Executive Director, leads a team of volunteers who are all about supporting gifted homeschooling families.
Feeling alone in your gifted homeschooling journey? GHF's got your back. As Dr. Heidi Lack, a Clinical Psychologist and Author, says:
"Thank you all for such a supportive, casual, professional, warm, informative group; but mostly, for caring so much. When we touch one, we touch thousands-- it ripples and expands, and I am so grateful to be in community with folks who care to put time, energy and heart into this healing work."
8. Beyond the Page Homeschool Community Forum
The Beyond the Page Homeschool Community Forum is where families ditch textbooks for something more exciting. It's all about the Moving Beyond the Page (MBTP) curriculum, designed for kids aged 4-14.
MBTP isn't your average homeschool program. Here's why:
- It uses real books, not boring textbooks
- Lessons mix different subjects together
- You can choose online or offline versions
Parents on the forum love how MBTP fits their kids' needs. One mom said:
"I'm starting my 3rd year with MBtP. It's been great for my two girls."
MBTP covers the basics - Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. But it's not just reading and writing. Kids get to do cool stuff too. In a Native American unit, they might make felt tipis and moccasins.
Here's what MBTP offers:
| Package | Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Full Year | $499 - $1,153 | Everything for one grade |
| Single Subject | $156 - $415 | Just one area (like Science) |
| Individual Units | $24 - $37 | Specific topics to try out |
The forum is perfect for:
- Sharing MBTP tips and tricks
- Finding extra activities for lessons
- Getting help from seasoned homeschoolers
New to homeschooling or want to spice things up? This forum might be just what you need.
9. Our Homeschool Forum
Rainbow Resource Center's Homeschool Forum is a goldmine for homeschoolers. Since 2013, it's been THE place to get help, swap ideas, and find resources.
What's in it for you?
- Homeschooling articles
- Product reviews
- Teaching videos
- Direct chats with other homeschoolers
But that's not all. Need expert advice? Rainbow Resource Center's got your back with free Homeschool Consultants. They're available weekdays, 9am to 5pm Central time.
Why's this forum special? It's a one-stop shop with thousands of resources. Math worksheets? Check. History books? You bet.
Hot topics include:
- Curriculum choices
- Teaching tough subjects
- Keeping kids engaged
It's more than just a forum. It's a community where homeschoolers help each other out. Stuck on a problem? Scored a win? Share it here.
10. Vegsource Homeschool Message Board
The Vegsource Homeschool Message Board is a dinosaur in the online homeschooling world - and I mean that in the best way possible. It's been around since the 90s, and it's still kicking!
What makes this forum special?
- It covers EVERYTHING from picking curricula to navigating legal stuff
- People are always posting and chatting
- You can dig through YEARS of old discussions
The forum's split into a few main areas:
- General Homeschooling
- Curriculum Talk
- Special Needs Homeschooling
- Homeschooling Teens
- Unschooling
Here's the kicker: it's big on secular homeschooling. If you're not into religious materials, this is your spot.
Now, I'll be honest - the site looks like it's stuck in 1999. But don't let that scare you off. The info here is gold.
The best part? You can snoop around without signing up. But if you want to jump in and chat, you'll need to create an account.
So, if you're cool with a retro vibe and want a treasure trove of homeschooling wisdom, give Vegsource a shot. It might just become your new favorite hangout.
Forum Comparison
Let's see how these homeschool forums stack up. We'll look at users, topics, and what makes each one tick.
| Forum Name | Users | Main Topics | What's Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reddit » Homeschool | 1.7M Facebook, 1.1M Twitter | General support | 11 posts/day, since 2008 |
| Homeschool World Forum | N/A | Law, curriculum, special needs | 27 posts/day |
| SA Homeschoolers | 14.6K Facebook, 835 Twitter | South African home ed | Local focus |
| Simply Charlotte Mason | 43.4K Facebook, 35.1K Instagram | Charlotte Mason method | Like-minded community |
| The Well Trained Mind | 47.6K Facebook, 8.3K Instagram | Educational resources | Articles, courses, books |
| COAH Community | N/A | Curriculum, organization | Various topics |
| Vegsource | N/A | Secular homeschooling | Around since 1990s |
Reddit's homeschool community is the big fish. It's where you go for quick answers and a mix of views.
Homeschool World Forum and The Well Trained Mind? They're hopping. With 27 and 6 daily posts, they're perfect for deep dives into specific topics.
SA Homeschoolers is smaller, but it's a lifeline for South African families. It's all about local context.
Into Charlotte Mason or classical education? Simply Charlotte Mason and The Well Trained Mind have you covered.
COAH Community and Vegsource? They're your all-purpose forums. Vegsource leans secular.
Choosing a forum? Think about:
- Where you live (especially for SA Homeschoolers)
- How you teach
- How often you want to chat
- What kind of help you need
Pick the one that fits YOU. Happy forum hunting!
Picking the Right Forum for You
Finding the perfect homeschool forum can supercharge your homeschooling experience. Here's how to nail it:
Think about what you REALLY want. Curriculum advice? Scheduling help? General support? Each forum has its own vibe.
Activity matters. Check out these numbers:
- Homeschool subreddit: 11 posts/day
- Homeschool World Forum: 27 posts/day
- Simply Charlotte Mason Forums: 1 post/day
Busy forums = quick answers. Slower ones? Deeper chats.
Your teaching style counts. Love Charlotte Mason? Simply Charlotte Mason Forums might be your jam.
Size isn't everything, but it can mean more voices:
- Homeschool subreddit: 1.7 million Facebook followers
- The Well-Trained Mind Forum: 47.6K Facebook followers
Snoop around existing threads. It's like test-driving the community.
Start small. Ask one specific question. It's a great way to see if the forum feels right.
Remember: The best forum is the one that fits YOU. Don't be afraid to try a few before settling in.
Wrap-up
Homeschool forums aren't just chat rooms. They're lifelines for homeschooling families.
Why do these forums matter? Simple:
- They save you time. Learn from others instead of starting from scratch.
- They build community. Connect with parents who get your struggles.
- They're packed with resources. Find new curricula, teaching tricks, and fun activities.
The best forum? It's the one that fits YOU. So try a few. Ask questions. Jump in.
Don't go solo. Use these forums to boost your homeschooling game. Your tribe is out there, ready to welcome you.
