Looking for help with homeschooling? Here's a quick rundown of 10 top online resources:
- Your Virtual Homeschool Group - Free community with learning tips and pen pals
- Homeschool Boldly - Christian-based support with podcasts and magazines
- Hip Homeschool Moms - Facebook group with strict rules to keep things friendly
- Homeschool Successfully - Judgment-free zone for moms and grandmas
- Rock Your Homeschool! - Fun activities and free resources from a former therapist
- Working Homeschool Mom Club - Support for parents balancing work and homeschooling
- OutSchool - Online classes starting at $10/month for ages 3-18
- Recess and Results - Faith-based fitness program for homeschoolers
- Virtual Homeschool Group - Free online co-op for 5th grade through high school
- Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace - Buy, sell, and trade educational materials
These groups offer:
- Community support
- Practical advice
- Educational resources
- Activity ideas
- Curriculum help
Quick Comparison:
| Group | Main Focus | Cost | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your Virtual Homeschool Group | General support | Free | All ages |
| Homeschool Boldly | Christian-based | Free/Paid | All ages |
| Hip Homeschool Moms | General support | Free | All ages |
| Homeschool Successfully | Christian-based | Free | All ages |
| Rock Your Homeschool! | Fun activities | Free/Paid | All ages |
| Working Homeschool Mom Club | Work-life balance | Free | All ages |
| OutSchool | Online classes | From $10/month | 3-18 years |
| Recess and Results | Faith-based fitness | Varies | 3-12 years |
| Virtual Homeschool Group | Online co-op | Free (buy own books) | 5th grade - high school |
| Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace | Buy/sell materials | Varies | All ages |
Join these groups to get support, save money, and make homeschooling easier!
Related video from YouTube
Your Virtual Homeschool Group
Looking for a free online homeschool community? Your Virtual Homeschool Group, from Homeschool Mastery Academy, might be just what you need.
What's in it for you?
- Free membership (yes, really!)
- Holiday reminders and learning tips
- Giveaways (who doesn't love free stuff?)
- Homeschooling resources at your fingertips
- Pen pals for your kids (and maybe you too!)
- Help for running homeschool groups and co-ops
- Fresh curriculum and activity ideas
But here's the deal: they're serious about keeping things friendly. No hate speech, no bullying, no spam, and respect everyone's privacy. Simple, right?
Want to make the most of it? Jump into discussions, share your stories, ask away, and grab those free resources. Oh, and don't forget to check out the pen pal program - it's a great way for your kids to make friends.
So, ready to join a community that gets your homeschool life? Your Virtual Homeschool Group is waiting for you.
2. Homeschool Boldly by Homeschooling Today
Homeschool Boldly, from Homeschooling Today magazine, is a Christian-based resource for homeschooling families. They're all about practical help and real talk.
What do they offer?
- A weekly podcast with quick, motivational messages
- An online community to connect with other parents
- A quarterly magazine full of lessons and activities
Their motto? "You've got this, because He's got you." It's about being brave in your homeschooling journey.
Kay Chance, Co-executive Editor of Homeschooling Today magazine, says:
"We homeschool boldly when we recognize the impact we can have on our children's lives—not just their education."
Homeschool Boldly's advice:
- Trust your gut
- Tweak lessons to fit your kids
- Teach the child, not just the material
- Take breaks when you need to
Homeschooling isn't about being perfect. It's about creating something special for your family. Ashley Lynn Priore, a homeschool graduate, puts it like this:
"Let's empower our students to start their own organizations, to contact leaders in their fields, and to use the world as their classroom."
Want in? Check out their guidelines and join the conversation. Time to homeschool boldly!
3. Hip Homeschool Moms
Hip Homeschool Moms is where homeschooling families hang out online. It's got everything from tips to support for newbies and pros alike.
They've got a Facebook group, but it's not a free-for-all. Rules keep things friendly:
- No selling stuff
- Keep it private
- Skip touchy topics
- Be nice
Want to start a local co-op? Here's how:
1. Find nearby families
Reach out or use social media.
2. Rotate meeting spots
Take turns hosting at different homes.
3. Set ground rules
Establish a code of conduct from day one.
Taryn Hayes, an author who homeschools, says:
"Co-op is a balm on our weary days and a spark to inspire the rest of our week."
Hip Homeschool Moms offers more:
- Podcast
- Educational shop
- Budget tips
- Curriculum advice
- Beginner's guide
New to homeschooling? They've got answers about picking curricula and getting started. It's your go-to spot for all things homeschool.
4. Homeschool Successfully: Perfection Not Required
Homeschool Successfully is a Christian support group for moms and grandmas who want to teach their kids at home. But here's the kicker: you don't need to be perfect.
Tauna Meyer created this 12,000-member group as a judgment-free zone. Their philosophy? You can teach your kids well without being flawless.
What do they offer?
- Practical tips
- Encouragement
- Q&A space
They've got a "No Drama" policy too. It keeps things positive and on-topic.
Barbara Frank, a homeschooling pro, learned a big lesson:
"Playing games has become the backbone of Josh's homeschooling experience."
She made a "playing store" game. Kids bought pantry items with play money. Boom! Math and money management, but fun.
The group's all about creative solutions. Take Vicki. Tight budget? She made her own curriculum.
Or Sabrina. Not great at math? She swapped skills in her local co-op. She taught literature, another parent taught her kids math.
The takeaway? It's okay to adapt. Find what works for YOU. Homeschool Successfully helps parents navigate challenges while enjoying the learning journey with their kids.
5. Rock Your Homeschool!
Amy Milcic, a former mental health therapist turned homeschool mom, created Rock Your Homeschool! - a Facebook group and website for families who want to make homeschooling fun and easy.
Amy's "relaxed eclectic" approach lets her pick the best tools for her kids. She started homeschooling when her oldest son struggled in public school due to a vision problem.
What does Rock Your Homeschool! offer?
- A huge library of free resources
- Monthly fun calendars
- Printable mom affirmation cards
- Simple activities and crafts for kids
Amy's top homeschooling tips:
- Find a planning system that clicks for you
- Get your family on the same page
- Use resources that fit your kids' needs
Amy's kids improved their writing skills using the Brave Writer curriculum - a big win for their family.
For homeschool newbies, Amy says:
- Check out the Homeschooling 101 page for legal info
- Don't be shy about asking for help
- Start with "Fun Days" to get kids excited about learning
"Learning can be fun when you relax and have the right attitude." - Amy Milcic
Rock Your Homeschool is all about staying positive and creating a chill routine that works for your family.
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6. Working Homeschool Mom Club
The Working Homeschool Mom Club is a Facebook group for parents balancing work and homeschooling. Created by Jen Mackinnon from Practical By Default, it's a supportive community tackling the unique challenges of working homeschool parents.
What's in it for you?
- Monthly Q&As for specific questions
- Quick advice on curriculum choices
- Drama-free, politics-free zone
- Focused discussions (limited promotions)
Jen, the group's creator, sums it up:
"Everyone here is trying to juggle both roles; everyone here is trying to be the best mom they can be."
Thinking about homeschooling while working? Here's what to do:
- Research teaching methods
- Know your kids' learning strengths before buying curriculum
- Look for flexible, subject-overlapping curriculum
One member learned the hard way:
"I had one curriculum that I boxed up within a week of starting it! It was a total waste of $150!"
Get the most out of the group:
- Ask specific questions (include age, grade, online/offline status)
- Join discussions and share your insights
- Check out the resources page for work-homeschool balance tips
Working homeschool moms often feel like outsiders. The club's solution? Support each other and make friends.
Heather, a Christian part-time RN, shares:
"I know SO many nurses who homeschool. Tons tend to work 2-3 days a week as part time or per diem from a 6 – 12 hour style shift."
Feeling overwhelmed? Try this:
- Quality over quantity in homeschooling and housework
- Streamline and declutter
- Know your values and goals
- Don't compare yourself to others
The Working Homeschool Mom Club is your go-to for support, advice, and community as you navigate the world of working and homeschooling.
7. OutSchool
OutSchool is an online learning platform for kids aged 3-18. It's a hit with homeschoolers, offering tons of classes that fit different schedules and budgets.
Here's what OutSchool brings to the table:
- 140,000+ online classes
- 10,000+ teachers (all vetted)
- Subjects from math to Python programming
- Small groups and one-on-one options
- Flexible schedules, no long-term strings attached
Classes start at $10 per month, with some as cheap as $6 a pop.
Fizza, a parent, raves:
"My kids fell for OutSchool instantly. They loved taking classes from teachers worldwide and made friends with both teachers and students. It's been great for our family during these weird times."
OutSchool can supercharge your homeschooling:
- Plug gaps in your curriculum
- Let kids explore new subjects
- Connect with other homeschoolers
- Keep tabs on progress easily
Myla, another parent, shares a success story:
"Finding any class on any subject taught in any way that works for your kid is a game-changer! It's been amazing for my ASD level 3 son. He couldn't read in regular school, but now he's reading books solo, thanks to OutSchool classes."
If you're homeschooling and want to spice things up or fill in some blanks, OutSchool's got you covered. It's a flexible tool that can make homeschooling more fun and effective.
8. Recess and Results
Recess and Results is a faith-based fitness program for homeschoolers. It's not just about keeping kids active - it's about growing their faith too.
Here's what you need to know:
- It's for kids aged 3-12
- You can join local or virtual clubs
- The Virtual Recess Club is a big hit (voted #1 by The Simple Homeschooler)
Beth, a fitness pro, sums it up:
"Kids learn best through play. We make faith and fitness fun!"
The program offers:
- Kid-friendly exercises
- Fun play activities
- Social skills development
- Faith lessons
It's not just fun - it's healthy too. The American Academy of Pediatrics says kids need 60 minutes of daily activity. Recess and Results helps tick that box.
Prices vary. Here's a sample:
| Class | Price |
|---|---|
| Get Fit With a Marine! | $10 per class |
| Ready Set Fitness Kids | $15 per week |
| Boxing/Muay Thai Bag Fitness | $10 per week |
| FLEX PE Circus Skills | $25 per week |
Why choose Recess and Results? It helps you:
- Cover PE requirements
- Build healthy habits
- Boost faith
- Connect with other homeschoolers
If you want PE with a faith twist, Recess and Results might be your answer. It's a solid fit for homeschool curriculums.
9. Virtual Homeschool Group
The Virtual Homeschool Group (VHSG) is a free online co-op for homeschoolers. It's run by homeschooling parents who used to teach in local co-ops. They offer courses for 5th grade through high school.
What can you find at VHSG? Here's a quick look:
| Subject | What's on offer |
|---|---|
| Science | Apologia courses |
| Math | Saxon Algebra 1 |
| History | Various periods |
| Language Arts | Writing, Literature |
| Electives | Lots of choices |
The courses are free, but you'll need to buy your own books. VHSG runs on donations and volunteers, so course quality can vary.
VHSG has two main course types:
- Live, interactive group classes
- Self-paced courses (currently just Saxon Math and Apologia Science)
Want to join? It's easy:
- Sign up on their website
- Look at the courses
- Pick the ones you want
- Get your books
Course availability changes, so keep an eye out for new enrollment periods.
VHSG tries to be a friendly place for homeschoolers. They have some basic rules:
- Stay on topic
- No self-promotion or spam
- Be nice to each other
That's VHSG in a nutshell. It's a cool option if you're looking for free online homeschool classes.
10. Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace
Want to save money on homeschool materials? The Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace is your answer.
This online platform lets homeschooling families buy, sell, and trade educational resources. It's perfect for budget-conscious parents or those looking to offload unused materials.
The Facebook group "Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace" is a big player, with nearly 60,000 members. They keep things tight with these rules:
- Prices must be in posts
- Only curriculum (no toys or household stuff)
- All posts need photos
Prefer a more traditional shopping experience? Try Homeschool Classifieds. It's all about buying and selling homeschool materials, new and used.
Second Harvest Curriculum is another option. Sell your resources to them, and they'll resell on their site.
Using these marketplaces? Remember:
- Read descriptions carefully
- Check payment rules
- Factor in shipping costs
- Look for local groups to skip shipping
Pro tip: Local and state homeschool groups often hold used curriculum sales in late May and early June. Great for deals and meeting other homeschoolers!
New to homeschooling? All-in-one curriculum kits can be a good start. As you get more comfortable, you might want to mix and match resources for a custom curriculum.
Conclusion
Online homeschool support groups and resources are a big deal for families teaching their kids at home. They're not just helpful - they're essential. Here's why:
- They fight loneliness
- You learn from others
- You get a boost when you need it
- You can find free or cheap learning materials
Different groups offer different perks:
| Group Type | What's Good About It |
|---|---|
| Facebook Groups | Easy to use, lots of people, quick chats |
| Special Forums | Deep talks, specific help |
| Online Co-ops | Structured classes, taught by experts |
| Curriculum Shops | Cheap options, lots of choices |
What to do now:
1. Join a group that fits your family
2. Get involved - ask questions and share your stories
3. Check out what resources these groups offer
By joining these online groups, you're not just making homeschooling easier. You're becoming part of a community that cares about giving kids a great education.
"A strong homeschool community is key for homeschooling families to succeed and thrive." - SERVE Homeschool
Jump into these online resources. You'll see your homeschool journey change from going it alone to being part of something bigger - and better for you and your kids.
How to Use Online Homeschool Communities
Online homeschool communities can supercharge your homeschooling. Here's how to get the most out of them:
1. Join multiple groups
Don't stick to just one. Mix it up with different Facebook groups:
| Group Type | Example | Members |
|---|---|---|
| General Support | Homeschooling for Beginners, and Support | 9,000 |
| Resource Sharing | Free Homeschool Ideas | 57,500 |
| Specific Needs | Blue Collar Homeschool | Varies |
2. Be active
Ask questions. Share your stories. Help others. The more you put in, the more you'll get out.
3. Plan together
Team up with other parents for events and activities. It's easier and gives your kids more options.
4. Watch what you share
Be smart about your online info. Some groups, like high school student councils, use "secret" settings for privacy.
5. Go local
Don't forget face-to-face meetups. As one parent put it:
"Online connections are, for many, the first point of call and I loved the virtual staff room feel."
6. Find your niche
Got kids with special needs or gifted learners? Look for groups that get it, like Raising Poppies for gifted and twice-exceptional children.
7. Swap stuff
Many groups let you buy, sell, or trade homeschool materials. It's a great way to save some cash.
