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 Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island.
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
Home education support groups
There are many home educators' support groups around the world, particularly in the USA and UK. These can be a good way of getting to know other families, finding out about local regulations or facilities, and for your children to mix with others of different background. This article discusses reasons for wanting a support group, how to start a home education support group, and possible group activities.
S.O.S. Email Loop (SOSinformation)
Email list for members of S.O.S., a secular inclusive homeschooling group in Rhode Island.
Unschool Sharing for Parents
Share successes and ideas and build a helpful, welcoming archive for the new unschoolers, the newly-unschooling, and the nicely unschooling.
Rhode Island Guild of Home Teachers (RIGHT)
Support group for home educators in Rhode Island. Offers information, support, and events such as holiday parties, talent shows, zoo classes,teen opportunities, football, soccer, baseball, ice skating, art show, and religious events, as well as, State and National spelling bee, geography bee, speech and debate competitions, and math competitions. Also offers field trips, play days, and mom's meetings. RIGHT publishes a newsletter.
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.
New England Jewish Homeschoolers
This list is for Jewish homeschoolers in the New England area, including CT, NH, VT, ME, RI, MA. Members include Orthodox Jews, Conservative Jews, Reform Jews, Reconstructionist Jews, and secular Jews.
South County Homeschoolers
South County Homeschoolers is a member-directed support network. Members exchange information, share resources, organize activities, and participate to whatever degree they like. Anyone interested in home education is welcome to participate.
Home Educators Network of Rhode Island (HENRI)
Home Educators Network in the Rhode Island area offering information and support resources for homeschool families of Rhode Island.
Literature Alive
Literature Alive! is an email group list for the literary website of the same name. This list seeks to encourage and support parents who have a love for literature and a desire to share good wholesome books with their children. Its purpose is to develop the art and excitment of using great living literature in a learning lifestyle. This group will share information on how to turn a living book into a cherished book within the home. Different literature study methods enhanced by Charlotte Mason's...
Learning Enrichment Active Fellowship (LEAF)
LEAF is a network of home learners that welcomes all homeschoolers in many communities in south-central Massachusetts, northern Rhode Island and northeastern Connecticut. Offers support and information, along with field trips, events, learning enrichment opportunities, park and beach days, and more.
RIhomeschool
This is a mailing list for people who home school or are thinking of homeschooling in Rhode Island, kids and parents alike. Here you can exchange ideas, support each other, and share resources and information.
Rhode Island Homeschooling
Online support group for homeschoolers in the state of Rhode Island.
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
The Home School Legal Defense Association is a non-profit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. HSLDA offers annual memberships and fully represents member families when they are in need of legal assistance. HSLDA also participates in legislative advocacy and research.
Rhode Island Christian Home Educators (RICHES)
RICHES is an organization of Christian homeschool families in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts who have joined together to encourage one another and to promote educational, cultural, athletic and spiritual growth among our families.
Secular in the Ocean State (SOS) Homeschool Group
Support group for home educators in Rhode Island and surrounding areas who wish to network for support and friendship. SOS home-based education network is an inclusive group, offering support regardless of religion, race, politics, or homeschooling method. Offers activities, classes, learning co-ops, field trips and other events.
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