Georgia Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
You aren’t usually very far down the path of homeschooling when you run into some kind of brick wall. There will be a question you can’t find the answer to by searching online. Or there will be something specific that happens in your homeschool day and you’ll just wish you had another parent with experience to bounce it off of. That’s where local homeschool groups come in. Having a peer network of parents who have been at the point that you are now is invaluable and can even ensure the longevity of your homeschool experience. On this page, we will share some of the homeschool groups in GA that you need to know about, define what homeschool co-ops are, and share with you some of the benefits you might gain by joining one or both of those types of support system.
Georgia Homeschool Support Groups
When it comes to local homeschool groups, Georgia has a large number of them throughout the state. Keep in mind, though, that all homeschool groups will usually have a specific worldview, focus, or goal. Some will be faith-based, and may even require you to sign a statement of faith to officially become a member. Others may be concentrated on a specific style of homeschooling such as classical, unschooling, or Waldorf. You might even discover that some groups are specifically focused on one aspect of homeschooling in your local area, such as field trips or the arts.
In recent years, because of the cost and time required to maintain a website, the homeschool support system in many cities, counties, and regions has moved primarily to Facebook. In fact, when you first begin searching, you may want to bypass that “homeschool groups near me” query and begin with Facebook’s search bar.
With some dedicated search effort, you should be able to locate a group to connect with. To get you started, here is a sampling of Georgia homeschool support organizations around the state.
If you can’t find a local group via search engine or Facebook, there’s still another option. What about a virtual homeschool group? Time4Learning’s state-by-state forums offer online support from other parents who are either seasoned homeschoolers or new to homeschooling, just like you. Visit the Georgia homeschool forum to see what other parents are chatting about or to ask specific questions related to your own homeschool journey.
Be sure to visit Time4Learning’s Georgia parent forum where you’ll be able to connect with other families in The Peach State and discover additional resources.
Co-op Homeschooling Groups in Georgia
In areas with strong homeschooling populations, a common outgrowth of a homeschool support group is a homeschool cooperative (or co-op). These parent-directed organizations are designed to provide group learning environments for students who primarily learn from home. Co-op classes usually meet on one or more specific days of the week, where parents often take turns leading specific classes or units of study. This shared responsibility takes off the pressure that homeschooling parents often feel that they need to “know it all and do it all.”
As an example, STAC (Space, Time, and Community) in the Marietta, GA area is a secular, homeschool co-op with a vision of creating a relaxed space for creativity and open play. In addition to a variety of semester-long classes, the co-op offers parenting and teaching workshops and social activities.
Would you like to find a homeschool cooperative in Georgia? You might have to do a little digging, but even if you have to drive some distance, it might be worth the effort. To help your search you can:
- ask other homeschoolers in your region if they are aware of a homeschool co-op
- inquire about co-ops in any local/regional homeschool support groups on Facebook
- query your favorite search engine using terms like “homeschool classes” or “homeschool co-op” along with names of nearby towns and counties
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Benefits of Joining a Homeschool Group or Co-op
Even if you aren’t normally a “joiner,” belonging to a local support group (even an online one) can have significant benefits for your homeschool experience. The importance of connecting with other parents and students who understand what you are going through and identify with your education goals can’t be overstated. This is especially true if you can find a support system that fits your family and your schedule. Not convinced yet? Then read on to discover some of the benefits you might not have thought of for linking up with local homeschoolers.
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Additional Resources for Homeschooling in Georgia
Have other questions about homeschooling in Georgia? You may find the following pages helpful.
- Homeschooling in Georgia
- Georgia Homeschooling Laws
- Georgia Homeschool Associations
- Georgia Standardized Testing and Test Prep
- Homeschool Field Trips in Georgia
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