North Carolina Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
Whether you are just now filing your intent to homeschool or have been educating your children at home for years, you likely have discovered that you have questions about homeschooling in the Tarheel State. The ideal way to get those questions answered is by asking other families who have already been down the same road you are on. That’s where local homeschool groups come in. Having a support system of people who know the North Carolina state homeschool laws, have experience with different curricula, and have dealt with a variety of challenges means that you never have to feel alone when you are wondering about some specific aspect of homeschooling.
On this page, we will list some of the most popular regional homeschool support groups in the state. Also, we’ll introduce you to a unique kind of group for homeschool students: the homeschool cooperative. Finally, we’ll go over some of the key benefits of joining either a homeschool group or cooperative in your local area.
North Carolina Homeschool Support Groups
Because of the vibrant and growing population of home educators in the state, when it comes to homeschool groups, North Carolina has a variety to choose from. In recent years, many local groups have moved to primarily using Facebook as their main means of communication. So, when first searching for a support group near you, be sure to start there. Some larger groups may have a dedicated website, but Facebook is your best bet for locating local and regional homeschool support. Some of the organized homeschool support groups in NC include:
North Carolina Homeschool Co-ops
Often an outgrowth of a local homeschool group, a homeschool cooperative (or co-op) is a more structured type of gathering that is usually dedicated to academics. Students may meet once or twice a week on specific days to learn about one or more subjects in a group setting. Sometimes the parents volunteer as instructors, but other times outside tutors will lead the classes.
As an example, one of the co-op homeschooling groups in NC is the Pathway Christian Cooperative. This faith-based organization offers weekly meetings for elementary through high school. Parents whose families participate are asked to teach one class and assist in two others. In addition to a devotional time, students would be involved in traditional coursework such as literature, science, history, and fine arts. High school offerings include foreign language classes and other electives. Of course, this is just one cooperative’s structure. Every homeschool co-op has its own framework and approach.
Don’t fall into the biggest homeschooling myth out there. Discover how socialization is an active part of homeschooling.
Benefits of Joining a Homeschool Group or Co-op
When a family first seeks out local homeschool support, they are usually in search of connection. And that is certainly one of the chief benefits of connecting with a group. However, there are so many potential upsides to belonging to a homeschool network in your area, such as:
- group field trips
- park days and/or p.e. days
- organized clubs such as geography club, 4H, chess, robotics, etc.
- book and curriculum exchanges
- dedicated email loops or Facebook groups for sharing information
- organized athletic opportunities
- the opportunity to make new friends!!
Additional Resources Related to Homeschooling in North Carolina
Have other questions about homeschooling in North Carolina? You may find the following pages helpful.
- Homeschooling in North Carolina
- North Carolina Homeschool Laws
- North Carolina Homeschool Associations
- Homeschool Field Trips in North Carolina
Welcome to Homeschooling Guide
Download this FREE resource where experienced homeschoolers share their stories for how to begin homeschooling, understanding your child academically, planning your days, and much more.
