Rhode Island Homeschool Groups & Co-ops
One of the keys to a successful homeschool experience is a supportive homeschool community. Families new to homeschooling can often find their groove more quickly by connecting with others who have already dealt with the hills and valleys of this unique educational path.
If you live in an urban area, finding other homeschool groups in Rhode Island is usually easy; families in rural areas, however, may have to be willing to drive some distance or look for virtual support. Online homeschool support groups can be incredibly helpful, though.
Rhode Island Homeschool Support Groups
There are two primary homeschool organizations in Rhode Island. Both are strong sources of information and guidance for both new and veteran homeschoolers in the state.
ENRICHri is the largest secular homeschool network in the state. It offers parent workshops for new homeschoolers, organized field trips, a monthly newsletter, and special events such as science fairs and a graduation ceremony.
RIGHT is a Christian-led support group with four regional chapters. Paid members of the group receive access to specific homeschool resources, a monthly digital newsletter, and a private Facebook group presence.
Be sure to visit Time4Learning’s Rhode Island parent forum where you’ll be able to connect with other families in the Ocean State and discover additional resources.
Rhode Island Homeschool Co-ops
A common outgrowth of a large and active homeschool support group is a homeschool cooperative (also called a “co-op”). This is an organized entity of homeschool families who want to offer regular shared learning opportunities for their children.
An example of this type of organization in Rhode Island is the Pawtucket Co-op. It is run completely by parent volunteers who offer four different six-week-long sessions during the year. Co-op tuition includes group classes as well as physical education opportunities at the campus gym and swimming pool.
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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. Both parents and homeschooled children need to feel that they are not alone on this unique educational journey. Not convinced yet? Then read on to discover some of the benefits you might not have thought of for linking up with local homeschoolers.
- homeschoolers can meet other students who are schooling the way they are
- pre-scheduled group activities such as field trips, clubs, science fairs, and P.E. bring variety to the homeschool week
- parents will have opportunities to ask questions of other veteran homeschooling families
- guidance on the intricacies of state homeschool laws
- leveraging the talents of other parents means access to courses and subjects you might not have been able to teach at home
- regular interactions with the same group of students weekly leads to friendships and camaraderie between homeschoolers
- exposure to different teaching styles helps homeschoolers prepare for later school/college experiences
Additional Resources for Homeschooling in Rhode Island
Have other questions about homeschooling in Rhode Island? You may find the following pages helpful.
- Homeschooling in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Homeschooling Laws
- Homeschool Field Trips in Rhode Island
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