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 Tennessee.
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 Tennessee.
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
Tipton HEART (Homeschoolers Encouraging One Another by Reaching and Teaching)
Tipton HEART is a non-denominational, inclusive homeschool support group offering homeschooling families in Tipton County the opportunity to connect and find support.
Georgia Homeschool Network
This Facebook group offers a place where homeschool families can come together and stay up-to-day on what's going on in the homeschool world in Georgia.
Blessed Sacrament Homeschool Group (BSHG)
Blessed Sacrament Homeschool Group is a Catholic homeschool support group that has members in the Memphis Metro area, including North Mississippi, Eastern Arkansas, and other parts of West Tennessee. The Blessed Sacrament Homeschool Group is dedicated to encourage and enhance children with a nurturing, helpful, supportive, and loving family environment, based on the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
Anderson County Christian Homeschool Association (ACCHA)
This support group serves homeschoolers in Anderson County. It has an email list to facilitate communication.
First Baptist Church Joelton (FBCJ) Home Educator's Association
First Baptist Church Joelton (FBCJ) Home Educator's Association provides educational support through field trips, theme-based educational study days, use of library facilities, opportunities for children to showcase their work, and shared experiences of the families in the group. There is also social support to children through recreational activities, field trips, holiday celebrations, drama, graduation celebration, and a variety of group activities that members volunteer to plan and direct. We...
Eclectic Homeschoolers of Middle Tennessee
This is an inclusive group of homeschoolers offering support, information, meetings, park days, and more.
Tennessee Unschooling
Email group designed to facilitate conversations between unschoolers in Tennessee.
mthea-chat
E-mail list for the members of Middle Tennessee Home Education Association.
Cumberland County Christian Homeschool Cooperative
This homeschool cooperative offers activities and classes, along with opportunities for sports and field trips.
Association of Greater Appalachian Parent Educators (AGAPE) of Johnson City/Washington County
AGAPE is the acronym for Association of Greater Appalachian Parent Educators. It is commonly referred to as AGAPE of JC because it began and is presently centered in Johnson City, Tennessee. Agape is the oldest homeschooling support group in the TriCities and is a Christian homeschool support group. They offer field trips, family activities, Enrichment Days, lending library, Mom’s Night Out, and classes.
amie network
The amie network is for Christian homeschooled teenage girls. Members of the amie network receive a monthly newsletter, have opportunities to meet and connect with other homeschooled teens, and receive support and encouragement.
Memphis Area Home Education Association (MAHE)
MHEA is a Christian organization dedicated to serving home educators by providing support, encouragement and assistance, advancing home schooling, and helping to safeguard and promote parental authority in education. They monitor legislation, lobby for the homeschool community, and act as a liaison between homeschoolers and public officials. They also sponsor a high school graduation, sports programs, cheerleading, honor society, field day, a science fair, and a senior high banquet.
Bedford County Homeschoolers Support Group
The mission of Bedford County Homeschool Support group is to serve local homeschooling families by providing support services and activities, information, guidance, motivation, and encouragement. Located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, they serve Bedford County and any other surrounding County that would need support in and with their homeschooling adventure.
CM Families of the South
The purpose of this loop is to encourage homeschooling families living in the Southern states who are trying to incorporate the philosophy of Charlotte Mason in their homes in their efforts to raise their children with an enthusiasm for learning.
Tennessee Home Education Association (THEA)
THEA is a volunteer organization of home schooling parents, who chose to accept no government funds and desire no government oversight of their teachers or curriculum. THEA Chapters make every effort to bring the educational services as close to each family's home as possible, including curriculum fairs, workshops, training sessions and speakers for support groups.
Looking for Another State?
Featured Resources
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this site.
Bead Sequencing Set
Stack the durable, brightly colored wooden beads on 5 hardwood dowels in sequence to match the design on one of the pattern cards. Builds complex reasoning skills as well as sorting and coordination. Includes over 45 brilliantly colored beads, 5 dowe...
Real-Life Homeschooling: The Stories of 21 Families Who Teach Their Children at Home
The book that shows homeschooling in action! What does it really mean when parents say they homeschool their child or children? For Rhonda Barfield -- a homeschooler for the past 10 years -- the definition is as diverse as the 21 families she studi...
One Thing at a Time : 100 Simple Ways to Live Clutter-Free Every Day
Simple, effective ways to put things in their placeThose piles of papers, clothes, and other things you thought you'd successfully de-cluttered have returned, and this time they brought friends. What's the use of trying to fight the clutter? Is there...
Different Brains, Different Learners: How to Reach the Hard to Reach
Nearly 40% of all students have some kind of learning challenges, yet many go undetected. This practical comprehensive guide has been written that links the latest brain research with teaching strategies to reach you most frustrating, hard-to-reach l...
But What About Socialization? Answering the Perpetual Home Schooling Question: A Review of the Literature
This book by Dr. Susan A. McDowell uses research, statistics, and the experiences of homeschooling families to answer questions and counter myths about homeschooling and socialization. Read through a discussion of the multiple meanings of socia...