Families choose to homeschool for a wide variety of reasons. However, if you took a poll, you’d likely find that faith- and worldview-related priorities factor in significantly. It’s no surprise that, if a family’s core values form their identity in a major way, they would choose an educational option that gives them more freedom to guide and develop their children’s hearts in the areas of those particular values. One great aspect of homeschooling is the opportunity to do just that! Additionally, homeschooling offers the opportunity to connect with others who share those values.
Homeschoolers (like everyone) need community. What a blessing it is to build relationships with people who value what you do! You may simply share a desire for intimate involvement in your child’s education, or you may share deeply held convictions on things such as passing on to your children your faith in Christ, raising them to seek first and serve the kingdom of God, or developing in them a passionate heart for evangelism and missions. No matter the foundation of your connection, you are likely to find a likeminded community to be a great source of support, encouragement, guidance, and resources.
Thankfully, today homeschoolers often have multiple options when seeking out a likeminded community. This week, we’ll look at a few.
Homeschool co-op – If your county has an active homeschool community, chances are you have several co-ops available in your area. Many meet once a week for a full day and offer classes that supplement the teaching you do at home as well as some classes you may not feel qualified to teach. Some co-ops center around a particular educational approach (e.g. classical). It’s worthwhile to check into all the available co-ops to find the one that fits your schedule, academic philosophy, and faith. Then, choose one or two or three to visit to get a sense about whether that particular community will be a good fit for your family.
Online community – Online classes, schools, activities, and organizations can provide points of connection as well. While it’s true that online options don’t exactly replace face-to-face contact, they can still be surprisingly beneficial. I have been greatly blessed by an online contact I found while searching for a Christian theatre community. With a daughter passionate about theatre, and no organized community of believing actors in our area, several years ago I sought out someone to connect with online. Since then, we have emailed, called, FaceTimed, and met in person. I am tremendously grateful for the guidance and support I’ve received through this contact (Thank you, Marlene!)
Homeschool moms group – Don’t forget that you need community as much as your children do. Having a sympathetic ear to share victories, struggles, and questions with feels like having your burden lightened. Also, sometimes you just need to get out and have some fun! Take advantage of the groups available for homeschooling parents. Often these will be connected to a co-op.
Non-traditional school – Somewhere between a homeschool co-op and a private school is a hybrid school that partners with parents and values their role as teacher. This includes university model schools and community schools. They offer a combination of homeschooling with classroom teaching, usually providing two or three days per week of on-campus teaching. Microschools are another nontraditional model. Typically, they serve fewer than 15 students and use a combination of teaching methods customized for the group. You may find a community like one of these to be your best source of academic and spiritual support and encouragement.
Homeschooling is often a joy, sometimes a battle, always a challenge. There is no reason to go it alone! Seek out a likeminded community to support and encourage you and to make you a better homeschooler than you are on your own. You and your family will be blessed!
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