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
East Tennessee Secular Homeschoolers (ETSH)
This group is for parents in East Tennessee who wish to homeschool/unschool their children with a secular approach.
Nashville-Area Parent-Led Education Network (NAPLEN)
NAPLEN is a network of parents, in Nashville and its surrounding areas, who have accepted the primary responsibility for the schooling of their children and who are dedicated to pursuing the best educational practices to foster each child's individual learning potential. They offer monthly meetings, regular field trips, group collaborative learning days, and more.
Bartlett Wolfchase Support Group
This Christian homeschool group is affiliated with the Memphis-area Home Education Association. They offer once-a-month meetings, information, encouragment, and an exchange of ideas and techniques. There are also scheduled field trips, holiday parties, and end of the year achievement testing.
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.
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...
NETHEA Leaders Group
This group is being designed as a resource/support list for leaders of any homeschool groups within the northeast Tennessee region. One of the main purposes of forming this group is so that you can receive information of events or opportunities for homeschoolers in our region and pass that information on to your own particular local support group.
North Alabama Trailblazers
North Alabama Trailblazers is a group of homeschooling families in Madison, Morgan, Limestone, AL, and Lincoln, TN, counties, meeting together for mutual socialization and companionship of children and parents alike. Offers field trips, seasonal and holiday parties, play days, and other activities.
Tennessee Homeschool Umbrella Schools
According to the Tennessee education code, homeschoolers have three ways to follow Tennessee homeschool laws. The most popular of these options with homeschool families is to enroll their child in a church-related umbrella school. These schools are operated by denominational, parochial or other church organizations and are required to meet specific standards of accreditation. Umbrella schools in Tennessee are free to choose their own operational procedures. Each school will vary on curriculum op...
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.
Anderson County Christian Homeschool Association (ACCHA)
This support group serves homeschoolers in Anderson County. It has an email list to facilitate communication.
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.
Blount Home Education Association (BHEA)
BHEA is an association of independent home schooling families formed to encourage successful home education in Blount County. They provide support, information and encouragement to home schooling families and have more than 400 student members. BHEA sponsors many activities throughout the school year to enhance the educational program that each participating family provides at home.
CMmom
This email list is for the further communication of ladies in the Charlotte Mason-Mom's Study & Discussion group which meets in the Blount/Knox County, TN area.
mthea-chat
E-mail list for the members of Middle Tennessee Home Education Association.
Gateway Christian Schools
PO Box 280117
Memphis, TN 38168-0117
Phone: 901-454-1606
Gateway Christian Schools Total Home Education Program provides phone counseling by experienced home educators, two reports as required per year, maintenance of cumulative school records for college entrance, assistance with transfers between public or private schools and home education, dipolmas for qualifying seniors, and assistance with college entrance. Enrollment is limited to those living in Tennesee or Mississippi.
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Featured Resources
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