What Are Homeschool Groups?

Co-ops can be either formal or informal. Both types provide instruction through classes on various subjects and electives.

Formal co-ops are larger and more structured. Classes may be taught by parents or by a hired teacher. They tend to have a stricter schedule, students may take multiple classes, and participation usually requires registration, fees, and participation agreements. Some formal co-ops may also be affiliated with a larger organization or require families to sign a statement of faith.

Informal co-ops tend to be smaller and less structured. They usually begin when a group of families decides to share the workload for a class or set of classes. They generally range from 3–12 families (though this isn’t a strict guideline) and have fewer requirements for joining. Parents typically provide the instruction, and the group meets however frequently it needs to—anywhere from several times a week to once a month.

Support groups are usually designed to discuss topics related to homeschooling, such as favorite curricula, seasonal activities, faith-based educational ideas, educating multiple ages of children under one roof, reading lists, and more. They are generally led by one or more parents and serve a specific geographical area. Most support groups are just for parents, although some opt to have childcare available. They also frequently organize events, activities, and field trips that families can participate in together.

Learning pods were popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a learning pod, several families share the cost of a learning space, and they either take turns teaching or hire an instructor(s).

This option has become especially popular among parents who work full-time and homeschool. While many co-ops require parental participation, learning pods are typically more flexible, allowing parents to drop their kids off as needed.

Unlike most of the other options described in this article, several states have passed laws specifically regulating learning pods.

Microschools are another educational format popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are the “reinvention of the one-room school house,” where the class size is typically smaller than most public or private schools and students participate in groups composed of mixed age levels.

Usually more formal than co-ops, microschools operate in a middle ground between private schools and homeschooling. A microschool may operate under the state's private school law, or it might require all of the families enrolled to be homeschooling.

In some cases, microschools are operated in conjunction with national organizations who set the educational and admission standards; in other instances, it might be a few families joining together. They are often run as a small for-profit business rather than a nonprofit.

Many states provide the option to homeschool in conjunction with an overarching organization, generally referred to as an "umbrella school." (California, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida are notable examples of this.)

These schools vary widely in the services they provide: some have specific curriculum standards, some have on-call teachers to support new homeschoolers (or those with advanced students), some are simply a reporting mechanism to track grades and issue documentation, and some meet together once a week (or once a month) for chapel, field trips, or other activities. Check out our interactive legal map to determine if your state allows for homeschooling under an umbrella school program.

Statewide homeschool organizations have the broadest scope and farthest reach of any type of group. These organizations are typically governed by a board of directors, run a statewide convention, and facilitate events for homeschool families, that can range from used book sales to Day at the Capitol events.

The opportunities and resources that each group offers vary by state. In a state that requires formal testing of homeschooled students, the state homeschool organization frequently provides testing as well.

These organizations usually require a nominal fee to be a member, but membership comes with many benefits. Statewide groups have a wealth of resources and information for their state’s homeschooling community. (Membership in these organizations often gives families a discount on HSLDA membership!)

You can find your state homeschool group here.

National organizations are a good way to connect your family with other homeschoolers across the nation with similar interests. HSLDA’s list of national organizations is a great resource if you’re looking for support in a specific area. There are national organizations that aid homeschoolers with academic support, co-op support, special needs support, debate leagues, and many other miscellaneous needs. If your family is looking for more information in any of these areas, we encourage you to reach out to a national organization!