Perhaps you have a unique vision for a homeschool group that doesn’t exist in your community. You see the needs of local homeschool families, and you have the desire to start a group to meet these needs. But, practically speaking, what are your next steps?

First, if you haven’t already, read about the different types of groups and determine which model your group will follow.

Then, read the following list of questions with a pen and paper in hand and brainstorm some quick answers. Laying the groundwork is an important step in starting a successful homeschool group.

Foundational Questions

Why are you starting a new group? 

What needs are you trying to meet? Defining your purpose is an essential part of forming a successful group. (For more on this, read this article.)

What will your group offer?

These are the nitty-gritty details. If you’re a co-op, will you offer core classes, electives, or both? If you’re a support group, how frequently will you meet and what topics will you discuss? Will your group offer field trips, community events, or volunteer opportunities?

Will you meet in person or online?

Your meeting place will affect what you may be able to offer, so decide which option meets the goals of your group best.

What will your timeline look like?

When will your group officially launch? How frequently will you meet? Will there be any attendance requirements? Will you run year-round, or on a semester calendar?

What is your target audience?

Many homeschool groups are explicitly religious, while others are secular. Many include families from all types of backgrounds. Who will your target audience be? Will your group focus on serving a particular age group (preschoolers/parents of preschoolers, high schoolers, etc.), or will you be serving all ages?

What will you name your group?

This is your group identifier! Many groups keep it simple, using the town or county name followed by the type of group they will be (i.e., South Valley Support Group, Cornerstone Homeschool Co-op, etc.). Others create a mission-associated name, with phrases like “Athletic Association” or “Catholic Learning Group.”

When naming your group, make sure it reflects your purpose.

Also, a bonus tip: clever middle schoolers will create acronyms based on your group’s name. Choose something that is safe when it’s written out and abbreviated!

What will your leadership structure look like?

Some groups are very organic without a specific leadership structure, while others use a corporate structure complete with boards, officers, and committees. Either can work—your group needs to consider the benefits and risks of both options and decide which is right for you.

A more laissez-faire style may be the perfect fit for your group, particularly if your group will likely be small or is intended to serve an immediate group of friends. More structured leadership may be required if your group will be large, will accept applicants that you don’t know personally, or will need a higher level of accountability (for example, when dealing with toxic leadership situations).

It is also important to decide if you will require your leadership to sign a code of conduct or statement of faith. Although more formal, requiring something like this can be a great help in holding everyone accountable to the group’s purpose.


Now that you have a better idea about the fundamentals of your homeschool group, you're ready for one of the most important steps: making sure you're in line with the legal requirements for starting a group. Keep reading to learn more!