Time to connect: How to find community while choosing to learn at home

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 11 percent of American students are now homeschooling. From the 2019-2020 school year to the 2020-2021 school year, alone, the number of homeschooling students doubled. Schooling at home is growing in popularity—and it seems the COVID-19 pandemic has only enhanced homeschooling’s curb appeal.

Countless American families are now taking advantage of the freedoms home education provides. Setting your own schedule, going at your own pace, and tailoring lessons and methods to your students are just a few of the benefits of home education.

But the truth is, for many families just beginning their at-home education journey, the process of getting started and connected can seem daunting. So, let’s take a moment to talk about finding community while learning from home.

In many areas, finding a community of other families and students is as simple as searching social media. The Cyber School Parents of Pennsylvania Facebook group, for example, has over 5,000 members, and the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers group has over 6,000. More localized homeschooling Facebook groups are also easy to find and are a great resource for new—and even seasoned—homeschooling families. Facebook groups are often a forum for sharing ideas and feedback and organizing group activities.

But if you’re not on social media, don’t worry. There is still plenty of opportunity to connect. In fact, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) provides information about local homeschooling groups through a searchable database. Plug in your zip code and the database will provide you with a list of cooperatives and connect groups in your area, as well as the contact information for those groups.

The Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency (PHAA) also hosts an annual conference, which is a great opportunity to meet and connect with other homeschooling families across the Keystone State. Older students enrolled in PHAA’s diploma program are welcome to engage in the creation of PHAA’s newsletter, The Excelsior, with other diploma-seeking students—another great chance for students to connect with their peers.

If you’re pursuing a religious homeschooling experience, you may want to check out the Christian Homeschoolers Association of Pennsylvania’s list of homeschool support groups, which is conveniently organized by county.

Looking for something more consistent? Joining a local cooperative may be just the thing to help your family connect with others on a regular basis. Through cooperatives, students have the chance to learn together, and parents’ will have the chance to learn from each other and have additional support for their home education.

Or perhaps you’re looking for something less organized. In that case, consider taking your students out to explore parks and libraries during normal school hours. You may be surprised to find other school-age kids out at the same time.  

The opportunity to connect and find new friends may be as simple as spotting another family running errands or learning outside during a weekday. The vibrant community of families embracing home education is growing. And finding the right community for your family will only enhance your students’—and your—success. With home schooling now several million students strong, there’s no need to go it alone.