State Homeschool Organizations are nonprofit groups focused on supporting homeschooling families. They offer legal guidance, community connections, and events tailored to local needs.
A peer-reviewed study published in Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschooled children are typically well-adjusted socially and score above average on measures of social skills, emotional development, and daily living skills (Richard Medlin, 2013). According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is a state homeschool organization?
State Homeschool Organizations are nonprofit groups that help homeschooling families in each state. Unlike national groups like HSLDA, which focus on legal issues, these state organizations zoom in on local laws and community support. They guide families on compliance, host annual conventions with curriculum vendors and workshops, connect families with local co-ops, and advocate at the state level for homeschooling rights. Most have membership fees around $35-50 and rely on volunteers.
What state organizations provide
State Homeschool Organizations offer core services that families can count on:
- Legal Information: Get up-to-date details on state laws, withdrawal steps, testing, and compliance.
- Conventions: These are often the biggest events in the state, showcasing curriculum vendors and offering workshops on everything from 'Homeschool 101' to special needs.
- Community Connections: Help families find local co-ops, support groups, and field trips.
- Advocacy: Keep an eye on state legislation and help families take action when homeschool rights are at risk.
Finding your state's organization
To find your state’s organization, check the HSLDA's state organization directory. Your state’s Department of Education might also list recognized homeschool groups. Some states have multiple organizations. For example, California has more than four, while others may have just one. These groups can differ in their focus, like being religious or secular. Searching for '[your state] homeschool organization' usually reveals the options. For secular groups, check out secularhomeschooler.com.
Examples by state
Here are a few examples:
- HEAV (Virginia): Hosts one of the largest homeschool conventions in the country.
- Texas Home School Coalition: Serves over 500,000 homeschoolers and actively advocates for legislation.
- Homeschool Association of California: Focuses on being inclusive, secular, and run by volunteers.
- Washington Homeschool Organization: Stays nonpartisan and nonsectarian.
- Families for Home Education (Missouri): One of the oldest state organizations, serving since 1983. Each state has its own unique homeschool culture and needs.
The bottom line
State Homeschool Organizations are your go-to resource for homeschooling legally and connecting with others. While groups like HSLDA focus on national legal issues, state organizations offer valuable local insights. Whether you need help with state rules, want to explore curriculum at a convention, or just meet other homeschool families, your state organization is the best first step. Membership fees are low, and the legal advice can make it worth it.
