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 Iowa.
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 Iowa.
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
Iowahomeschool
This is a mailing list for people who home school or are thinking of homeschooling in Iowa, kids and parents alike. Here you can exchange ideas, support each other, and share resources and information.
Iowans Dedicated to Educational Alternatives (IDEA)
"IDEA" is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to providing information, support and encouragement to pursue life-long learning outside the school environment. This group recognizes that Learning is an internal process that thrives when people are free to explore life on their own terms, this philosophy is often called unschooling. Realizing that families come for support from various backgrounds and levels of homeschooloing, IDEA has no official political or religious orientation ...
Iowa Single Homeschool
This is for single homeschooling parents in Iowa.
Iowa City Homeschoolers
Support and information to get started and connect with other Iowa City area homeschoolers.
Homeschool Iowa Kids
Penpal and discussion group for homeschooled kids in Iowa.
Homeschool Iowa Foundation
The Homeschool Iowa Foundation was created in December 2012 as a supporting organization of the Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators (NICHE). Their mission is to build a legacy of funding and leadership for the advancement of Christian homeschooling and discipleship in Iowa.
CMDallasTX
This group is for Christian folks in and around the Dallas, Texas, area who seek to follow the Charlotte Mason method of home education.
Home Educators Network (HEN) - Nebraska Homeschool
The Home Educators Network is a Christian directed service organization designed to provide practical help, support and encouragement for homeschoolers throughout Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa. HEN provides a bi-monthly new homeschooler orientation meeting, a summer conference, a used curriculum sale and an email tree, as well as a monthly newsletter complete with timely articles and information about groups, activities and opportunities of interest to area homeschool families.
Catholic Homeschoolers of Wisconsin
This is a private list for leaders of Catholic homeschool support groups within the state of Wisconsin (or in border towns in Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and UP Michigan). It is a place to exchange information that may be of interest to Catholic homeschoolers throughout the state. It is also a forum for the dissemination of statewide invitations to various Catholic homeschooling events, such as conferences, graduations, dances, etc.
Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators
The Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators (NICHE) is a Christian organization promoting home education in the state of Iowa. Their mission is to provide Christ-centered events, communication, and resources to better equip, inform, and encourage Iowa home educators to the glory of God.
homeschool-Iowa
YahooGroup email list for homeschoolers in Iowa.
Iowa Licensed Teachers Serving Home Educators and Homeschooling Parents Utilizing Iowa Licensed Teacher Services
NICHE has a variety of resources
to assist Iowa licensed teachers serving as supervisors or portfolio evaluators
and to assist Iowa families seeking the services of an Iowa licensed teacher.
Supervision of an Iowa licensed teacher
and portfolio evaluation by an Iowa licensed teacher
are two of the methods that the Iowa law offers to homeschooling parents
to ensure that home educated children are making educational progress.
Iowa Homeschool Support Groups
This referral service will connect you with local support groups near you. NICHE maintains a list of over 120 support group contacts throughout Iowa. This service is for individuals who are either currently homeschooling or about to start homeschooling.
Homes With Heart And CM
Central Iowa Homeschooling families encouraging one another and supporting each other through monthly meetings, and who use Charlotte Mason methods in their homeschooling.
Unschooling in the Midwest
This group is for unschoolers in the midwest to offer support to other life learning families and to organize activities.
Looking for Another State?
Featured Resources
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Better Late Than Early: A New Approach to Your Child's Education
In this book, Raymond and Dorothy Moore look at the research behind learning styles for children. The message of slowing down and responding to your child's readiness is a welcome contrast to the common practice of pushing young children through the ...
Understanding Waldorf Education : Teaching from the Inside Out
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How to Drive: Real World Instruction and Advice from Hollywood's Top Driver
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Educational Travel on a Shoestring : Frugal Family Fun and Learning Away from Home
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Learning Adventures
Each book in the Learning Adventures series covers skills and concepts for grades 4-8, with a history-based approach. Each contains a year's worth of lesson plans in a daily format. All subjects except math are covered.