One of our absolute favorite parts about homeschooling is the incredible community we’ve found along the way. From the support and inspiration of homeschoolers across the country to the 18 families in the co-op we created, we’ve experienced firsthand how life-giving the right connections can be.

Co-op at the USS Midway

Group of homeschool kids on a field trip walking on the USS Midway toward a jet.

Co-op at the Beach

Homeschool families at the beach for a summer get-together. Kids are getting some volleyball instruction from a homeschool dad.

Co-op at living history field trip

Homeschool co-op at Riley’s Farm for a Civil War living history experience. The group is posed with an educator dressed in Civil War Union Uniform.

Co-op at a monthly event

The homeschool kids are learning about architecture at a monthly event and using their bodies to make shapes.

Co-op at Lego Event

Homeschool co-op had first themed event of the year - a Lego challenge day. Kids are seated at picnic bench listening to lesson and preparing to build.

But we also remember how hard it felt in the beginning.

Whether you’re just getting started or have been homeschooling for years, finding your people can feel like one of the most intimidating parts of the journey. Where are the co-ops? The park days? The moms who get it—the ones who understand why you’re teaching your child to read and trying to make dinner at the same time?

The good news? You’re not alone—and your community is out there.

Here are practical ways to start connecting, from word-of-mouth recommendations to the digital spaces where homeschoolers gather today.

1. Start with Word of Mouth

Never underestimate the power of a simple question:
“Do you know anyone who homeschools?”

Start by asking friends, neighbors, church members, and even people at your local library or community center. Homeschoolers often know other homeschoolers, and most are happy to share what groups they’re part of or what events they attend.

Ask specifically about:

Local co-ops or learning groups
Park meetups or field trip circles
Support groups or curriculum swaps

These personal connections can be golden—not only do they lead to actual groups, but they help you build trust and confidence in joining.

2. Check with Local Libraries, Museums, and Community Centers

Many libraries and museums offer homeschool-specific programming or are aware of which groups regularly visit. Ask a librarian if any homeschoolers meet there or if they offer educational resources tailored to homeschool families.

Other helpful places to ask:

YMCA or local recreation centers
Nature centers and science museums
Churches with weekday activities or enrichment classes

These spaces often host events or have bulletin boards where homeschool groups post flyers.

3. Search Facebook Groups and Local Forums

Facebook is still one of the biggest platforms for homeschool group communication. Search terms like:

“[Your City] Homeschool Group”
“[Your County] Christian Homeschoolers”
“Secular Homeschoolers in [Your Area]”
“Homeschool Field Trips [State/Region]”

Join a few groups, introduce yourself, and browse recent posts. Some groups are purely informational, while others organize weekly meetups or co-op classes.

Pro Tip: Try searching in Facebook Groups before Google—results are often more personal and relevant.

4. Use Instagram to Connect with Homeschool Families

Instagram is not just for pretty pictures—it’s a community builder. Find and follow local homeschooling moms, influencers, and groups.

Use or search for hashtags like:

#homeschool[YourState]
#homeschoolcommunity
#secularhomeschool
#christianhomeschool
#charlottemasonhomeschool (or other styles that match your interests)

Once you find a few accounts you like, check who they follow and interact with. Homeschoolers on Instagram often host meetups, book clubs, or Q&As that can lead to in-person friendships.

5. Check Out Meetup, Wild + Free, and HSLDA Group Listings

There are national directories and sites designed to help homeschoolers find each other:

Meetup.com: Search “homeschool” + your location.
Be Wild + Free: Offers a directory of “Wild + Free groups” by region.
HSLDA Group Search: Lists affiliated homeschool groups by state.

These are especially helpful if you’re looking for a certain style of homeschooling (faith-based, unschooling, classical, etc.) or groups organized by age or learning needs.

6. Attend Homeschool Conventions or Local Curriculum Fairs

In-person events are powerful places to network. If you attend a homeschool convention—even just for a day—you’ll likely meet multiple groups at vendor booths, breakout sessions, or even in the food court. Bring a smile and your curiosity.

We love the Great Homeschool Conventions and had the pleasure of speaking there this year! We will also be guest speaking at the Bloom and Blossom Conference in San Diego in October.

Can’t find a convention nearby? Look for smaller curriculum fairs, used book sales, or homeschool “expo days” at local venues.

7. Start Your Own Group (It’s Easier Than You Think)

If you’re not finding what you need, you might be the one to create it.
Start small:

Post in a Facebook group to find 1–2 families for a weekly park meet-up.
Host a “get to know you” coffee or playdate.
Use free tools like Canva to make a flyer, and post it at your local library.

You don’t have to start a full co-op right away (though we’ve got help for that if you do!). A community can begin with just two or three families showing up consistently.

8. Give It Time and Be Brave

The truth? Not every group is the right fit—and that’s okay. It might take a few tries to find your rhythm and your people. Don’t give up after one awkward meet-up or a co-op that isn’t a match.

Homeschooling is not meant to be a solo mission. The friendships you form—for your kids and yourself—will help carry you through the highs and lows.

Looking for a New Kind of Co-op?

At The Coop Homeschool, we’re passionate about building flexible, family-centered homeschool groups. Our Co-op Pack and book, Hesitant to Homeschool? Answers to 20 Common Questions can help you create or join a community that truly works for your family.

Check out our co-op resources for more, or join our email list for more support, ideas, and encouragement

Remember: Your people are out there. Start asking, start searching—and don’t be afraid to say “yes” when the opportunity comes.

How to Find a Homeschool Community: From Word of Mouth to Online Connections