Whether you are a new homeschooler or a veteran homeschooler in New York, joining a homeschool support group is always an option. Especially in New York, which has some of the strictest homeschooling regulations in the country, you may find that linking up with other homeschool families helps you access advice and suggestions in addition to the social benefits. If you decide to network through a homeschool support group, the next question is which type.
There are many homeschool support groups in New York, ranging from statewide associations to regional support organizations, to local social networks. Depending on the level of involvement you want, you can find co-op homeschooling groups in New York (where resources are shared between members of the homeschool co-op), local homeschool groups in New York (where members meet locally for educational and social events) and even virtual homeschool groups in New York.
Check out below to see some New York homeschool groups you can join!
Want to Add A Support Group?
New York Statewide Homeschool Groups
In a state like New York, which has more homeschool regulations than other states, you may want to consider joining a statewide association. These broader New York homeschool groups may offer information and resources to ensure you are legally homeschooling, and they may provide advocacy to support your homeschool beyond the classroom. Statewide associations can also help to connect you with local support groups and resources. Here are a few statewide homeschool groups in New York:
A.P.P.L.E. Family and Homeschool Group
“The central purpose for APPLE is for the children, and to function as a family* group where families of like interests, can come together in a variety of ways. The gatherings may be by way of one family -to-one family, or as a group. Gatherings may take place as field trips, outings, organized functions, lunches, dinners, meetings, even spontaneous get-togethers. Homeschooling issues and exchanges of information, are also a function of APPLE.”
Homeschool New York: Loving Education at Home (LEAH)
“Loving Education At Home is a Christian organization, the members of which are like-minded Christian home education support groups made up of families dedicated to observing the Biblical commands of Deuteronomy 6:4-10, Proverbs 22:6, and Ephesians 6:4… New York State Loving Education At Home (LEAH) is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting and promoting home education throughout New York.” Facebook Page
New York Home Educators’ Network, NYHEN
“We are New York State homeschoolers past, present, and future, from seasoned veterans to newcomers. We are a diverse group with different views, and we accept members regardless of their approaches to homeschooling. We welcome all members who believe in our mission.”
“The “New York State Homeschoolers” group is a space to communicate with other homeschoolers across the state about homeschooling laws and regulations, NY homeschooling advocacy, reporting or testing questions, and events or services available to homeschoolers. Membership to the group is limited to homeschoolers residing in New York State and people interested in exploring homeschooling as an option.”
New York Regional Groups
Sometimes regional homeschool support groups can be valuable as they allow the sharing of resources and opportunities across county lines. For example, if you live in the New York City area, you may want to find a homeschool co-op in NYC or participate in one or more NYC homeschooling groups. As a member of a regional homeschool group, you may feel a little more connected with other members than in a larger statewide association. Below are some of New York’s regional homeschool support groups:
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Capital Region
Capital District Homeschoolers
“Welcome! This group is an inclusive place for sharing tips and ideas, setting up field trips and casual get-togethers and just supporting one another!”
“The Capital District online guide to everything for kids, teens, & families.” Find a list of homeschooling classes in the Capital District here.
Central New York
“CNY Homeschoolers United is a network of home school based families and groups that partnerships with one another to achieve the best practice, best outcomes for students from grades P-12. Participation is a collaboration that has been established to help bring homeschoolers in the CNY Area together helping to enrich the homeschooling experience for our children. We each volunteer our time and skills to enhance learning activities and are happy that you are here to take part in these learning adventures.”
Home Learners Association of Central New York (HLACNY)
“HLACNY is a secular homeschooling organization serving the CNY and Syracuse area.”
Finger Lakes
Long Island
Charlotte Mason Community of Long Island
“This is a new Charlotte Mason group on Long Island dedicated to learning about and implementing Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy. You don’t have to currently practice CM in your home, and you don’t have to be a homeschooler. We welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds. “
Long Island Homeschool—Learning Is Gathering Homeschoolers Together (LIGHT)
“LIGHT is a secular grassroots non-profit organization directed by member consensus. The common interest of our members is home-education and homeschool information. The purpose of this organization is to offer information, organize activities for members by members (and their children and families), hold meetings that support members in their home education choice and help members to introduce themselves to one another. All services are provided through the unpaid volunteer efforts of the members. All members are invited to attend business meetings or send written opinions.”
Long Island Special Homeschool Families
“This is a group for families homeschooling special needs children and their siblings in Long Island, NY. It is meant to help encourage and support one another with advice, ideas, and tips on how to meet the educational needs and interests of our children, as well as discuss and help with homeschool paperwork and being in compliance with the NY Homeschool Regulations. Meet ups and events are organized to connect with families as well. All members are encouraged to organize activities, outings, events and contribute to discussions.”
Mid-Hudson
“Are you currently homeschooling or planning to homeschool? We’re glad you’re here! Have a homeschool support question or a homeschool-related event to share? Great! “
Mohawk Valley
New York City
“Connect with other homeschoolers in the NYC area and take advantage of the many resources on the website.”
New York City Home Educators Alliance (NYCHEA)
“Homeschooling in New York City is an incredible experience. Like the city itself, our community is diverse, talented and exciting. With almost 400 families, our members hail from every borough and from every point on the continuum of homeschooling–from toddlers to high schoolers; from curriculum-based learning to unschooling. Belonging to NYCHEA will give you access to a vast array of options as a homeschooler.”
Radical Unschoolers in New York (RUNNY)
“Here is a place for a community of families who wish to pursue joyfully whole-life-learning alongside their children. Hopefully, this e-community will serve as a place for us to inspire each other, arrange meetings, and discuss the joys and challenges of radical unschooling in and around New York.”
Resource and Opportunity Center for Homeschoolers
“The ROC (Resource and Opportunity Center) for Homeschoolers is open to homeschooling families in the New York City area and serves as a gathering/meeting place and informal resource center. Through the offering of memberships, programs, classes, workshops, free playtime and activities, families can enjoy socializing, and sharing/swapping – information, opinions, materials and/or meals, etc – while learning and playing together with other homeschooling families. Various classes, and activities are scheduled throughout the year at our home base in the East Village, as well as in various other locations including The Dana Discovery Center in Central Park, Different Directions Collective and the Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew on the Upper West Side and the New York Riding Academy on Randall’s Island, among others.”
North Country
“Activities and support for homeschoolers in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties of northern New York.”
Southern Tier
Home Education Exchange of the Southern Tier
“Home Education Exchange of the Southern Tier is a nonsectarian activity and support group for homeschoolers and for those exploring educational alternatives. We respect each child’s interests, learning style, and rate of progress; and strive to preserve and promote the joy of learning. We appreciate the richness of diversity that each family brings to the group.”
Western New York
Buffalo Southtowns Homeschoolers
“This is an all inclusive group for homeschooling families in the southtowns of Buffalo, NY. Please feel free to post playgroups, classes, and any other info pertaining to homeschooling.”
Children of Mary Home Schoolers
Children of Mary Home Schoolers is “a Catholic home school support group located in Western New York State. The Children of Mary Home Schoolers was founded to give Catholic home schoolers opportunities to learn, play, and pray together, and for parents of Catholic home schoolers to plan spiritual, academic, and social events for the children and to assist one another in the unique apostolate of home education.”
“Loving Education At Home is a Christian organization, the members of which are like-minded Christian home education support groups made up of families dedicated to observing the Biblical commands of Deuteronomy 6:4-10, Proverbs 22:6, and Ephesians 6:4…. We offer support meetings and events, help with the NYS regulations, field trips and family activities, a members-only discussion group, and the amazing benefits of LEAH.”
WNY Homeschool for High School
“For the homeschooler of older kids, middle school to college entrance.”
New York County Groups
The most personal connection you can get is by joining a local homeschool group. Many of these groups meet face to face for classes and social events. We have listed a bunch of local homeschool groups here by county:
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Broome
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Cattaraugus
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Albany County
“Saratoga LEAH is a local chapter of New York State Loving Education At Home (LEAH), a statewide Christian homeschooling support group. At the meetings we discuss topics that pertain to homeschooling, plan activities, ask for advice and suggestions, and share resources we have found. Parents can connect with others whose children are the same age and build a network of like-minded friends and fellow homeschoolers.”
Allegany County
Bronx County
Bronx Unschooling Homeschooling NYC
“This group was created as a safe place for families who are homeschooling their children. We will learn, share and find resources children, tweens and teens are WELCOMED. We can all benefit from meeting new people and having healthy conversations.”
Broome County
Cattaraugus County
Cayuga County
Chautauqua County
Chautauqua County Homeschoolers
“I thought of creating this group as a system of support. We all encounter questions, concerns and, conversely, have exciting events/opportunities that we would like to share. Feel free to post anything homeschool in this group and invite other area homeschoolers as I do not have everyone that homeschools in this area in my friends list. I’m hoping this will create another great avenue of communication especially when it comes to questions of reporting, testing and more of the like!”
Chemung County
Chenango County
Clinton County
Columbia County
The Alternative Learning Center (TALC)
“The Alternative Learning Center (TALC) is a homeschooling community and cooperative based in Columbia County, New York. Our mission is to provide a place where homeschooling families meet to support each other and learn together in an inclusive environment. Our membership includes approximately 20-30 families from Columbia, Berkshire, Greene, Ulster, Rensselaer, and surrounding counties. We meet once a week at the facility we rent, which has a gym, classrooms, a kitchen, playing fields, tennis courts, a playroom for toddlers, and an outdoor playground.”
Cortland County
Delaware County
Dutchess County
Dutchess County Homeschool (DCH) Sports
“Dutchess County Homeschool Sports (“DCH”) is a non-profit, youth sports ministry that has been serving the Homeschool Community of the Hudson Valley since 2010.DCH was initially formed to serve the sports needs of homeschooling families in Dutchess County, NY. However in 2014, DCH expanded to include year-round sports opportunities not only for homeschoolers of Dutchess County but for all students of the Hudson Valley region. Our programs include Saturday instructional basketball (winter) and soccer (fall), summer basketball & volleyball camps, off-season basketball training, and basketball (winter) & volleyball (spring) teams exclusively for homeschoolers that compete with the local Christian schools, private schools, and town teams. DCH Sports blends the teaching of athletic skills, good sportsmanship and Biblical truths into each program.” Facebook Page
“Welcome to Homeschoolers-on-the-Hudson (HOTH)! HOTH is a non-profit inclusive homeschooling group that meets every Monday in Poughkeepsie, NY.”
Rivertown Homeschooler Cooperative
“Rivertown Homeschoolers Cooperative (RHC) is a family-centered and inclusive homeschooling and unschooling cooperative for families from Beacon, NY and beyond. We seek to nurture each child’s passions and interests in a rich learning environment while also building a strong web of connection and support between students and their families. Our offerings are member-driven, and include classes led by both co-op members and professional teachers as well as a variety of activities that students can choose to participate in when they are not taking classes. Students are encouraged to follow their interests and are given the space to work both independently and collaboratively, and all our offerings and activities are non-compulsory.”
Erie County
Buffalo Homeschoolers Cooperative
“We are open to homeschoolers, unschoolers, and everyone that educates their children. We are a not a religious group. We are new cooperative centered in the inner city of Buffalo.”
Buffalo NY Charlotte Mason Study Group
“We are here to support anybody who would like more information about the Charlotte Mason method of education.”
Essex County
Franklin County
Fulton County
Genesee County
Greene County
The Alternative Learning Center (TALC)
“The Alternative Learning Center (TALC) is a homeschooling community and cooperative based in Columbia County, New York. Our mission is to provide a place where homeschooling families meet to support each other and learn together in an inclusive environment. Our membership includes approximately 20-30 families from Columbia, Berkshire, Greene, Ulster, Rensselaer, and surrounding counties. We meet once a week at the facility we rent, which has a gym, classrooms, a kitchen, playing fields, tennis courts, a playroom for toddlers, and an outdoor playground.”
Hamilton County
Herkimer County
Jefferson County
Kings County (Brooklyn)
“Brooklyn Apple is Brooklyn’s first and only Home School Resource Center. In addition to our full day programs, we offer meet ups, makershop access, classes, events, and room for the community to flourish! We believe that children should have meaningful experiences with the world outside the classroom. Students at B.A.A. are given the time to play outdoors, and the space and resources they need to sustain their curiosity, and become inspired, independent learners.” Facebook Page.
“BQ LEAH is a chapter of Loving Education At Home (LEAH). We are a Christian homeschooling support group serving homeschooling families in Brooklyn and Queens and the surrounding areas…. Career Night, Spelling Bee, Science Fair and Art Gallery name a few of our evening adventures for the whole family. Homeschool Days like Be Creative Day, Homeschool 101 Workshops and Picnics are always fun and educational offerings. At BQ LEAH there is something for everyone and every age.”
Lewis County
Livingston County
Madison County
Monroe County
“Charity Homeschool Group is a Christian organization that helps families in the Rochester, NY area through support, co-op classes, online discussion, field trips, new homeschool seminars and more.”
“Rochester’s online guide to everything for kids, teens, & families.” Find a list of homeschooling classes in the Rochester area here.
“PCC LEAH is a ministry of Pittsford Community Church and a Rochester, NY area chapter of New York State LEAH, Inc. (Loving Education at Home). PCC LEAH is a Christian organization, made up of Christian homeschooling families in the greater Rochester, NY area. This chapter is open to membership from within and outside Pittsford Community Church. Members must agree to the LEAH statement of faith (below). The group offers support and fellowship to homeschooling parents as well as activities and relationships for homeschooled children which complement and build upon the parent’s homeschooling goals.”
Rochester Area Homeschoolers Association
“We are one of a number of member organizations in the Rochester, New York area…. We are a community of homeschooling families dedicated to supporting one another in our common commitment to learning without schooling. Our membership gathers together for philosophical rather than religious reasons and therefore welcomes families of all backgrounds who share our vision. We are deeply devoted to our children and believe that their growth is best fostered in a child led, rather than curriculum-driven, learning environment that is centered in the home and reaches out to explore the world around us.”
St. Thomas Aquinas Homeschoolers of the Rochester Area
“Our mission is to provide information, experiences, and a supportive community for Catholic families who choose to educate their children at home. St. Thomas Aquinas Homeschoolers of the Rochester Area has as its foundation and as the guiding principle of all its function and activities fidelity to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.”
Montgomery County
Nassau County
New York
Niagara County
St. Peter Lutheran Church Homeschool Educational Resource Center
“It is the mission of the Educational Resource Center, as a ministry of St. Peter Lutheran Church and School, to provide support to parents, recognizing in that Office a duty to educate their children which is both holy and pleasing to God.” Located in Lockport, NY.
Oneida County
“Welcome to the Rome chapter of New York State Loving Education at Home (LEAH). NYS LEAH is a state-wide network of support groups, serving home school families from around the state. We are a non-denominational Christian organization, promoting home education as the Scriptural design for education. We believe every family has the God-given legal right to home educate in NYS, regardless of their educational philosophy or religious affiliation.”
Onondaga County
East Side Homeschool Cooperative
“A secular homeschooling co-op located in Fayetteville, NY offering enrichment classes to homeschooling families…. Our mission is to provide a wide variety of quality enrichment and academic classes to homeschooling families in Central New York. Our co-op offers parent-led classes that range from dissection to sewing to strength training to drama. Our co-op offers four 6-week sessions (we meet on Fridays), plus two choral concerts, and one rocking field day in May. Our co-op welcomes families of all faiths. All co-op families are guaranteed classes for each and every child, during each period of the co-op day. Children range in age from preschool to high school.” Facebook Page
Syracuse-Area Homeschoolers’ Association (SAHA)
“We are a diverse group of families who homeschool. Membership in our group is open and not limited to those with particular religious beliefs or political affiliations.”
Ontario County
Orange County
Orleans County
Oswego County
“Oswego County LEAH (Loving Education at Home) exists to support homeschooling families and to promote homeschooling in the Oswego County area. Our members represent a diversity of traditions within the Christian faith, over 25 different denominations and non-denominational churches represented, who are united in their commitment to home education. Oswego County LEAH is a local chapter of the New York State Loving Education at Home (NYS LEAH).”
Otsego County
Putnam County
Queens County
“BQ LEAH is a chapter of Loving Education At Home (LEAH). We are a Christian homeschooling support group serving homeschooling families in Brooklyn and Queens and the surrounding areas…. Career Night, Spelling Bee, Science Fair and Art Gallery name a few of our evening adventures for the whole family. Homeschool Days like Be Creative Day, Homeschool 101 Workshops and Picnics are always fun and educational offerings. At BQ LEAH there is something for everyone and every age.”
Rensselaer County
The Alternative Learning Center (TALC)
“The Alternative Learning Center (TALC) is a homeschooling community and cooperative based in Columbia County, New York. Our mission is to provide a place where homeschooling families meet to support each other and learn together in an inclusive environment. Our membership includes approximately 20-30 families from Columbia, Berkshire, Greene, Ulster, Rensselaer, and surrounding counties. We meet once a week at the facility we rent, which has a gym, classrooms, a kitchen, playing fields, tennis courts, a playroom for toddlers, and an outdoor playground.”
Richmond County (Staten Island)
Rockland County
Saint Lawrence County
Saratoga County
Greater Glens Falls Christian Homeschoolers
“We are home educating parents who are interested in walking along with other home educators and their families. We are here to provide information, share ideas, pool resources, encourage one another and be supportive. Greater Glens Falls Christian Homeschoolers (GGFCH) is a local chapter of New York State LEAH made up of Homeschooling families from Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties in NY.” Facebook Page
“Saratoga LEAH is a local chapter of New York State Loving Education At Home (LEAH), a statewide Christian homeschooling support group…. At the meetings we discuss topics that pertain to homeschooling, plan activities, ask for advice and suggestions, and share resources we have found. Parents can connect with others whose children are the same age and build a network of like-minded friends and fellow homeschoolers.”
Schenectady County
Schoharie County
Schuyler County
Seneca County
Steuben County
Suffolk County
SCNY (Suffolk County NY) Homeschool Group
“This group is for parents in Suffolk County, NY who have already submitted their Letter of Intent to Homeschool…. This list is meant to provide a forum where homeschooling families can connect with other homeschoolers located on the eastern half of Long Island…. Some topics that may be discussed on this list include: Planning field trips and other events, resources and opportunities available to homeschoolers in Suffolk County, finding other homeschoolers with similar interests, understanding and dealing with NY state homeschooling regulations, first hand experiences with specific school districts, suggestions for writing IHIPs and quarterly reports, and varying homeschooling approaches and curriculums.”
Sullivan County
Tioga County
Tompkins County
“This is for people in the area of Ithaca NY who are, or are interested in, homeschooling. It is non-sectarian and inclusive, and all varieties of homeschooling are welcome.”
Northern Light Learning Center
“Northern Light Learning Center (NLLC) is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization. Our primary purpose is to build a cooperative learning community that expands the educational and social opportunities for homeschoolers and homeschooling families in the Ithaca area. We coordinate a regular schedule of classes and events and organize shared homeschool resources.”
Ulster County
The Alternative Learning Center (TALC)
“The Alternative Learning Center (TALC) is a homeschooling community and cooperative based in Columbia County, New York. Our mission is to provide a place where homeschooling families meet to support each other and learn together in an inclusive environment. Our membership includes approximately 20-30 families from Columbia, Berkshire, Greene, Ulster, Rensselaer, and surrounding counties. We meet once a week at the facility we rent, which has a gym, classrooms, a kitchen, playing fields, tennis courts, a playroom for toddlers, and an outdoor playground.”
Homeschoolers-on-the-Hudson: 3 Rivers Homeschool Co-op
“We are a multi-aged secular educational and social homeschool co-op. We meet on Wednesdays from 11 to 3 in Stone Ridge NY. We are united by a belief in taking personal responsibility which is what allows us to function as smoothly as we do. We have 3 age groups, under 6, 6-9 and 10 and over but children are placed according to ability. We have 6-8 week sessions ending with a co-op swap/sale, using currency of our own creation.”
Warren County
Greater Glens Falls Christian Homeschoolers
“We are home educating parents who are interested in walking along with other home educators and their families. We are here to provide information, share ideas, pool resources, encourage one another and be supportive. Greater Glens Falls Christian Homeschoolers (GGFCH) is a local chapter of New York State LEAH made up of Homeschooling families from Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties in NY.” Facebook Page
Washington County
Greater Glens Falls Christian Homeschoolers
“We are home educating parents who are interested in walking along with other home educators and their families. We are here to provide information, share ideas, pool resources, encourage one another and be supportive. Greater Glens Falls Christian Homeschoolers (GGFCH) is a local chapter of New York State LEAH made up of Homeschooling families from Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties in NY.” Facebook Page
Wayne County
Westchester County
Wyoming County
Yates County
Add A Support Group
Do you know of or run a New York homeschool group or co-op that I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments below or contact me to get it added!
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