Local Homeschool Support Groups

Liahona
http://ochomeschooling.com/liahona/
Started by LDS Christian families in Orange County, but everyone is welcome. Liahona meets every week for field trips, park days, and other activities.


South Orange County Home Schooling Group (SOCHS)
A member directed, inclusive, non-religious support group. Tuesday Parkdays. Teens are present every Tuesday usually from 1pm onward.
Informational Email List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCHS-INFO/


Bay Shore Homelearners
http://www.bayshoreeducational.com/homeschoolers.html
BayShore Homeschoolers is a support group open to all homeschoolers (or those interested), regardless of faith, ethnicity, lifestyle and/or philosophy of education. The homeschoolers involved in this group follow various paths from families who file the R-4 to those enrolled in public programs and other private ISPs.

South County Kids
South Orange County, CA
Contact: Clare Collins
Email: kennethacollins1@cox.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SouthCountyKids/
Inclusive homeschool support group. We embrace diversity within our membership including cultural, religious, ethnic and homeschooling technique. South County Kids meets weekly at public parks, museums and community centers.

Rainbow Kids
A group of approximately 35 families, living primarily in Orange County, California. This group was formed more than 20 years ago by a few families interested in homeschooling their children. It has since grown to include many families with a wide variety of approaches to homeschooling and life.
http://www.freewebs.com/rainbowkidshomeschoolers/index.htm

Dragon Tree Home Learners
http://members.aol.com/psoroosh/dragontree/
http://vilter.us/dragontree/
Dragon Tree Home Learners meets weekly for play and conversation. Most members are from Orange County. Our primary goal, as a group, is to provide plenty of freedom for our children to have time to develop their own games, make complex creations, explore new relationships, and develop close friendships. We believe strongly in the value of free play and we try not to schedule too many activities for the children on park days so that they can have long uninterrupted hours. However, some of the activities that have been offered, at the urging of the children, are: candlemaking, papermaking, bubble shapes, origami, woodworking , electronics, and soldering. We meet every Wednesday at El Dorado Park in Long Beach (605 freeway, Willow Street offramp, left on Studebaker, left into park, near playground/stage area). We generally meet from around noon until dark during the winter and we often stay late and have an evening cookout and campfire during the summer. For further information, contact Pam Sorooshian at pamsoroosh@mac.com or Jocelyn Vilter at jocelyn@vilter.us.

West Orange County Homeschooling Group
This is an inclusive, member directed group of home schooling families. Our families are diverse in their methods and styles of home education and all are welcome to participate. We meet weekly for park days and field trips. The West Orange County Homeschooling Group is located in Southern California. The majority of our members reside in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Westminster, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Santa Ana and surrounding cities. To join, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/westoc-hs/

Christian Home Educators Association of California
There are several Christian support groups throughout the county that, for privacy reasons, choose not to be listed to the public. To get a referral to a Christian group in your area, go to the Christian Home Educators Association of California Web site. http://www.cheaofca.org

Orange County Homeschool Playgroup
Open to homeschoolers who wish to meet other families in coastal Southern California. See: www.freewebs.com/chepplaygroup

SOCCO
South Orange County Christian hOmerschoolers
A Christian homeschool support group that gathers for fellowship in the Lord Jesus Christ. SOCCO has a heart for encouraging families doing independent, Biblically based home education. SOCCO endeavors to meet each other's needs through as many various programs as our members make possible, for all the homeschool years, pre-k through high school. See Website for more information: http://www.ochomeeducation.com/socco/

Homeschooling in Central Orange County (HCOC)
HCOC is an inclusive, member directed support group of families who are unique and diverse in their methods and styles of home education. Everyone is welcome. As a group, HCOC's emphasis is to coordinate activities for homeshcooling families convenient to Central Orange County. Opportunities for multi-aged children (and adults) to play, learn and grow together forming lasting friendships and bonds. Weekly park days and lots of information for field trips and other activities. Support and help among members to find resources and support to accomplish your chosen tasks. Active participation at activities and on the email list is encouraged to build a thriving membership where newcomers will always find something “going on” to meet their needs. For more information, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HomeschoolingCOC/.

Secular Home Educators
We are an eclectic group of homeschoolers in the Northern Orange County / L.A. County area. This is an inclusive all ages group . During the school year we try to meet at least once a month for a park day. We also try to regularly schedule field trips. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SecularHomeEducators/

HOMESCHOOL GIRLSCOUT TROOP
Make great friends and have lots of fun while learning important life long values when you join the Girl Scouts. This mixed age troop out of Irvine is for girls grades K-highschool, focusing on the values of kindness and service to others. Support each other in becoming the best people we can be. Learn more about the importance of honesty, fairness, caring, helpfulness and respect for ourselves, others and the world around us. To make the world a better place. Arts and crafts, fun games, sharing time and work on projects and badges about things of interest, things that are of service to others and some that are just plain fun! For more information call Elizabeth Balow at 949-857-6394 or e-mail mommabear32@earthlink.net

OC Homeschool Events
This is a list for events and activities that may be of interest to homeschooling families in and around Orange County, California. Field trips will be announced on this list, along with contact information for the planner. This is a group effort, so, everyone is permitted to post their findings or start a group to attend an event. There are so many great things to do here and this is a great group to get together enough people for a group discount. Looking forward to lots of great trips! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OCHomeschoolEvents/

Gifted of Orange County
An Orange County, California group for supporting families of gifted children. The group is designed to provide our gifted children in OC (toddler thru high school) opportunities for social, fun and educational interests as well as providing parents-of-the-gifted with opportunities to discuss issues faced with raising a gifted child. Discussions may be held on-line and/or in person at gatherings. Fieldtrips, social gatherings and other events for our OC gifted children to be proposed. Topics of interests may be initiated by all members. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GiftedOC/

Live to Learn
A space for students, both parents and adults who are learning together on a homeschooling journey, to meet, discuss, debate, share, and learn from one another. All those who have chosen this path on the road to education are welcome here, and others who are contemplating heading down the road but would first like to consult a travel guide. No matter if you are a novice or a veteran in home education, homeschooling, unschooling, etcetera, you are welcome to join in conversation.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LivetoLearn/

Homeschool Girl Scout Troop in So Orange County
This fun and friendly troop is girl-run, with well-trained adult advisors with more than 13yrs Girl Scout experience. They emphasize Community Service, Leadership and Adventurous Fun (getting out and seeing/experiencing/exploring the world). They schedule several events each month, including service projects, field trips and badge workshops. There is no expectation that scouts will attend all scheduled events, they are happy to see you when your schedule permits. Troop Meetings are held twice a month on Fridays, based on age/level: Juniors (4th-6th) 10:30a-12:30p, Cadettes (7th-9th) 11:30a-1:30p, Seniors (9th-12th) 11:30a-2:30p. This schedule allows each level time to pursue their appropriate activities, while ensuring all levels will be together to conduct troop business. If you are interested in learning more about this troop, join them for a meeting or event. For more information, contact Karen Hall at: Luv2hsmy3@yahoo.com

Orange County Home Schooled Teens
Group of homeschooled kids in Orange County looking to get together and hang out. Meet at Disneyland, the Beach, the Movies, whatever... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hsOCteens/

Disney Schooling
Got passes? Wanna go? Let's have a park day at the park - the theme park that is! Go to : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disneyschooling/ to sign up!

Serene Living
South Orange County
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sereneliving
Homeschool and parenting support group. Serene Living is a community of homeschool families looking for a place to support their parenting goals. We provide an atmosphere where children/teens treat other children with respect and kindness, a place where everyone feels welcome. Because friendship is year round, we meet throughout the year at parks that have sports facilities for older children/teens and a playground for their younger siblings. Parents are encouraged to sponsor field trips, workshops, etc. This group is based and meets in San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, and Dana Point but all are welcome to join us.

Homeschool Tennis Match Up of Orange County
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tennismatchup/
Have a tennis buff but can't find a suitable partner? Or just want to expand your tennis contacts? This group was established to assist homeschoolers of Orange County California find tennis partners. Information is shared about instructors, classes, leagues, facilities, and clubs. All members can post messages, events on the calendar, and update group database, links and files. You're sure to expand your tennis contacts for both recreational and competitive tennis connections. This is a fun and casual community setting to enjoy the game of tennis. All skill levels from first time beginners to experts are encouraged to join. No need to be game ready. There are many fun games for first time beginners to play.

South Coast Christian Home Educators Ministry A support group located in southern Orange County, with a current membership of over 225 families. Find out more by visiting www.scchomeeducators.org.

Orange County Classic Literature Colloquium
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OCCA_CLC/
Want to read some great books and discuss what you've learned? Want to share your discoveries with others? Join this reading group! This group meets the first Monday of the month in Anaheim. They are open to anyone that wants to read great books for the pure joy of it. All ages are welcome.

Irvine Home Schoolers
A group of homeschoolers who live in or near Irvine, CA. Park days on Tuesdays mid-afternoon in Irvine and on Fridays early-afternoon in Lake Forest. Discuss curriculum, testing, and anything else that comes up related to homeschooling.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Irvinehomeschoolers/

Practically Homeschooling
For Christian families who have decided to home school, but their children are still quite young. www.practicallyhomeschooling.com

Homeschooling for Toddlers Group
Once a month meetingsin Irvine to discuss ideas on creating a learning environment for our young kids. For more information visit www.homeschoolingorangecounty.blogspot.com

Little Way Catholic Homeschool Group
For families with elementary-school-aged kids, Little Way Catholic Homeschool Group meets every Friday at a local park to share tips, advice, curriculum reviews and more, while the kids play. As Catholics, they also help one another with ideas for keeping your home in harmony with the liturgical year and celebrating special holy days. Plus, they enjoy field trips and other educational opportunities together. http://littlewaycatholichomeschoolers.blogspot.com

4 A Little Extra Help
This site is geered toward helping homeschool families find one another. Finding new friends for both the kids and ourselves. No strings attached. Concentrating on the areas of Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Dana Point, Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Aliso Viejo. ferlinam@yahoo.com

Orange County Radical Unschoolers
To connect with other unschooling families in Orange County, CA and surrounding areas. This group is intended to support other unschooling families and build community also to provide a place where local unschoolers can meet and get to know one another and arrange get-togethers.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OrangeCountyRadicalUnschoolers/

Orange County Homeschooling This is mostly for children YOUNGER than there teens and tweens. Get together for regular park days and fun field trips. Activities at playdates will be planned as much as possible like crafts for the holidays and dress up days. Most of our park meetups are but not limited to Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Irvine. Field trips are all over Orange County. Also some BBQ's during the warmer months. They're open for ideas!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/orangecountyhomeschooling/

Village Bible Academy
A ministry of Village Bible Church in Garden Grove. Specialized classes for elementary-aged students, record-keeping, field trips and good old-fashioned fellowship. Homeschooling is made much easier when we have support, and that's what VBA offers. Small groups introduce you to other homeschoolers in your neighborhood. Also, enrich your children's education with connections to music, theatre and Biola STAR program. http://www.freewebs.com/vbahomeschool/

The Sandpipers
Orange County homeschoolers who get together every two weeks for a nature outing and once a month for book club. The Sandpipers is secular and small in size. To join you must commit to hosting the book club once per cycle and to plan a field trip. Next fall we hope to add a co-op class to our group. The Sandpipers is for all ages and is open to all families. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thesandpipers/

Newport-Mesa Homeschool Group
Newport-Mesa Homeschool Group is a diverse collection of families who strive to be considerate and inclusive, representing a variety of homeschooling methods and philosophies. We meet weekly for Park Day at Heller Park in Costa Mesa, with no regular schedule outside of Park Day. Homeschoolers from everywhere are welcome. Please join for more information!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/newport-mesa_homeschool_group/join

Classical Education Enrichment for Story of the World
CEE offers a 1 day per week elementary school aged classical education “drop off” class. Students will do activities in history, art, geography, and art history in class while having fun with other students. This class is intended to enrich what you are already doing at home, and allowing students to experience regular community with a group of friends. There is meaningful memory work, art instruction, readers theater and just plain old fun! The classes are multi-age and range in class size of 5-10 students. Please email with ANY questions and ANY level of interest.
See website for more info http://classicaleducationenrichment.com
Call Erica @ 714.881.9263 OR email: classicalenrichmenteducation@gmail.com

RK SoCal Teens
A group of homeschooled and unschooled teens who meet every Thursday afternoon in parks in and around Orange County. They also get together for other stuff like beach parties, local anime events, homeschool dances, Disneyland trips, video game nights, campouts, and whatever else.
http://www.freewebs.com/rksocalteens/

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