Homeschool Support Groups in Connecticut: Directory & Guide

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Community & Socialization, Homeschooling in Connecticut

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Homeschool Support Groups in Connecticut: Directory & Guide

Overview

Beyond formal co-ops, Connecticut has a thriving network of homeschool support groups—informal communities where parents find advice, friendship, resources, and encouragement.

Whether you’re just starting homeschooling or looking for community in your specific region, Connecticut’s support groups are welcoming, active, and free (or low-cost).

This guide is your directory to the major support groups, how to join, and what to expect.

What Is a Homeschool Support Group?

Definition

A support group is an informal community of homeschooling families that meets regularly to share advice, resources, field trips, social activities, and mutual encouragement.

Support Group vs. Co-op (Key Differences)

| Aspect | Support Group | Co-op | |—|—|—| | Structure | Informal | Structured | | Classes | No | Yes | | Social/Peer | Yes | Yes | | Curriculum | No requirement | Often required | | Cost | Free–Low | Medium–High | | Commitment | Flexible | Regular attendance | | Parent teaching | No | Often yes | | Age mix | Often multi-age | Often grade-level | | Meeting frequency | Varies | Weekly typical |

Support Group Benefits

  • Free or low-cost
  • Flexible participation
  • No curriculum requirements
  • Parent friendships
  • Advice and encouragement
  • Resource sharing
  • Informal field trips
  • New homeschooler welcome

Connecticut Statewide Support Organizations

CONNECTICUT HOMESCHOOL NETWORK (CHN)

What It Is: Connecticut’s largest, most inclusive homeschool organization. Serves all methods, philosophies, and belief systems.

Membership: Free

Services:

  • Email support and advice
  • Legislative monitoring and advocacy
  • Annual curriculum fair (Hartford area, spring)
  • Regional coordinator network
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Facebook community (10,000+ members)
  • Discount partnerships with curriculum vendors
  • Educational resources

How to Join:

  • Website: cthomeschoolnetwork.org
  • Email: [contact through website]
  • Facebook: Connecticut Homeschool Network (official group)
  • Instant membership: No application needed

What It Provides:

  • Advice on legal requirements
  • Curriculum recommendations
  • Teaching tips and strategies
  • Local group referrals
  • Legislative updates

Best For:

  • All homeschool families
  • New homeschoolers seeking guidance
  • Families wanting community without commitment
  • Legal/policy questions

Regional Coordinators: CHN has regional coordinators in multiple areas (Fairfield, New Haven, Hartford, etc.) who help organize local meetups.

TEACH CT (The Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers of Connecticut)

What It Is: Christian-focused homeschool organization serving faith-based families.

Membership: Available (check website for membership cost/benefits)

Services:

  • Christian support and resources
  • Curriculum recommendations (Christian perspective)
  • ID cards for group discounts
  • Local support groups organized
  • Buy/sell platform for used curriculum
  • Events and workshops (Christian-focused)
  • Newsletter and online community

How to Join:

  • Website: teachct.org
  • Email: [contact through website]
  • Membership options available

What It Provides:

  • Christian community support
  • Faith-integrated curriculum advice
  • Discount programs
  • Support group facilitation
  • Event announcements

Best For:

  • Christian families
  • Faith-based community focus
  • Curriculum recommendations (Christian)
  • Local group networking

CONNECTICUT HOMESCHOOL ALLIANCE (CHA)

What It Is: Inclusive homeschool alliance providing legal/political information and support.

Services:

  • Legal information and FAQs
  • Q&A support
  • Events and opportunities
  • Political advocacy

How to Join:

  • Search “Connecticut Homeschool Alliance”
  • Facebook group or online community
  • Varies by region

Regional/Local Support Groups

FAIRFIELD COUNTY GROUPS

Between Counties Co-op/Support Group

  • Serves Fairfield and New Haven County families
  • Playgroups, social meetups, field trips, support meetings
  • Newsletter with local resources
  • Monthly meetings and events
  • Low cost or free
  • Email or Facebook for details

ROCK Homeschoolers (Shelton Area)

  • Monthly meetings
  • Field trips and family events
  • Inclusive, all methods welcome
  • Membership fee (~$50–$150/year)
  • Contact: Search “ROCK Homeschoolers” or ask CHN

CHALK (Derby/Seymour/Shelton area)

  • Christian-focused group
  • Field trips, family gatherings, Mom’s Night Out
  • Support community
  • Contact through TEACH CT or Facebook

NEW HAVEN COUNTY GROUPS

Yale Area Homeschool Group

  • Serves New Haven and surrounding areas
  • Field trips, social events, support meetings
  • Multi-method inclusive
  • Contact through CHN regional coordinator

Between Counties (also serves this area)

  • See Fairfield County section above

HARTFORD COUNTY GROUPS

Central Connecticut Homeschool Community

  • Serves Hartford and surrounding areas
  • Support meetings, field trips, events
  • Multi-method inclusive
  • Contact through CHN regional coordinator

Classical Conversations communities (Hartford area)

  • If seeking structured classical education option

NEW LONDON COUNTY GROUPS

Thames Valley 4-H Homeschool Co-op

  • See earlier section
  • STEM-focused
  • 4-H structure

New London County Support Group

  • Informal support community
  • Contact through CHN regional coordinator

EASTERN CONNECTICUT GROUPS

CT CHEER (Connecticut Cooperative of Home Educators East of the River)

  • Serves Eastern Connecticut
  • Regular meetings and activities
  • Field trips and social gatherings
  • Support community
  • Flexible participation
  • Search “CT CHEER” or ask CHN

Quiet Corner Homeschoolers (Northeastern CT)

  • Facebook group
  • Informal meetups
  • Social connection
  • Free participation
  • Search Facebook: “Quiet Corner Homeschoolers”

Facebook Support Groups (Informal, Free)

MAJOR CONNECTICUT GROUPS

Connecticut Homeschool Network (Official)

  • 10,000+ members
  • Most active group
  • Daily questions and advice
  • Resource sharing
  • Field trip announcements
  • New homeschooler welcome
  • Official CHN presence
  • Search: “Connecticut Homeschool Network”

CT Homeschoolers Inclusive

  • 3,000+ members
  • Inclusive, all methods
  • Social meetups and field trips
  • Peer support
  • Friendly community
  • Search: “CT Homeschoolers Inclusive”

CT Progressive Homeschoolers

  • Alternative methods focus (Charlotte Mason, unschooling)
  • Progressive/secular approach
  • 1,000+ members
  • Support and advice
  • Community building
  • Search: “CT Progressive Homeschoolers”

Unschooling CT

  • Unschooling families
  • Philosophy support
  • Strategy advice
  • Community of practice
  • Search: “Unschooling CT”

Muslim HomeSchool – CT

  • Islamic faith-based community
  • 200+ members
  • Faith and culture focus
  • Community support
  • Search: “Muslim HomeSchool – CT”

CT Secular Homeschool Community

  • Non-religious homeschoolers
  • Inclusive community
  • Support and resources
  • Search: “CT Secular Homeschool” or similar

REGIONAL FACEBOOK GROUPS

Fairfield County Homeschoolers

  • Regional focus
  • Local meetups
  • Field trip coordination

New Haven Area Homeschool

  • Regional focus
  • Local events

Search strategy: “[Your town] homeschool” or “[Your county] homeschool”

How to Find Your Right Support Group

Step 1: Identify Your Needs

What are you looking for in a support group?

  • General advice and encouragement
  • Curriculum recommendations
  • Like-minded community (faith, method)
  • Field trips and social events
  • Specific method support (Classical, CM, unschooling)
  • Local geographic proximity
  • Regular structure vs. flexible
  • Online vs. in-person

Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point

If you want broad support:

  • Join Connecticut Homeschool Network (free, statewide)
  • Join relevant Facebook group
  • Connect with regional coordinator

If you want faith-based community:

  • Join TEACH CT (Christian)
  • Find faith-specific group (Muslim, etc.)
  • Ask TEACH CT for local group referrals

If you want alternative methods:

  • Join CT Progressive Homeschoolers (CM, unschooling)
  • Join Unschooling CT (unschooling specific)

If you want local in-person meetings:

  • Find regional group (Between Counties, ROCK, CT CHEER, etc.)
  • Ask CHN regional coordinator for local groups

Step 3: Join Multiple Groups

Most families find value in joining:

  • One large statewide group (CHN)
  • One Facebook group (regional or method-specific)
  • One local in-person group (if available)
  • One method-specific group (if interested)

Benefits of multiple:

  • Different strengths (advice, field trips, friendship, curriculum)
  • No harm in joining multiple
  • Zero or low cost
  • Can attend what fits your schedule

Step 4: Participate Actively

Best ways to get value:

  • Ask questions (don’t lurk silently)
  • Share your experience
  • Help new families
  • Attend meetups and field trips
  • Build friendships (especially with parent friends)
  • Share resources and curriculum recommendations

Using Support Groups Effectively

Question Types and Where to Ask

Legal/Policy Question?

  • Connecticut Homeschool Network (they monitor legislation)
  • TEACH CT (Christian families)
  • Connecticut Homeschool Alliance (legal focus)

Curriculum Recommendation?

  • Connecticut Homeschool Network (all methods)
  • TEACH CT (Christian curricula)
  • Method-specific group (Classical, CM, etc.)

Struggling/Discouraged?

  • Any support group (all very welcoming)
  • Parent-focused groups (not just kids)
  • One-on-one connection (ask group for friends)

Field Trip Ideas?

  • Facebook groups (poll members)
  • Regional groups (often organize trips)
  • CHN (coordinates statewide activities)

New Homeschooler Questions?

  • Connecticut Homeschool Network (most welcoming)
  • Any Facebook group (active answering)
  • Your regional coordinator

Types of Support Groups Activities

Typical Support Group Events

Monthly/Regular Meetings:

  • Business meetings
  • Social time
  • Question/advice time
  • Curriculum reviews
  • Guest speakers

Field Trips:

  • Museum visits (using library passes)
  • Nature centers
  • Historical sites
  • Educational programs
  • Free/low-cost destinations

Social Events:

  • Park days (just hanging out)
  • Picnics and outdoor gatherings
  • Holiday parties
  • Mom’s nights out
  • Family game nights

Information Sharing:

  • Curriculum reviews
  • Teaching tips
  • Learning disability resources
  • College prep information
  • Graduation planning

Parent Support:

  • One-on-one mentoring
  • Encouragement for struggling families
  • Experienced family connections
  • Emotional support during tough times

Connecting with Group Leaders/Coordinators

How to Find Local Group Leaders

Through Connecticut Homeschool Network:

  • Website: cthomeschoolnetwork.org
  • Email to ask for regional coordinator
  • Facebook: DM official CHN page
  • Most regions have a coordinator who can connect you locally

Through Facebook Groups:

  • Look for admin/moderator names
  • Message admin with questions
  • Ask about local in-person meetings
  • Request coordinator information

Through TEACH CT:

  • Website: teachct.org
  • Email for local group referrals
  • They help facilitate Christian homeschool groups statewide

What to Ask Group Leaders

When contacting a leader:

  • “What does your group offer?”
  • “How often do you meet?”
  • “What’s the cost?”
  • “Can we try a meeting first?”
  • “What ages do you serve?”
  • “How flexible is participation?”

Support Groups by Your Situation

New Homeschooler

Best Groups:

  1. Connecticut Homeschool Network (free, all questions welcome)
  2. Relevant Facebook group (ask anything)
  3. Regional support group if available (in-person support)

Secular Homeschooler

Best Groups:

  1. CT Progressive Homeschoolers
  2. CT Secular Homeschool Community
  3. Connecticut Homeschool Network (inclusive)

Faith-Based Homeschooler

Best Groups:

  1. TEACH CT (Christian)
  2. Specific faith groups (Muslim, etc.)
  3. Church-affiliated co-ops
  4. Connecticut Homeschool Network (also inclusive)

Classical/Traditional Homeschooler

Best Groups:

  1. Classical Conversations (if available in your area)
  2. Connecticut Homeschool Network
  3. Traditional co-ops

Charlotte Mason/Alternative Methods

Best Groups:

  1. CT Progressive Homeschoolers
  2. Homeschool Share (national group, CT members)
  3. Connecticut Homeschool Network

Unschooling Family

Best Groups:

  1. Unschooling CT
  2. CT Progressive Homeschoolers
  3. Relevant Facebook groups

Special Needs Homeschooling

Best Groups:

  1. Connecticut Homeschool Network (can direct to resources)
  2. Specific special needs organizations
  3. CT Parent Advocacy Center (for special ed resources)

Virtual Support (Online-Only)

If In-Person Isn’t Feasible

Online Options:

  • All major Facebook groups have online participation
  • Connecticut Homeschool Network supports online members
  • Zoom meetings (some groups offer this)
  • Email support communities
  • Discord or group chat communities

Advantages of Virtual:

  • No travel required
  • Flexible participation time
  • Can be part of group without commitment
  • Good for very shy families
  • Works with unpredictable schedules

Building Your Own Informal Group

If no existing group meets your needs:

Steps to Start Informal Group

  1. Find 3–5 interested families (Facebook groups, ask CHN)
  2. Define purpose (field trips, support, both)
  3. Choose communication method (Facebook group, group text, email)
  4. Plan first meeting (park day, coffee, virtual call)
  5. Keep it simple and low-cost
  6. Grow as you go

Resources for Starting

  • Connecticut Homeschool Network (ask for advice)
  • Ask experienced group leaders
  • Facebook as organizing platform (free)
  • Keep meetings informal and flexible

Support Group Etiquette & Culture

Good Practices

  1. Welcome newcomers: Every experienced homeschooler was once new
  2. Be respectful: Different methods and beliefs
  3. Share generously: Curriculum, resources, advice
  4. Listen more than talk: Sometimes people need to be heard
  5. Respect privacy: Don’t share others’ stories without permission
  6. Follow rules: Groups have guidelines; follow them
  7. Be kind: Homeschooling can be lonely; kindness matters

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Groups that pressure conformity (method, belief, etc.)
  • Groups that gossip or judge families
  • Groups with unclear leadership or finances
  • Groups where you feel excluded or unwelcome
  • Groups that feel cliquish

Trust your instincts: If a group doesn’t feel right, find another.

Key Takeaways

  1. Connecticut has abundant free/low-cost support groups. Both online (Facebook) and in-person (regional groups).
  1. Start with Connecticut Homeschool Network: Free, inclusive, all questions welcome.
  1. Facebook groups are free, active, and welcoming. Join method-specific or regional groups that match your interests.
  1. Multiple group membership is normal and valuable. Join statewide group + local group + method group for complete support.
  1. Support groups provide what co-ops don’t: Flexibility, advice, friendships without curriculum requirements or high costs.
  1. You don’t need to be isolated as a homeschooler. Connecticut’s support groups make connection easy.

Next Steps

  1. Join Connecticut Homeschool Network today (free): cthomeschoolnetwork.org
  2. Join 1–2 Facebook groups matching your interests/region
  3. Ask CHN for regional coordinator contact
  4. Attend one local meetup or field trip
  5. Introduce yourself and build friendships
  6. Help other families as you learn

Connecticut’s homeschool support community is warm and welcoming. You’re not alone—thousands of families are homeschooling here, and the community is ready to help you succeed.