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Homeschool Support Groups in West Virginia: Directory & Guide
Key Takeaways:
– Two statewide organizations: CHEWV (Christian) and WVHEA (secular/inclusive)
– Both maintain county-by-county support group directories
– Active groups in all 55 WV counties
– Groups offer friendship, resources, field trips, curriculum sharing, and practical support
– Facebook has become primary communication platform for local groups
West Virginia’s homeschool community is strong and accessible. Whether you want curriculum advice, field trip companions, best friend support, or practical problem-solving, local support groups exist. Here’s how to find and connect.
Statewide Homeschool Organizations
CHEWV (Christian Home Educators of West Virginia)
What it is: Statewide organization protecting and advancing Christian homeschool families
History: 30+ years serving WV homeschoolers
Website: chewv.org
What they provide:
– Support group directory (county-by-county listing with leader contact info)
– Annual convention (educational, inspiring, community-building)
– Legislative advocacy (monitoring laws affecting homeschooling)
– Assessment resources (guidance on testing, portfolio review options)
– Newsletter and updates
– Encouragement and mentoring
Contact: Phone and email available on website
Philosophy: Christian-focused, but welcoming to all denominations and faith backgrounds
Cost: Free membership (optional donation-supported); convention fees for attendance
How to use:
1. Visit chewv.org
2. Look for “Support Groups” or “Local Groups” section
3. Find your county
4. Contact group leader listed for your area
5. Attend next meeting or get connected
WVHEA (West Virginia Home Educators Association)
What it is: Statewide secular/inclusive organization for homeschoolers of all philosophies
History: Founded 1986; diverse, welcoming to all approaches
Website: wvhea.org
What they provide:
– County contacts and support group information
– Newsletter with resources
– Information clearinghouse (legal rights, assessment options)
– Inclusive community welcoming diverse educational philosophies
– Legislative monitoring
– Member benefits and discounts
Contact: Phone line and email on website
Philosophy: Secular, inclusive, welcoming to all beliefs and educational approaches
Cost: Free (optional membership with benefits)
How to use:
1. Visit wvhea.org
2. Look for county contacts section
3. Find your county/region contact
4. Email or call for local group information
5. Connect with area families
How Local Support Groups Work
What Happens at Meetings?
Typical meeting structure:
– Welcome and icebreaker (10–15 min)
– Teaching or resource presentation (20–30 min)
– Discussion and Q&A (15–20 min)
– Social time and coffee (15–20 min)
Topics covered:
– Curriculum selection and reviews
– Assessment options and testing information
– Legal/regulatory updates
– College prep and high school planning
– Special needs strategies
– Teaching methods and philosophy
– Homeschool-specific challenges
Frequency: Monthly (most common), bi-weekly, or quarterly depending on group
What Happens Between Meetings?
Between-meeting support:
– Email lists or private Facebook group for quick questions
– Curriculum lending library (swap and share)
– Field trip coordination
– Prayer/encouragement chain
– Mentoring pairs (experienced homeschooler + newcomer)
Regional Support Group Overview
Charleston / Kanawha Valley Area
Size: Largest homeschool community in WV
Groups: Multiple CHEWV chapters, WVHEA-affiliated groups, specialized co-ops
Typical groups: 15–50+ families per group
Specialties: Academic co-ops, social groups, support/encouragement groups
Resource organizations near: Clay Center, WV State Museum, WV Capitol
How to find: CHEWV.org (Kanawha County) or “Charleston/Kanawha homeschool” Facebook
Morgantown / Monongalia County / North Central WV
Size: Growing community
Groups: CHEWV chapter, WVHEA-affiliated groups, college-connected support
Specialties: WVU connection, dual enrollment resources, mixed ages
How to find: CHEWV.org (Monongalia County) or “Morgantown homeschool” Facebook
Huntington / Cabell County / Tri-State Area
Size: Active community (WV/OH/KY connected)
Groups: CHEWV chapter, WVHEA groups, tri-state co-ops
Specialties: Marshall University connection, mixed age support, tri-state network
How to find: CHEWV.org (Cabell County) or “Huntington homeschool” Facebook
Eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County)
Size: Growing
Groups: CHEWV and WVHEA chapters
Specialties: DC metro influence, history-rich area (Harpers Ferry), growing community
How to find: CHEWV.org (Jefferson County) or local Facebook groups
Rural WV Counties
All 55 counties have some homeschool presence, though less organized in very rural areas.
Finding rural groups:
– CHEWV.org (select your county)
– WVHEA.org (contact their statewide number for your county)
– Facebook: Search “[County name] homeschool” or “[Town] homeschool”
– Ask your church
– 4-H may be more organized in your rural county (good alternative)
Using Facebook for Local Connection
Modern reality: Facebook has become primary communication platform for local homeschool groups
How to Find Local Groups on Facebook
- Search: “[Your county] homeschool” or “[Your city] homeschool”
- Examples: “Kanawha County homeschool,” “Charleston homeschool,” “Morgantown homeschool”
- Join 2–3 relevant groups
- Lurk for a week (read without posting)
- Introduce yourself and ask questions
What You’ll Find
- Real-time conversations about curricula
- Field trip planning and coordination
- Co-op information and recommendations
- Testing/assessment discussions
- Support and encouragement
- Local event announcements
- Buy/sell/swap curriculum and materials
Facebook Group Etiquette
- Read group description and rules
- Don’t spam or self-promote excessively
- Be respectful of diverse views (WV has Christian, secular, and mixed groups)
- Ask before promoting paid services
- Respect privacy of other members and children
What to Expect at First Meeting
Emotions: Nervous, excited, hopeful (normal!)
What happens:
1. Arrival: People chat as they arrive; don’t be shy
2. Welcome: Group leader introduces you and others
3. Icebreaker: Brief introduction of yourself and kids
4. Content: Presentation or discussion on homeschool topic
5. Questions: Q&A time (jump in with your questions!)
6. Social time: Informal chat, exchange contact info
7. Departure: Relaxed; people leave when they need to
What to bring:
– Yourself and kids (or just yourself; up to you)
– Willingness to listen and share
– Sense of humor
– Questions you’ve been wondering about
What not to worry about:
– Being behind other families
– Your curriculum being “wrong”
– Your teaching ability
– Your child’s social skills
– Making mistakes
Most homeschool groups are exceptionally welcoming, especially to newcomers.
Types of Support Groups
Curriculum Support Groups
Focus: Specific curriculum (Sonlight, Abeka, Classical Conversations, etc.)
What they do: Compare notes, troubleshoot problems, share experiences, order together
Good for: Making sure you’re using curriculum effectively
How to find: CHEWV/WVHEA can often direct you to curriculum-specific groups
Age/Grade-Specific Groups
Focus: Elementary families, middle school, high school, or mixed ages
What they do: Discuss challenges specific to that stage, share resources
Good for: Relating to families at same stage; finding peers your child’s age
Common in: Most groups organize sub-groups by age
Encouragement/Support Groups
Focus: Friendship, prayer, encouragement, problem-solving
What they do: Share challenges, pray together, brainstorm solutions, celebrate successes
Good for: When homeschooling feels hard; needing community
How to find: CHEWV/WVHEA often have organized prayer/encouragement groups
Academic/Co-op Groups
Focus: Classes, structured instruction, academic co-ops
What they do: Provide weekly classes, instruction, academic community
Good for: Adding structure or outsourced instruction to your homeschool
How to find: Ask CHEWV/WVHEA for co-ops and academic groups in your area
Field Trip Groups
Focus: Learning through field trips and experiential education
What they do: Coordinate museum visits, nature walks, historical site tours
Good for: Enriching education through experiences
How to find: Ask in local Facebook groups; many groups organize field trips
Special Needs Support
Focus: Homeschooling with learning differences, special needs, gifted learners
What they do: Share resources, strategies, encouragement for specialized situations
Good for: Parents of children with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, giftedness, or other learning profiles
How to find: Ask CHEWV/WVHEA about special needs support groups; some Facebook groups focus on this
Getting the Most From Support Groups
As a Newcomer
- Attend a few meetings (try 2–3 different groups if multiple options)
- Introduce yourself and be honest about where you are
- Ask questions freely (groups exist to help)
- Take phone numbers of 2–3 families you click with
- Come back regularly (community builds over time)
As an Experienced Homeschooler
- Give back by mentoring newcomers
- Share what you’ve learned
- Help organize events or co-ops
- Encourage younger families
- Connect with your broader community
Building Real Friendships
- Join a smaller discussion group or coffee group
- Connect on Facebook outside formal meetings
- Text each other with questions and encouragement
- Do field trips together
- Coordinate co-op participation
- Create mentoring relationships
Many homeschoolers find that support group friendships become their closest friendships—you’re in this together.
If There’s No Group Near You
Situation: You’re in rural area with no organized group
Options:
1. Start one — Contact CHEWV or WVHEA; they’ll help you launch a new group
2. Join online group — Many groups now have virtual meeting options
3. Connect via Facebook — Create “[Your county] homeschool” group; you may find other families
4. Ask your church — Often rallying point for homeschoolers
5. Reach out directly — If you know one other homeschooling family, start there (coffee once a month counts as group!)
Many of WV’s strongest groups started with one family reaching out to another.
Why Support Matters
Homeschooling is rewarding but can feel isolating. Support groups:
– Normalize homeschool challenges (everyone deals with this)
– Provide friendship and adult connection
– Share expertise (don’t reinvent the wheel)
– Offer encouragement when you doubt yourself
– Build community for your kids
– Strengthen your homeschool through accountability and ideas
If you’re considering homeschooling and feel hesitant about isolation: West Virginia’s community is strong. You won’t be alone.
Your Next Step
This week:
1. Visit CHEWV.org or WVHEA.org
2. Find your county
3. Note the contact information
4. Send an email or make a phone call asking about local groups
5. Attend next month’s meeting
If you’re in rural area:
– Search Facebook for your county name + “homeschool”
– Ask your church about homeschoolers
– Contact CHEWV/WVHEA directly; they can help you connect
The West Virginia homeschool community is waiting to welcome you.
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