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Key Takeaways
- Kentucky has active statewide and local support groups across all major regions
- Facebook groups are primary communication method for most local communities
- Support groups range from social (meetups, coffee talks) to educational (curriculum sharing, workshops)
- Groups are typically free or minimal cost (unlike co-ops which charge monthly)
- Joining multiple groups provides different support types: academic, social, administrative, faith-based
The Difference: Support Groups vs. Co-ops
Support Groups:
- Free or minimal cost ($0-$25/year)
- Social and informational focus
- Occasional meetups, online discussion
- No classes or formal instruction
- Less structured commitment
Co-ops:
- Monthly cost ($50-$400/month)
- Academic instruction focus
- Regular meetings (1-3 days weekly)
- Formal classes or planned activities
- Higher commitment level
Strategy: Many families join both—support group for community and information, co-op for academics and structure.
Statewide Support Organizations
KHEA (Kentucky Home Educators Association)
Website: khea.info Founded: 1985 Philosophy: Non-sectarian, supports all homeschool approaches Membership: Annual fee ($40-$80/year)
What they offer:
- Annual state conference (typically spring)
- Local chapter support and coordination
- Legislative monitoring and advocacy
- Mentoring for new homeschoolers
- Community directory and networking
- Email newsletter with resources and updates
Local chapters: Throughout Kentucky by region
How to connect:
- Visit khea.info
- Find your local chapter
- Attend a chapter meeting
- Join email list for updates
Best for: All homeschoolers wanting statewide connection and professional organization
CHEK (Christian Home Educators of Kentucky)
Website: chek.org Philosophy: Christian-based organization Membership: Annual fee ($25-$50/year)
What they offer:
- Annual state conference
- Local chapter meetings and networking
- Field trip organization
- Newsletter and resources
- Community of Christian families
- Legislative advocacy
- Some chapters offer academic co-ops
Local chapters: Throughout Kentucky, often church-based
How to connect:
- Visit chek.org
- Search chapter locator by county/region
- Contact chapter leader
- Attend chapter meeting or event
Best for: Christian homeschooling families wanting faith-based community
Regional & Local Support Groups
Louisville Area
KHEA/CHEK Louisville Chapters
- Regular meetings and discussions
- Field trip organization
- Resource sharing
- Social events for families
- Cost: Membership fee ($40-$80 KHEA or $25-$50 CHEK)
Bluegrass Classical Conversations
- Weekly community model (academic + social)
- Strong social component alongside academics
- Cost: $200-$400/month (includes academic classes)
- Different from general support group but includes community support
Louisville Homeschool Mom Facebook Groups
- “Louisville Homeschoolers”
- “Louisville Area Homeschooling Families”
- “Louisville Homeschool Co-op” (various groups)
- Free, primary for questions and networking
- Active with regular posts and recommendations
Parent Meetups
- Some groups organize informal coffee talks, park days, field trips
- Usually free or minimal cost
- Can find through Facebook or word-of-mouth
Lexington Area
KHEA/CHEK Central Kentucky Chapters
- Regular chapter meetings
- Social and educational events
- Field trips
- Cost: Membership fee
Lexington Homeschoolers
- Inclusive community group
- Regular meetings and activities
- Welcoming to all homeschooling approaches
- Active on Facebook and email
Classical Conversations Lexington
- Academic and social component
- Weekly meetings
- Cost: $200-$400/month
Lexington Homeschool Facebook Groups
- “Lexington Homeschoolers”
- “Central Kentucky Homeschool”
- “Lexington Area Homeschooling”
- Free communication and resource sharing
Bowling Green Area
KHEA/CHEK Bowling Green Chapter
- Smaller group but active
- Monthly meetings or events
- Field trip coordination
- Cost: Membership fee
Classical Conversations Bowling Green
- If available in area
- Weekly community model
- Cost: Classical Conversations fee
Finding local groups:
- Search Facebook for “[Bowling Green Homeschool”
- Ask at local library
- Contact KHEA/CHEK for chapter coordinator
Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky Homeschool Community
- Several groups and chapters serve the region
- Mix of Cincinnati-area and Kentucky-based groups
- Cross-state interaction common (Ohio-Kentucky border area)
KHEA/CHEK Northern KY Chapters
- County-based chapters
- Local meetings and events
- Find through organization websites
Facebook Groups:
- Search “Northern Kentucky Homeschool”
- “Cincinnati Tri-State Homeschool”
- Regional groups for Fort Thomas, Covington, Ludlow areas
Paducah & Western Kentucky
Three Rivers Homeschool Co-op
- Serves western Kentucky (60-mile radius Paducah)
- Mix of social and academic activities
- Active on Facebook
- Cost: $50-$150/month typical co-op structure
KHEA/CHEK Chapters
- Counties: Paducah, Mayfield, surrounding areas
- Local chapter meetups and events
- Cost: Membership fee
Finding others:
- Search Facebook for “Paducah Homeschool”
- Contact KHEA or CHEK for referrals
- Ask at local library
Eastern Kentucky
Appalachian Region Groups
- Smaller groups in eastern/mountain regions
- Strong community and traditional values common
- May have strong faith-based component
KHEA/CHEK Chapters
- Serving eastern Kentucky counties
- Contact organization for chapter coordinators
Community Resources:
- Ask at library
- Check community centers
- Word-of-mouth likely primary method
Types of Support Groups
1. Academic Discussion Groups
Purpose: Curriculum recommendations, teaching method discussion
Activities:
- Monthly meetings to discuss curriculum choices
- Member recommendations and reviews
- Planning help for new schoolyear
- Subject-specific focus (math, language arts, science, etc.)
Cost: Free to $15/year Time commitment: Low (monthly or online) Best for: Homeschoolers wanting academic discussion and planning help
2. Social Groups
Purpose: Social interaction and family events
Activities:
- Regular park days or play dates
- Field trips and outings
- Birthday celebrations
- Family game nights or movie nights
- Seasonal parties (Halloween, Christmas, end-of-year)
Cost: Usually free Time commitment: Variable and flexible Best for: Families wanting community and socialization
3. Special Interest Groups
Purpose: Specific educational philosophy or student interests
Examples:
- Unschooling circles
- Classical education discussions
- Gifted homeschoolers
- Special needs support
- Specific religion-based groups
- Art or music focus groups
Cost: Usually free Best for: Families seeking like-minded community
4. New Homeschooler Support
Purpose: Help for families new to homeschooling
Activities:
- Mentoring and advice
- Getting started workshops
- Legal and administrative help
- Curriculum guidance
- Confidence building
Cost: Often free through KHEA/CHEK; sometimes small workshops charge fee
Best for: Families in first 1-2 years of homeschooling
5. Administrative/Legal Groups
Purpose: Understanding Kentucky homeschool law, paperwork, documentation
Activities:
- Legal information sessions
- Portfolio help
- Transcript creation guidance
- Testing information
- College preparation advice
Cost: Usually free (some may charge small workshop fee) Time commitment: Low; often one-time or occasional Best for: Families wanting clear legal understanding and compliance help
6. High School/College Prep Groups
Purpose: Support for high school homeschoolers and college transition
Activities:
- Transcript and credit tracking discussion
- College prep strategies
- Dual enrollment information
- Testing (SAT, ACT) preparation
- Transcript service recommendations
Cost: Usually free Best for: High school families and parents of college-bound students
Online Support Groups (Kentucky-Wide)
Facebook Groups
How to find:
- Search “[Kentucky city] Homeschool”
- Search “Kentucky Homeschool [Method]” (classical, unschooling, etc.)
- Join multiple local and method-specific groups
How they work:
- Free community
- Parents post questions, recommendations, advice
- Good for quick answers and resource sharing
- Can find curriculum advice, vendor recommendations, support
Typical activity level: High; dozens to hundreds of posts daily in active groups
Best for: Quick questions, community questions, recommendations, moral support
Email Lists
How to join:
- Contact KHEA or CHEK
- Subscribe to chapter email lists
- Local groups sometimes have Listserv or email
How they work:
- Regular emails (daily to weekly) with questions, updates, recommendations
- Can reply to list or individual sender
- Less instant than Facebook but more searchable for archives
Best for: Thoughtful discussion; less overwhelming than Facebook
Online Workshops & Webinars
Who offers:
- KHEA and CHEK conferences and workshops
- Individual instructors and curriculum providers
- Support group online events
What they cover:
- Curriculum selection
- Teaching methods
- Organization and planning
- Legal requirements
- Special topics (twice-exceptional learners, gifted, etc.)
Cost: Often free (especially for members); some charge small fee
Best for: In-depth learning on specific topics
Getting Started: Join Your First Group
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Ask yourself:
- What support do I need most? (academic help, social interaction, legal guidance, community, specific philosophy)
- Where are you located? (search for local groups first)
- What’s your availability? (choose groups fitting your schedule)
- What’s your philosophy? (find aligned groups if important to you)
Step 2: Find Local Groups
- Search KHEA.info or CHEK.org for chapter in your area
- Search Facebook for “[your city/county] Homeschool”
- Ask at your library
- Ask other homeschoolers if you know any
Step 3: Join Multiple Groups
Recommended starter approach:
- One local chapter (KHEA, CHEK, or both)
- One local Facebook group
- One philosophy-aligned group if important to you (classical, faith-based, etc.)
Cost: Usually $25-$80/year for chapters; free for Facebook
Step 4: Attend or Connect
- For in-person groups: Attend first meeting (visit, don’t commit)
- For online groups: Join and observe for a few weeks before posting
- Find what’s most helpful; you can always leave groups that don’t fit
Step 5: Engage
- Ask questions when you have them
- Share recommendations and experience
- Help others with knowledge you have
- Build relationships with other families
- Gradually expand to other groups if helpful
Making the Most of Support Groups
Best practices:
- Be specific in questions: Instead of “What curriculum do you recommend?” ask “We’re looking for a literature-based K-1 program with strong phonics and Christian worldview; what do you suggest?”
- Share your experience: When you’ve used curriculum or attended event, share your honest experience with group
- Participate regularly: You get more from groups by consistent participation, not just lurking
- Respect different approaches: Groups usually have diverse philosophies; respect others’ choices even if different from yours
- Be careful with advice: Accept recommendations gracefully but remember to vet them yourself; what works for one family may not work for yours
- Use them for accountability: Tell group your goals; having community often helps follow through
- Volunteer/help: Most groups need volunteer help; volunteering builds deeper connections and helps group
Red Flags: Groups to Avoid
- Controlling groups: Groups that insist one right way or criticize other approaches
- Judgmental environment: Groups where people are judged for choices
- Misinformation: Groups regularly sharing incorrect legal information
- Toxic dynamics: Gossip, conflict, exclusion of certain families
- No moderation: Groups with spam, inappropriate content, offensive language
If a group doesn’t feel right, leave it. Plenty of others exist.
Support Beyond Groups
Additional resources:
- – Legal and official requirements
- – Co-op listings and directory
- Your local library – Librarians are excellent resources
- KHEA and CHEK websites – Official information and resources
- Individual mentors – Sometimes groups can connect you with experienced homeschoolers willing to mentor
Final Word
Kentucky has excellent support group infrastructure. You’re not alone—thousands of families homeschool in Kentucky, and most are willing to help. Joining support groups is often the difference between feeling isolated and feeling like part of a thriving community.
Start with one local group. If it doesn’t fit, try another. The right community will make your homeschool journey significantly better.