Homeschool Support Groups in Virginia: Directory & Guide

Homeschooling can feel isolating, especially for new families. Virginia’s extensive network of support groups, organizations, and communities provides connection, resources, friendship, and practical help. Whether you’re looking for curriculum advice, friends for your children, legislative advocacy, or just someone who understands the homeschool journey, Virginia’s support ecosystem has options.

Key Takeaways

• HEAV (Home Educators Association of Virginia): Largest organization, 40+ years established, biblical worldview, 10,000+ convention attendance
• VaHomeschoolers: Inclusive statewide organization for secular and diverse families
• Regional groups: Available in nearly every Virginia county through HEAV directory
• Facebook communities: Most active and current way to connect with local families
• Specialized groups: Military families, special needs, gifted, specific philosophies

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State-Level Organizations

HEAV (Home Educators Association of Virginia)

What it is: Virginia’s largest and most established homeschool organization

Founded: 1983 (40+ years history in Virginia)

Mission: Support biblical homeschooling families, advocate for homeschool rights and freedom

Membership: ~$60–$80/year (optional; many resources available to non-members)

Key services:

Support Groups
– Directory of 100+ regional support groups organized by county/region
– Each group meets regularly (typically monthly or more frequently)
– Groups vary in size and focus (some academic, some social, some mixed)
– Most are free or minimal cost to attend

Annual Convention
– Richmond area, typically February
– One of largest homeschool conventions in US (10,000–11,000 attendance)
– Hundreds of workshop topics, vendor hall, curriculum fair
– Graduation ceremonies for high school graduates
– Strong classical and Christian education focus

Annual Used Curriculum Sale
– One of nation’s largest homeschool curriculum sales
– Typically held spring and fall
– 30–70% discounts on used curriculum
– Thousands of items, hundreds of vendors
– Located Richmond area (check HEAV website for dates/locations)

Publications & Resources
– HEAV magazine/newsletter
– Curriculum guides and recommendations
– Legal resources and legislative updates
– Transcript templates and guidance
– High school planning resources

Legislative Advocacy
– Monitors Virginia homeschool legislation
– Advocates for homeschool freedom and rights
– Updates members on policy changes
– Works with legislators on school choice issues

Website: HEAV.org (or search “HEAV Virginia homeschool”)

Contact: Information available on website

VaHomeschoolers (Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers)

What it is: Inclusive statewide homeschool organization for all backgrounds

Philosophy: Welcomes secular, non-religious, and diverse families; inclusive approach

Mission: Support all Virginia homeschoolers regardless of worldview or philosophy

Services:

Information & Resources
– Website with curriculum information
– Resources for diverse learners
– Special needs resources
– LGBTQ+ friendly homeschool information
– Secular curriculum guides

Legislative Advocacy
– Monitors homeschool legislation
– Advocates for education freedom and choice
– Works on school choice initiatives

Community
– Online forums and groups
– Regional meet-ups
– Facebook community

Website: Search “VaHomeschoolers Virginia” or check their online presence

Philosophy distinction: If HEAV’s Christian/biblical focus doesn’t match your values, VaHomeschoolers offers alternative with inclusive approach

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Regional Support Groups (HEAV Directory)

HEAV maintains directory of 100+ regional support groups organized by county/region. Examples include:

Northern Virginia Groups

• Fairfax County Homeschool Group
• Loudoun County Homeschool Association
• Prince William County Homeschool Co-op
• Arlington/Alexandria groups
• Rappahannock County groups
• Clarke County groups
• Warren County groups

Typical: Large groups with 20–100+ families, multiple meeting options (social, academic, enrichment), sub-groups by grade level

Richmond Area Groups

• Richmond Homeschool Cooperative
• Henrico County Homeschool Group
• Hanover County Homeschool Support
• Chesterfield County groups
• Multiple church-based groups

Typical: Mix of large established groups and smaller neighborhood groups

Hampton Roads / Virginia Beach

• Virginia Beach Homeschool Association
• Newport News groups
• Hampton area groups
• Norfolk area groups
• Military-specific groups (Fort Belvoir area)

Typical: Strong military family presence, mix of Christian and secular groups

Shenandoah Valley / Western VA

• Harrisonburg Homeschool Group
• Staunton/Augusta County groups
• Roanoke area groups
• Lynchburg area groups
• Wytheville/Southwest VA groups (less populated but exist)

Typical: Smaller groups, tight-knit communities, often meeting at churches or community centers

Access the Directory

How to find regional groups:
1. Go to HEAV website (HEAV.org)
2. Access support group directory (may require membership or be publicly available)
3. Search by county or region
4. Contact listed coordinator for group information

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Specialized Support Groups

Military Homeschool Communities

Fort Belvoir Home Educators
– ~200 students
– Serves active-duty families at Fort Belvoir (Northern Virginia)
– Multiple grade levels and activities
– PCS-friendly (understands military transitions)

Hampton Roads Military Homeschool Groups
– Near major naval installations (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News area)
– Active military family networks

How to find: Search “military homeschool [your installation]” or ask at post community center

Special Needs Homeschool Families

PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center)
– Virginia’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center
– Free services for families with children with disabilities
– Resources, training, advocacy
– Website: peatc.org

HEAV Special Needs Group
– Through HEAV regional groups
– Families homeschooling children with learning differences, ADHD, autism, etc.
– Share resources and strategies

VaHomeschoolers Special Needs Resources
– Inclusive resources for diverse learners
– Secular and inclusive approach

Gifted Homeschool Families

Gifted resources through HEAV — Some regional groups have gifted focus

Private tutoring and online programs — Often specialize in gifted accelerated learning

Classical Conversations — Often attracts academically advanced families

Religious/Philosophical-Specific Groups

Christian Homeschool Groups — Most prevalent through HEAV and churches

Classical Education Groups — Classical Conversations, classical co-ops

Charlotte Mason Groups — Smaller, often online community

Unschooling/Natural Learning Families — Some informal groups, mostly online

Jewish Homeschool Families — Small communities, often informal/online

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Online & Facebook Communities

Facebook Groups

Most active and current resource for Virginia homeschoolers. Thousands of Virginia-specific homeschool groups, including:

• County-specific groups (“Fairfax County Homeschooling,” “Richmond VA Homeschooling”)
• Philosophy-specific groups (“Classical Homeschooling Virginia,” “Secular Homeschoolers Virginia”)
• Curriculum-specific groups (Classical Conversations, Sonlight, various others)
• Larger regional groups (Northern Virginia Homeschooling, Richmond Area Homeschool Community)

Advantages:
– Most current information
– Daily activity and discussion
– Quick questions answered
– Local recommendations
– Marketplace for used curriculum
– Event announcements

How to find:
– Search Facebook for “[county] homeschool”
– Search “[city] homeschooling”
– Ask in existing group for other recommendations

Virginia Homeschool Online Forums

• Some regional groups maintain forums on their websites
• National homeschool sites (HomeschoolCom, The Well-Trained Mind forums) have Virginia sub-communities

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What Support Groups Offer

Academic & Curriculum Support

• Curriculum recommendations and reviews
• Subject-specific advice (“How should I teach advanced math?”)
• Grade-level planning assistance
• College preparation guidance
• Dual enrollment information
• Virtual Virginia course recommendations

Social & Community

• Monthly meet-ups and field trips
• Park days and social outings
• Teen socializing opportunities
• Friends for children
• Adult friendship and community

Practical Resources

• Used curriculum sales (especially HEAV annual sale)
• Bulk purchasing discounts
• Loaner programs (curriculum libraries)
• Testing coordination
• Evaluator recommendations
• Legal information and resources

Information & Advocacy

• Legislative updates on homeschool law
• Notification of policy changes
• How to contact legislators
• Information on new programs (Virtual Virginia, scholarships, tax credits)

Events & Learning

• HEAV annual convention
• Regional curriculum fairs
• Graduation ceremonies
• Field trips to museums and historic sites
• Workshops on teaching, testing, planning

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How to Get Involved

Step 1: Find Your Group

Start with: HEAV directory (county-specific group) + search Facebook groups for your area

Step 2: Attend a Meeting

• Most groups have monthly meetings (often at churches or libraries)
• Typically free to attend (check with group)
• Come as a visitor first
• Meet other homeschooling families

Step 3: Get More Involved

• Join email list or Facebook group
• Attend field trips or social events
• Volunteer with group activities
• Join academic or enrichment classes (if available through group)
• Help with group leadership (optional)

Step 4: Connect Online

• Join regional Facebook groups
• Follow HEAV for state-level updates
• Access online resources
• Participate in online discussions

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Benefits of Support Groups

For new homeschoolers:
– Guidance on curriculum, legal compliance, evaluation
– Reassurance and community
– Connection with experienced families
– Practical advice

For families:
– Socialization for children
– Peer learning opportunities
– Shared field trips and activities
– Community and friendship

For high school students:
– Dual enrollment information
– College preparation support
– Co-op classes for core academics
– Senior year connections

For parents:
– Adult community and friendship
– Resource sharing
– Problem-solving support
– Advocacy and legislative updates

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Common Questions About Support Groups

Q: Do I have to join a support group?
A: No. Many Virginia families homeschool successfully without formal groups. However, most find value in at least one group connection for community and resources.

Q: Are all groups Christian?
A: Most mainstream groups (HEAV-affiliated) are Christian/biblical. VaHomeschoolers is inclusive and secular-friendly. Other groups vary. Ask about group’s philosophy.

Q: What does a typical meeting look like?
A: Varies. Often: social time, brief business/announcements, maybe a speaker or workshop, then social activity (field trip, park day, etc.)

Q: Do I have to be committed to attend regularly?
A: No. Most groups are flexible. Come to what fits your schedule.

Q: Are there costs?
A: Regional groups often free or $5–$20/meeting. HEAV membership ~$60–$80/year (optional). Co-op classes have tuition. Field trips vary in cost.

Q: Can I find conservative/traditional/Christian groups specifically?
A: Yes. HEAV is largest Christian/traditional option. Check group philosophy when joining.

Q: Can I find secular/inclusive groups?
A: Yes. VaHomeschoolers welcomes diverse families. Some regional groups are secular. Check Facebook groups and ask about group values.

Q: What if no group exists in my county?
A: Contact HEAV about starting one, or start your own informal group through Facebook. Many groups began this way.