List support groups in your area, or network to start a new group.
The MHA Handbook has an entire section devoted to homeschooling support groups and co-ops which is updated regularly. If you don’t see a support group that’s located near you, consider joining MHA - you’ll receive a copy of the MHA Handbook!
Feel free to contact the MHA Support Group Coordinator to request a current list of groups in your county.
Also, if you’re involved with a Minnesota based homeschooling co-op or support group, please contact the MHA Support Group Coordinator with the group’s current contact information. MHA would love to include your group in its Support Group Directory.
Existing support groups and “I would like to start a group…” are listed by county. Statewide and online-only groups are at the bottom of the page.
Anoka County
Metro Home/Unschool Gatherings
WHO: Unschoolers and very relaxed homeschoolers of *all ages* WHERE: meets at parks once a week in all of these cities: Blaine/Fridley, Bloomington, Minnetonka, South Minneapolis (Meetups are held indoors during the cold months.) BRING: blanket to sit on, plenty of food/beverages for your family; if desired: knitting supplies or other projects
This is a non-religious intergenerational gathering supportive of attachment/peaceful/respectful parenting for unschoolers and very relaxed homeschoolers. Hang out, chat and play with us–for people of all ages!
The Metro Home/Unschool Groups are inspired by the Dragon Tree Home Learners in Long Beach, California: http://dragontree.vilter.us/
Contact: Amy a_roff@yahoo.com
Horizons Homeschool Group (an ECHO group) We serve the Anoka County area and surrounding areas. We are not religiously affiliated, and meet every Friday for a variety of activities including: nature center, field trips, plays, group activities held at a church, holiday parties, etc. We also have a monthly moms meeting where we plan the next months activities. We welcome kids of all ages. Contact: Megan Megan@bensmom24@yahoo.com or mcpenrod@msn.com
Beltrami County
BAHA…Bemidji Area Homeschool Association.
Parent support, kids activities, learning coop in the Bemidji area. There’s a great group in Park Rapids, too. You can contact Melanie Burns for information. (218)854-7302 rpburns1@yahoo.com
Carver County
7/07
Waconia homeschool group. Over 25 families. Contact ccheeseman@mchsi.com
Chisago County
Dakota County
Looking for metro-area groups? Check in the Hennepin, Ramsey, and Statewide categories as well.
05/07
South of the River Unschooling Coop
This is an informal support group for MN south-of-the-river unschoolers and relaxed/eclectic homeschoolers (Burnsville, Savage, Prior Lake, Lakeville, Farmington, Rosemount, Apple Valley, New Market, Elko, Northfield, Faribault, Cannon Falls etc).
This coop is open to families with kids of all ages. We do not have any leaders. Any member is free to suggest an event, activity or gathering of choice and post to the group. Those interested work out the details.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SouthUnschoolers/
Contact: Josefina Hanson josefina_hanson@hotmail.com
KNEEL Co-op for Home Educators
KNEEL is a Christian Co-operative for Home Educators and their children. We offer classes for preschool age through grade six. Our group meets the first and third Thursday of each month, 12:30-4:00 P.M. in Burnsville.
We start off each school day with a half hour of Friendship Time- so the kids get to know eachother and have some time to “socialize” before classes begin. We say the Pledge of Allegiance, have announcements and then Classroom Assistants take the children to classes. The kids are offered one break during the day for snack and more “social time”. We offer three different classes each school year for the 1-6th grade classes which have included Physical Education, Music, Science/Physics, Art, Drama, The Young Peacemaker, Jr. Great books and History. The Preschoolers and Kindergartners have their own programs geared to their age level. We also offer nursery care. In order to help make the Co-Op run smoothly, each mom’s is assigned a service position, asked to serve as Classroom Assistant during the year and are required to stay at the facility for the duration of the co-op meeting in the Mom’s Time room enjoying support group time- which offers a variety of FUN activities.
If you are interested in more information about our Co-Op, please contact our Registrar via email at KNEELCOOP@gmail.com or mail in your registration by snail mail by going to our website www.kneelcoop.com, clicking on “About us” and downloading the application in pdf.
Send your application along with your $15 application fee (non refundable) to:
KNEEL Home Education Association
Attn: Registrar
P.O. Box 241091
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Dakota, Scott County
Southmetrohomeschoolers is a group for the Twin Cities south of the river suburbs. We meet for friendship and get-togethers like field trips and playdates. We are a relaxed group where you can choose and plan activities that fit your schedule needs. We are inclusive and welcome all homeschooling families. Please visit our website for more information: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SouthMetroHomeschoolers/
Hennepin County
Looking for metro-area groups? Check in the Dakota, Ramsey, and Statewide categories as well.
Plymouth Area Homeschoolers
Plymouth Area Homeschoolers is a new group based on the principals of Families learning together to train, teach and prepare the hearts of their children for Jesus Christ. Plymouth Area Homeschoolers (PAH)is a group of home educating families who have decided to use their gifts and talents in a cooperative way to provide mutual encouragement, social interaction between children in a parent supervised environment, and join efforts in stimulating learning opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to meet. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Plymouth_area_Homeschoolers/
Twin Cities South Liberal Homeschoolers
A group for families in the southern areas of the Twin Cities who are moderate to liberal on the political spectrum. We have a Yahoo email message board and meet for informal get-togethers and playdates. “Meetings” happen whenever two or more members want to meet-we are very low-structure! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tcslhs/
ECHO-MN
ECHO-MN (Early Childhood Homeschooling Opportunities) ECHO-MN is a metro-wide and inclusive organization for families with young children who are interested in learning more about homeschooling. New families are welcome. For more information about ECHO-MN please contact us at echo-mn@mn.rr.com or see our website at http://echo-mn.tripod.com/index.html
Metro Home/Unschool Gatherings
WHO: Unschoolers and very relaxed homeschoolers of *all ages* WHERE: meets at parks in all of these cities once a week: Blaine/Fridley, Bloomington, Minnetonka, South Minneapolis (Meetups are held indoors during the cold months.) BRING: blanket to sit on, plenty of food/beverages for your family; if desired: knitting supplies or other projects
This is a non-religious intergenerational gathering supportive of attachment/peaceful/respectful parenting for unschoolers and very relaxed homeschoolers. Hang out, chat and play with us–for people of all ages!
The Metro Home/Unschool Groups are inspired by the Dragon Tree Home Learners in Long Beach, California: http://dragontree.vilter.us/
Contact: Amy a_roff@yahoo.com
Twin Cities Learning Co-Op (TCLC)
Serves Twin Cities area Began in 2000 (started by Kim Hayward) Classes are offered by homeschoolers for homeschoolers. The two terms run from September-November and February-April. Visit the webpage for more information: www.mamaresource.com/tclc Contact: Amy a_roff@yahoo.com
Isanti County
6/07
Princeton/Cambridge/St. Francis, MN area Unschoolers group now forming!!!
for more info: tomeghandmama@yahoo.com
Mille Lacs County
6/07
Home/Unschoolers Group…We are a secular group that meets every week in Isle, MN. Right now we meet at the beach…we are a fun easygoing peaceful bunch. If you are interested: tomeghandmama@yahoo.com
Nicollet County
Mankato
Hi! We have started a new group in the Mankato area. We have a website at: www.hickorytech.net/~scdesign/ or you can contact me, Chris, at: techw@mnic.net. Thanks! Chris Oldenburg
Olmsted County
Ramsey County
Looking for metro-area groups? Check in the Dakota, Hennepin, and Statewide categories as well.
HIGHLAND PARK, SAINT PAUL–HELLO!!!
We have just moved to Saint Paul, in the Highland Park area, and are looking for homeschooling friends, and also for children to play with our 6-year old son. We are a conservative libertarian, Polish-American family. Our son is interested in knights, karate, sports, building toys and drawing. If anybody is interested in getting in touch with us, or in helping us to get around in this new place, we would really appreciate it.
Feb., 2007.
mattdueholm@yahoo.com
East Metro Eclectics
Homeschooling parents are invited to attend if you:
- live in or around the North and East suburbs of St. Paul (Ramsey and Washington counties)
- are looking for a social group for yourself and your homeschooling children
- and would like to associate with families who have eclectic hs approaches and diverse faiths.
Contact Amy for details and directions if you are interested in participating. amyjleinen@yahoo.com 651-552-0753 2/08
Rice County
Saint Louis County
Iron Range
Amy Hellman
Hello. I’m looking to connect with home-schooling families on the Iron Range. My children and I live in the Iron area and were part of the Cherry/St. Louis County School District. We are now homeschooling and want to get together with other parents and children!
I’m interested in starting a support group to support one another in homeschooling efforts, parent/child get together/field trips etc. If anyone else is interested in this, please contact me by phone at : 744-5977 or e-mail at: pc_woman_amy@yahoo.com
I have three children Kyle (12b) , Courtney (10g), and Alicia (8g)! We do field trips, site seeing, a lot of nature stuff, and we have fun learning!
Amy Hellman, Iron Minnesota
Scott County
Great Rewards as Children’s Educators (G.R.A.C.E.)
Started 1992, Prior Lake (Scott & Dakota Counties) 15 families Contact: Lee Ann Waddell, 612-440-2263 Christian. Once a month mom’s get-together. Science and speech classes given (participation expected). Once a month field trip, kids time twice monthly, every other month family get-together, including dads. Dads get-together three or four times a year.
Sherburne County
NW Metro Home Schoolers- Elk River, Monticello, Big Lake and surrounding areas
We are a non-sectarian group welcoming people of all faiths and beliefs. We are a diverse group with many different approaches to homeschooling. We live and meet in the Sherburne County and surrounding areas. Our main goals are for friendship, playtime and supporting one another. NWMH meets several times a month for field trips and once a week for playtime at local parks. The ages range from newborn to elementary. Come and check us out for the endless opportunities! Please email for more information. Contact: Kari Email:nkcstrunc@yahoo.com or check out our website <http://www.nwmetrohomeschoolers.org/> 2/08
Secular Sherburne and surrounding areas
Hi! I am a first time homeschooling mom looking for a secular homeschool group in the Sherburne county or surrounding (St. Cloud, Wright, etc.) areas. I would also be interested in starting one in the area. Please contact me at duncanr@att.net or (763)263-7130 if you already know of a group or are interested in joining such a group in this area.
Thank you, Kristen Ryan
Elk River Area Homeschoolers!!
I am a mom of 3 (8 1/2 yr old, 7 yr. old and 2 yr. old ) looking for other homeschoolers who are interested in getting together for field trips, activities, Park Days, indoor swim and skate days, etc. Other activities could include Book Clubs, Geography Clubs, etc. We are fairly new to the state of MN and I’ve noticed the homeschool community here seems fragmented – we want to meet up with others, learn how other HSers do things, share what works with us and create friendships – for the kids as well as the adults. We are open and welcoming to all faiths and lifestyles. Please contact Beth eapple@aol.com if you are interested!
Washington County
Wright County
Monticello
Hello! We are a homeschool family with a 5 1/2 year old girl. We live in Monticello and I see quite a few other families in Wright County and surrounding areas are looking for a support group and haven’t found one! There doesn’t seem to be any around here, so maybe a few of us should think about starting our own! I am willing to go as far as Maple Grove or up as far as St. Cloud. What would everyone think about that? Sara Beebe <NOTE: EMAIL DOESN’T WORK ANYMORE: herecomessunshine@charter.net> 612-221-5742
Statewide/Online
05/07
Unschoolers in Minnesota Elist
This group is for people in Minnesota that unschool (learn from life, rather than formal educational curriculum): adults, children, parents and nonparents.
In this group, we can ask questions, and get opinions and support.
We understand once a parent, always a parent (so parents of adult children are welcome). The parenting and living style reflected in this group is similar to Scott Noelle’s, parenting coach. To quote him and his website:
“EnjoyParenting.com is a resource for parents who believe that children are innately good and that responsive, natural, creative parenting is the best way to foster their goodness.
“If you’re looking for clever ways to control your child’s behavior, you won’t find this site very useful. But if you want to experience authentic power with your child — joyfully, nonviolently, and unconditionally — you’ve come to the right place!
“As an idealistic, progressive, leading-edge parent, you already have a desire to parent in harmony with your child’s nature and spirit. The question is… How does one make the shift from the old parenting paradigm of control to the new paradigm of partnership and co-creation? EnjoyParenting.com supports parents in making that shift successfully, from the inside out.”
Source: http://www.enjoyparenting.com/about
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mnunschoolers/
Contact: Amy Roff a_roff@yahoo.com
Home School Dads
I want to introduce you to a new website called http://www.HomeSchoolDads.com. Just as the name says, it is a website I just launched geared specifically for fathers (like myself) who homeschool our children. Yes, I did say FATHERS! There are some of us out there who either full-time teachers or part-timers sharing responsibilities with the Moms. At the website you’ll find a list of homeschool resources and an already active discussion forum. I invite you to take a look and see whats going on with us homeschool dads.
Minnesota Homeschooling Teens
The Minnesota Homeschooling Teens (MHT) is a social organization for teens 12 years and older throughout the state. MHT works in partnership with the Minnesota Homeschoolers’ Alliance to serve the needs of MN homeschooling teens. MHT is an inclusive, diverse group. Members value and respect our different educational philosophies, political affiliations and religious views.
The Minnesota Homeschooling Teens has two volunteer Teen Coordinators, a Calendar Mom, and an active group of teens. We have monthly meetings to plan MHT weekly activities. The cost to join MHAs MHT group is a one-time fee of $1.
Events are scheduled based on member interest. Every fall, MHT members play an active role in the MHA Conference and the infamous MHT Bad Bowling Tournament. Winter events typically include Bored/Board Game Days, Movie Nights, Parties, Skating (ice, inline, skateboard), and winter sports. Warm weather encourages the Park and Beach Days, Ice Cream Socials, Hiking Excursions, Bon Fire nights, and tons of outdoor gatherings.
There is always room for new members! Teens new to the group are often partnered with a teen coordinator or another teen at the first meeting or so, in order to assist in getting to know all the members of the group.
Contact the MHT Calendar Mom Amy at 651-552-0753 or e-mail MHA for more information: mha@homeschoolers.org
2008