Homeschool Groups and Programs in Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right homeschool group in Florida feels a bit like searching for the perfect seashell on a crowded beach, so many options, but only a few truly fit your family’s rhythm. From bustling co-ops in Miami to peaceful learning pods in the Panhandle, Florida’s homeschool community is as diverse as its coastline. Parents aren’t just looking for curriculum help; they’re seeking connection, creativity, and a little breathing room. 

Whether you want field trips under the palm trees or science labs in a local library, these groups and programs give your homeschool journey structure without taking away the freedom that drew you to it. In this blog today, we will explore some of the available homeschool groups in Florida to help you with your homeschooling journey. 

Key Takeaways

• Florida has vibrant homeschool communities, from faith-based co-ops to statewide associations, supporting every family’s learning style.

• The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a flexible, screen-free curriculum with 24/7 parent support; perfect for Pre-K to 6 families.

• Groups like FPEA and FHSA help parents navigate Florida homeschool laws and connect with local support networks.

What are Homeschool Groups and How They Can Help You?

Homeschool groups are communities where homeschooling families come together to share resources, plan activities, and support each other’s educational journeys. These groups may meet weekly, monthly, or even just a few times a year, depending on the needs of the families involved. Some homeschool groups are informal playdate gatherings, while others are structured with organized classes, field trips, and enrichment programs. 

Benefits of Homeschool Groups

Homeschooling doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Homeschool groups provide the encouragement, resources, and social connections that enrich your family’s learning experience and help your child grow in a well-rounded way.

1. Academic and Creative Learning Support

Homeschool groups often organize academic classes, workshops, and creative activities like art, music, and STEM clubs. This gives your child the chance to explore new subjects or dive deeper into areas where they have special interests.

2. Social Interaction for Children and Parents

Regular meetups and group activities give your child a safe and supportive space to build friendships and learn teamwork. As a parent, you'll also meet like-minded families, creating a valuable community where you can share tips, encouragement, and the occasional laugh about the homeschooling journey.

3. Shared Teaching and Resource Pooling

You don’t have to be an expert in every subject. Homeschool groups allow parents to share teaching responsibilities and pool educational resources like curriculum, science kits, and learning tools.

4. Emotional and Practical Support for Parents

Homeschooling can sometimes feel isolating, especially when challenges arise. Homeschool groups give you a circle of fellow parents who understand your experiences, offering practical advice, encouragement, and sometimes just a space to share your worries and celebrate your wins.

Homeschooling is a journey best shared with others who understand its joys and challenges. By joining a homeschool group, you’ll find support, friendship, and learning opportunities that truly enrich your family’s experience.

Next, we will look at the different types of homeschool groups available in Florida.

Top Homeschool Groups and Associations in Florida

From statewide organizations to local co-ops and support groups, there are many ways to find your homeschooling community and enrich your child's learning experience. Let's explore some of the amazing options available to you and your family.

1. The School House Anywhere (TSHA)

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is an educational program designed to offer a high-quality, flexible, and portable homeschool curriculum for families. It provides a comprehensive Pre-K to 6 grade  program and continuous support, making it easier for parents to homeschool confidently with hands-on, screen-free learning materials.

Key Offerings:

• Complete curriculum (Pre-K to 6): Offers a fully developed American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) covering core subjects with an integrated, real-world approach.

• Rich teaching resources: Provides a library of educational films, printables, worksheets, and lesson plans to enhance home instruction.

• 24/7 parent support: Gives parents access to round-the-clock live support and an online community for guidance, questions, and encouragement.

• Non-screen, hands-on learning: Emphasizes screen-free, experiential learning and includes tools to track student progress, fostering creativity and critical thinking off-screen.

2. Tampa Bay Community Homeschool

Tampa Bay Community Homeschool is a faith-based, two-day hybrid co-op in the Tampa area that offers part-time drop-off classes for homeschooled students in grades 4–9. It also coordinates group activities like field trips, park days, classes, and social gatherings, giving homeschoolers fun ways to learn and make friends in a supportive community.

Key Offerings:

• Hybrid co-op classes: Meets twice weekly (Tuesdays & Thursdays) for structured, drop-off classes, allowing parents a break while kids learn together.

• Wide range of courses: Offers classes in key subjects, Bible, Math, Science, History, Art, Spanish, and more, with a hands-on, engaging approach for grades 4–9.

• Faith-based support: Provides a Christian, family-oriented environment, emphasizing fun, hands-on learning and partnering with parents (parents remain the primary educators at home).

• Community events: Organizes field trips, park play days, holiday parties, and other group activities to enrich the homeschooling experience.

3. Homeschoolers of Central Florida

Homeschoolers of Central Florida is a broad support network for homeschooling families in the Central Florida/Orlando area. It serves as an educational resource page (spanning about 14 counties in the region) and helps parents connect with each other for advice, information, and community support. 

Key Offerings:

• Regional outreach: Serves homeschool families across Orlando and surrounding Central Florida counties, acting as a hub for a large community of parents.

• Resource sharing: Provides support, resources, and information to help parents with curriculum, legal questions, and homeschooling methods. Parents can ask questions and get advice from more experienced homeschoolers in the group.

• Parent meetups and forums: Facilitates regular meetings (online or in-person) where parents discuss challenges, swap ideas, and encourage each other. The active Facebook group and forums ensure that help is available in real time.

4. Jacksonville Homeschool Community (JHC)

Jacksonville Homeschool Community (JHC) is a diverse group of homeschooling families in the Jacksonville area, focused on providing enriching social opportunities especially for middle and high school students. JHC hosts monthly activities and events, from game days and sports meet-ups to holiday parties, giving homeschooled teens a chance to connect, build friendships, learn, and grow together in a fun environment.

Key Offerings:

• Teen social events: Organizes monthly meetups and activities for homeschoolers in about 6th–12th grade, including things like game days, sports outings, “Friendsgiving” celebrations, and more. These events help teens socialize and form friendships.

• Middle & high school focus: Designed for families with middle and high school students (generally ages 11–18). Only students in 6th–12th grade can join, ensuring activities are geared toward teens’ interests.

• Parent-led and supportive: Run by volunteer parents, JHC maintains a positive code of conduct to create a safe, respectful atmosphere for all participants. Families often collaborate in planning events like group outings, a homeschool prom, or a senior graduation for older students.

5. Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA)

The Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) is the largest statewide homeschool organization in Florida, representing thousands of families. FPEA is well-known for its big annual Homeschool Convention in Orlando and for providing year-round support, guidance, and information to both new and veteran home educators across the state. 

• Legal advocacy: FPEA works to safeguard the legal right to homeschool in Florida by monitoring legislation in Tallahassee and partnering with the Home Education Foundation. They keep members informed of any laws or policies that could affect homeschooling freedom.

• Liaison with schools: Acts as a liaison to local school boards statewide, ensuring school districts understand homeschool law and parents’ rights. If a member family encounters issues with their county school board, FPEA will help resolve the situation and clarify requirements.

• Support network: Coordinates a statewide network of local homeschool support groups. FPEA fosters these groups’ growth and posts their contact information, so parents can easily find a nearby support group or co-op to join. This network helps families not feel alone by connecting them with community.

• Member support & perks: Provides direct support through District Directors who answer questions by phone or email and mentor homeschooling families in their region. Members also receive practical perks, discounts on convention registration and other events, and the opportunity for their students to join FPEA’s statewide graduation ceremony for homeschool seniors.

Florida Homeschool Association (FHSA)

The Florida Homeschool Association (FHSA) is a statewide, secular homeschool organization founded to support the growing number of modern homeschooling families in Florida. FHSA positions itself as an inclusive community (welcoming families of all backgrounds) and focuses on providing factual information, training, and advocacy.

• Guidance on laws & curriculum: FHSA offers friendly guidance on Florida’s homeschool laws and requirements, helping parents understand how to comply with state statutes. They also advise families on choosing curriculum and educational approaches that fit their child’s needs.

• Member resources & training: Through its membership portal, FHSA provides access to expert support, training, and forums. Parents can take part in webinars or masterclasses, ask questions in private discussion groups, and learn from experts and veteran homeschoolers about best practices.

• Events and community building: FHSA organizes statewide events, including an annual homeschool convention and curriculum fair, where families can attend workshops and meet vendors (similar to FPEA’s convention).

• Advocacy and updates: The association is active in advocating for homeschoolers’ interests. FHSA keeps in contact with school districts and the Florida Department of Education, working to preserve the rights of families to choose home education. They send out timely updates on any legislative changes, new policies, or emerging trends in education.

Each of these groups or programs provides a unique form of support for homeschooling parents in Florida. Whether you’re looking for curriculum and expert help (like TSHA) or statewide resources and advocacy (FPEA and FHSA), Florida has an option that can meet your needs as a homeschooling family.

If you're wondering how to get involved, the next section will guide you on how to find homeschool groups near you in Florida.

How to Find Homeschool Groups Near You in Florida

Want to connect with other homeschooling families in your area? It's awesome to be part of a community where you can share ideas, get support, and find out about local resources. Here are some ways to find homeschool groups near you:

1. Start with Online Directories and Homeschool Associations

Begin your search with statewide homeschool associations like the Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) and Florida Homeschool Association (FHSA). Their websites list registered support groups by region, making it easy to discover options near you without hours of searching.

2. Join Florida-Based Homeschool Facebook Groups

Social media groups are where many Florida homeschoolers plan meetups, field trips, and co-op classes. Search for groups named after your county or city and join to stay updated on local events.

3. Ask for Recommendations at Libraries, Churches, and Community Centers

Many homeschool groups use local libraries, churches, or community centers as gathering spots for classes or meetups. Speak with librarians, church staff, or community organizers; they often know of local co-ops, park days, or parent groups nearby.

4. Attend Local Homeschool Events and Conventions

Florida hosts major homeschool conventions like the annual FPEA Homeschool Convention in Orlando. These events are excellent places to meet other families, discover homeschool vendors, and learn about co-ops and support groups that match your interests.

5. Explore Regional Education Websites and Meetup Platforms

Websites like Meetup.com, Homeschool-Life.com, and local homeschool resource pages often list homeschool groups that meet regularly in your area. You’ll find everything from academic co-ops to nature clubs and playgroups tailored to different learning styles and ages.

Finding the right homeschool group takes a little time, but the support and friendships your family will gain make the effort worthwhile. Start small, stay curious, and soon you’ll find your homeschool community.

Start Homeschooling and Microschooling with The School House Anywhere (TSHA)

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is an educational program designed to provide high-quality, flexible, and portable learning experiences for homeschooling families, micro-schools, and education entrepreneurs. 

TSHA offers a comprehensive, developmentally aligned curriculum grounded in the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC). The AEC, developed by TSHA, is a hands-on educational framework for Pre-K to 6th grade. It connects subjects in real-world ways, encouraging children to explore, think creatively, and solve problems.

For homeschooling, we offer:

• Comprehensive Curriculum (AEC) for Pre-K to 6th grade.

• Educational resources (films, printables, worksheets).

• 24/7 live support and community for guidance.

• Focus on non-screen learning and progress tracking tools.

For microschooling, we offer:

• Focus on hands-on learning instead of administrative tasks.

• TSHA helps you find a space (home, church, etc.) to start your micro-school.

• Use TSHA’s resources for marketing, purchasing materials, and building your community.

• TSHA supports you with curriculum delivery, live support, and school operations.

• Track progress via Transparent Classroom and engage with parents through newsletters and the TSHA network.

Also, we do not support AI for students, but we believe in the power of AI. So, we offer AI-supported services only for parents and teachers to make their teaching process smooth and time-efficient! 

Wrapping Up

Joining a homeschool group can make a big difference in your homeschooling experience! It's a great way to connect with other families, find support, and make homeschooling more fun and engaging for your child. If you're thinking about homeschooling or you're already homeschooling and want to make it even better, consider joining a local homeschool group. It can be a great way to make homeschooling more rewarding and enjoyable for everyone!

Explore TSHA’s today and start your homeschooling journey. Register as Parent or Educator.

FAQs

1. Can my child join multiple homeschool groups at the same time?

Yes, many families participate in more than one homeschool group based on their interests and schedule. For example, your child might attend a science-focused co-op on one day and a faith-based group on another. This flexibility helps families create a well-rounded social and learning experience.

2. Are there homeschool groups in Florida specifically for children with special needs?

Absolutely. Several Florida homeschool groups offer tailored support for children with learning differences or special needs. These groups often provide adapted learning activities, sensory-friendly events, and connect parents with specialized resources and support networks.

3. Do homeschool groups in Florida follow the same academic calendar as public schools?

Not always. Many homeschool groups set their own calendars based on what works best for the families involved. Some follow a traditional August–May school year, while others meet year-round or follow a flexible, interest-based schedule.

4. How much do homeschool groups typically cost in Florida?

Costs vary widely. Some informal homeschool playgroups or support groups are free, while structured co-ops may charge a small fee for supplies, facility rentals, or teacher stipends. Faith-based or private enrichment programs might have tuition ranging from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars per year, depending on the classes offered.