Most states in the United States have at least one statewide homeschooling support group, and homeschooling parents in cities and towns throughout the states form their own support groups. When people think of home-school support groups, these local groups are usually the ones that come to mind. Some groups have a particular focus, such as Christian home-school groups, ones focused on a particular curriculum style and "unschooling" groups. Although not technically a support group, the HSLDA offers many features and benefits that provide support to home-schoolers throughout the United States and internationally.
Groups come in all sizes, and some, especially in larger cities, are quite large with well over 100 member families. Support groups can be either highly structured or more informal in terms of how they function. Some groups do not cost anything to join, whereas others have a membership fee and application process. Many home-schoolers gain support from online support groups, in addition to those that meet face to face.
The activities in which home-school groups engage vary widely between groups, with each group setting its own vision and course. Some common activities include monthly meetings with speakers, field trips, classes, educational co-ops, science and book fairs, holiday parties, park days, curriculum sales and graduation activities. Many of these groups bustle with activity all year, although their formal activities taper off somewhat during the summer.
Home-school support groups, as the name suggests, provide valuable support and encouragement to parents who home school. Parents exchange ideas about curriculum and materials, teaching strategies, daily routines, standardized testing, learning styles, home-school laws and everything else related to home schooling. They also simply enjoy social time with other like-minded parents. Home-schooling children also gain support from the groups, in the form of friendships and learning opportunities with other children who home school. The friendships that spring out of home support groups can last a long time, sometimes even a lifetime.