Choosing to homeschool your child is a big step—and one that can feel overwhelming if you’re trying to navigate the journey alone. The good news? You don’t have to. Connecting with a local homeschool support group can dramatically improve your experience by giving you a community, practical guidance, and learning opportunities you simply can’t get on your own.
But not all groups offer the same value, and many families struggle to find one that fits their needs. This guide walks you through how to choose the right group, where to find active communities, and how to get the most benefit once you join.
Why Your Local Homeschool Support Group Matters
Homeschooling works best when you’re supported. A high-quality support group gives you:
- A place to ask questions without judgment
- Social opportunities for your kids
- Access to other parents’ experiences and resources
- Accountability and motivation
- Answers to state-specific registration questions
- A community that understands your values and goals
Think of your homeschool support group as the “staffroom” you never had—filled with people who know the challenges and joys of homeschooling firsthand.
How to Find the Right Local Homeschool Support Group
The most active homeschooling networks today exist on Facebook. These groups are free, high-engagement, and filled with both new and veteran homeschooling parents. Here are some of the most helpful groups for Australian families:
Large Australia-wide groups
These groups are excellent for general support, curriculum discussions, and quick answers:
- Homeschooling Australia – 26K members, daily activity
- Homeschool Western Australia – 15k members
- Homeschooling For Beginners – 85K members
- Schooling from Home Australia – 2.2k members
- Homeschool Buy, Sell, Swap – Australia – 13k members
- Homeschooling Supplies Buy Swap Sell Giveaway Australia – 7.2k members
- Homeschool Australia – 13k members
- Homeschooling Special Needs Kids Australia – 6.6k members
These communities are ideal if you’re just starting and need broad advice, curriculum reviews, or encouragement.
State and region-based groups
For practical, localised support, look for homeschool support groups based on your region. These often host meetups, excursions, co-ops, sports days, and group classes:
- Homeschool Brisbane – 2.2K members
- free2homeschool QLD – 4.9k members
- Homeschool Parents and Teachers Connect Sunshine Coast – 3.5k members
- HEN Victorian Homeschoolers And Unschoolers – 11k members
- NSW Homeschooling Registration Support Network – 7.5k members
- Adelaide & SA Pre-Homeschoolers connect – 2.8k members
- Homeschooling Perth – 11k members
Even if you live outside these regions, searching “homeschool + your suburb/state” on Facebook will reveal similar groups.
International Groups Worth Checking Out
If you enjoy global perspectives, these groups offer additional resources and support:
- Homeschooling New Zealand – 15K members
- Homeschooling Tips & Ideas – 1.4k members
- Homeschooling Your Kids – 101K members
These homeschool support groups are not local, but they’re excellent for fresh ideas, curriculum comparisons, and cultural insights.
What to Look For in a Good Support Group
Not every homeschool support group will suit your goals. Here’s what separates a great group from an average one:
- Consistent, positive activity; Look for groups with daily posts and active moderators. Dormant groups won’t help you.
- Clear rules and good moderation; This keeps discussions respectful and avoids the overwhelm of spam or drama.
- A mix of experience levels; The best groups have seasoned homeschoolers who can offer wisdom, alongside newer families asking the questions you’re also thinking about.
- Opportunities for local meetups; If in-person activities matter to you (and they usually do for children), prioritise groups that organise park days, co-ops, excursions, and workshops.
- Alignment with your values; Some groups may lean toward unschooling, Charlotte Mason, faith-based homeschooling, secular homeschooling, or structured curriculum choices. Choose one that matches your family’s approach—or join a few until you find your fit.
How to Get the Most Value From Your Local Homeschool Support Group
Finding a group is only the first step. To truly benefit, you need to engage with it intentionally. Here’s how.
1. Ask questions early and often
Whether you’re confused about curriculum planning, registration paperwork, or choosing an online program, don’t hold back. Other parents want to help.
2. Attend meetups—even if you feel shy
The parents standing around awkwardly at the first meetup? That’s everyone.
But once you push past the initial unfamiliarity, you’ll build real relationships that make homeschooling far more enjoyable.
3. Share your journey—even the messy parts
Support groups thrive when members share openly. Talk about what’s working, what isn’t, what you’ve learned, or what surprised you. You’ll get better advice and help others at the same time.
4. Offer help when you can
If you’ve found a great resource, solved a problem, or discovered a shortcut—share it.
Support groups are strongest when everyone contributes.
5. Explore co-ops or shared learning opportunities
Many local groups organise:
- science club days
- reading circles
- STEM workshops
- art lessons
- group excursions
- sports or nature days
Your child will enjoy hands-on activities that are far easier (and more fun) in a group setting.
6. Use the group for accountability
If you struggle with staying consistent, join homeschool support groups that host:
- weekly check-ins
- monthly goal-setting
- project sharing
- parent planning sessions
A bit of accountability can dramatically reduce frustration and keep your homeschooling on track.
7. Build friendships—for both you and your child
Homeschooling isn’t just about academics. Having a community makes the entire lifestyle more sustainable.
Parents need support just as much as kids need peers.
8. Stay aware of group culture
If a group feels overwhelming, judgmental, or negative—leave.
Different groups suit different families. Your mental load matters.
How to Evaluate Whether a Support Group Is Helping You
Ask yourself:
- Am I learning useful, actionable information?
- Do I feel encouraged, not overwhelmed?
- Is my child benefiting socially or academically?
- Does the group respect different homeschooling approaches?
- Do I feel comfortable participating?
If the answer is no, it’s okay to move on. Most families end up in 2–4 homeschool support groups before finding their ideal fit.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right local homeschool support group can transform your entire homeschooling experience. It gives you practical guidance, emotional support, and learning opportunities you simply can’t replicate on your own. Don’t be afraid to explore several groups, attend meetups, ask questions, and build relationships. Homeschooling is easier, more joyful, and more sustainable when you’re part of a vibrant community.
Need help making the decision to start homeschooling or just need more information about homeschooling, contact us. We’re always available to answer any questions.
