NYHEN: Local Homeschooling Groups

Local Homeschooling Groups in New York State

New York State Homeschooling Regulations

How to contact state government officials

This page contains a list of local homeschooling groups around New York State.

Another way to find other homeschoolers near you is to check the listings in the Homeschool Social Register. While you're there, you might want to add yourself to the Register so that other homeschoolers can contact you as well.

You can use the following links to jump to the section of this page for a particular region of the state:

Western New York
Finger Lakes / Rochester
Southern Tier
Central New York
North Country
Eastern New York
Southeastern New York

Western New York

Buffalo Area Homeschooling Association
Region served: Erie and Niagara Counties
Email contact: Sue Tannehill (BAHAWNY@aol.com)
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Open to members only
Website: Not provided
Statement:
We have over 50 member families. We hold a monthly meeting at a local library that is adult centered and offers newcomers a chance to meet us and ask questions. We also organize field trips, run a swim and gym program for our members at a local Y, run classes in the arts and hold a weekly unstructured play date at a local park or gym. Most communication and planning is done via our members-only e-mail list. Our membership ranges from "school at home" folks to unschoolers, and everything in between. Our group is characterized by its respect for each family's right to choose the methods and paths best suited to them.

Chautauqua County Homeschooling and Mentoring Program (CHAMP)
Region served: Chautauqua County / Southwestern New York
Email contact: Dawn Bennink (bennink4@yahoo.com)
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Open to members only
Website: Not provided
Statement:
We are a relatively new secular and inclusive group serving Chautauqua County and Southwestern New York. Our membership includes and welcomes school-at-homers, unschoolers and everyone in between. At present, we are organizing monthly field trips and establishing the wants and needs of our membership. We are working in conjunction with other Southwestern NY homeschooling groups, sharing information and activities, to the benefit of all groups. Most communication and planning is done via our members-only e-mail list. The only requirement for our group is respect for the member families' differences (cultural, religious, homeschooling and otherwise).

North of Buffalo Homeschool Association (NOBHA)
Region served: Niagara County and surrounding areas
Email contact: Angela Gelyon (joshgelyon@yahoo.com)
Phone contact: Angela Gelyon 716-778-6516
Email list: nobha (to subscribe: nobha-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: www.nobha.com
Statement:
We are an inclusive homeschooling support group that serves the Niagara County and surrounding areas. We welcome all homeschoolers regardless of religious beliefs or homeschooling philosophies. We offer support, information, resources.... We meet monthly and also have field trips.

WNY Homeschool
Region served: All Eight Counties in Western New York: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming
Email contact: Tracy Keller (Kellerkids@roadrunner.com)
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Open to members only
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WNYHomeschool/
Statement:
We have over 350 member families. We are all inclusive to homeschoolers. All ethnic and religious groups are welcome to join. We have a weekly co-op group in West Seneca that meets, as well as field trips. Some members hold a weekly unstructured play date at a local park or gym. Most communication and planning is done via our members-only e-mail list. Our membership ranges from "school at home" folks to unschoolers, and everything in between. There is no fee at this time to join. However, we do like to know who is in the group and a little bit about them first.

Finger Lakes / Rochester

Catholic Homeschoolers of Western NY
Region served: Monroe and surrounding counties
Email contact: Marjorie Kelly (kellyfam@bluefrognet.net)
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Not provided
Website: www.netacc.net/~mafg/chs
Statement:
Catholic Homeschoolers of Western N.Y. is a local chapter of T.O.R.C.H.- Traditions of Roman Catholic Homes. We are an association of lay faithful established to promote homeschooling among Catholic families and to support those families who are engaged in providing their children's primary education at home. In line with this mission, the organization publishes a monthly newsletter and holds a variety of meetings, family activities, children's clubs, and social events which provide opportunities for worship, learning, fellowship, and fun. Founded in 1992, current membership consists of 55 families throughout the Diocese of Rochester. Please contact Marjorie Kelly at the email address listed above to learn more about joining our group.

Fingerlakes Unschoolers Network
Region served: Finger Lakes
Email contact: Mary Goncarov (triadresearch@juno.com)
Phone contact: Mary Goncarov 607-387-3001
Email list: funschooling (to subscribe: funschooling-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: www.lightlink.com/hilinda/fun.html
Statement: Not provided

Lake-To-Lake Homeschoolers
Region served: Ontario and Wayne Counties area
Email contact: mail@lake2lake.org
Phone contact: Julie Burgess 315-548-4026
Email list: Not provided
Website: www.lake2lake.org
Statement:
A non-sectarian home-schooling support group from the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. We hold field trips, group activities and have a newsletter with a Kids Corner.

Rochester Area Homeschoolers Association
Region served: Rochester and surrounding area
Email contact: Send an email to RAHAInformation@gmail.com. A member will respond.
Phone contact: Leave voice mail message at 585-234-0298, and a member will return your call
Email list: Not provided (available to RAHA members only)
Website: www.RochesterAreaHomeschoolers.org
Statement:
Rochester Area Homeschoolers Association is a community of families dedicated to supporting one another in our common commitment to learning without schooling. Our membership gathers together for philosophical rather than religious reasons and therefore welcomes families of all backgrounds who share our vision. We are deeply devoted to our children and believe that their growth is best fostered in a child-led, rather than curriculum-driven, learning environment that is centered in the home and reaches out to explore the world around us.

Southern Tier

Home Education Exchange of the Southern Tier
Region served: Binghamton area
Email contact: aoberm2073@aol.com
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: stnyhee (to subscribe: stnyhee-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: http://home.stny.rr.com/heeny
Statement:
Nonsectarian activity and support group for homeschoolers and for those exploring educational alternatives.

Central New York

Home Education Network of Central New York (HENCNY)
Region served: Syracuse and surrounding area
Email contact: callihan@DavidAndLaurie.com
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Instructions at www.geocities.com/hencny/E-Group.html
Website: www.geocities.com/hencny/
Statement: Not provided

Oneida Lake Area Home Educators
Region served: Eastern Oneida Lake area
Email contact: Chris Wheeler (Statice72@aol.com)
Phone contact: Chris Wheeler 315-762-5166
Email list: Not provided
Website: Not provided
Statement: Not provided

Syracuse-area Homeschoolers Association (SaHA)
Region served: Syracuse and surrounding area
Email contact: syracusehomeschoolers@yahoo.com
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Syracuse_Homeschoolers (to subscribe: Syracuse_Homeschoolers-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: http://school.syracuse.com/school/homeschool
Statement:
SaHA is a secular homeschooling group serving families in the Syracuse area. We are diverse politically, religiously, and ethnically, and we encourage respect and tolerance. We meet for support, group classes, and a library read-aloud for school-age children.

North Country

Glens Falls Homeschoolers
Region served: Southeastern Adirondacks (Warren, Washington, northern Saratoga Counties)
Email contact: Marilynn Buehler (ragtimequeen@roadrunner.com)
Phone contact: Marilynn Buehler 518-656-3151
Email list: gfhomeschoolers (to subscribe: gfhomeschoolers-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement:
The Glens Falls Homeschoolers is an informal, non-denominational email list for families of homeschoolers in the greater Glens Falls, NY area. This forum is intended as a location at which members may post messages of interest to the group, such as information or questions about curriculum and regulations, information regarding upcoming social events and field trips, and support group meeting information. The site is not intended as a discussion group or political forum.

The Inclusive Homeschooling Support Group of Potsdam
Region served: Potsdam (St. Lawrence County)
Email contact: Nadia Alawa (nadia@nandomail.com)
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Not provided
Website: Not provided
Statement:
This homeschooling supportgroup is for any mother who is homeschooling or considering it. All we ask is that you have enough resources in you to be accepting of different educational philosophies, different styles of homeschooling, beliefs, lifestyles etc.

Northern Adirondack Home Educators
Region served: Northern Adirondacks
Email contact: Jenn Grisi (hoytfarm@juno.com)
Phone contact: 518-891-9021
Email list: TLCHomeEd (to subscribe: TLCHomeEd-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement:
We meet monthly, the third Thursday of each month from September through May at the Presbyterian Church in Saranac Lake at 7 PM. Our members (yearly $5 membership fee) have access to our on-line group site where events are posted. We also have a monthly newsletter that includes scheduled upcoming events, new member information and stories from the "home front". The newsletter is posted on-line for those that have access and sent snail mail by an off-line volunteer for those without internet access.

Eastern New York

Alliance for Parental Involvement in Education (AllPIE)
Region served: Nationwide. Located in Chatham (Columbia County), with occasional workshops offered in the Hudson Valley region.
Email contact: allpie@taconic.net
Phone contact: 518-392-4277
Email list: Not provided
Website: Currently not available.
Statement:
AllPIE is a nonprofit organization which supports families in being involved in their children's education by offering support, information, encouragement through its publications and services. All are welcome! Members are sent AllPIE publications and pamplets; AllPIE's book and resources catalog; and have access to AllPIE's mail-order lending library, telephone help, referrals. Members receive notices of AllPIE conference, workshops and special events.

Capital District Home Educators (CDHE)
Region served: Capital region (Albany/Schenectady/Troy area)
Email contact: Terri Jones (CDHE-owner@YahooGroups.com)
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: CDHE (to subscribe: CDHE-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement:
We welcome homeschooling families of all types. We have everything from serious unschoolers to serious school-at-homers, and we represent all sorts of philosophies. We arrange various outings through the year, such as trips to performances at the New York State Performing Arts Center ("The Egg"), a swim-and-gym program, field trips to local factories, museums, etc., and potlucks. Join our email list and see what's going on.

Catskill Area Homeschool Network (C.A.H.N.)
Region served: Greene County
Email contact: webmom@cahnetwork.net
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Not provided
Website: www.cahnetwork.net
Statement:
C.A.H.N. (Catskill Area Homeschool Network) is a homeschool support, networking and resource group for the home educating community in the Catskill New York area and Greene County. We currently meet once per week, and will be forming a 4H club for homeschooled children that will meet monthly. Please see our website for up-to-date information and details on meeting times, locations and activities at: www.cahnetwork.net

Family Educators Resource Network (FERN)
Region served: Albany, Rensselaer, Columbia Counties in NY; Berkshire County in MA and surrounding areas
Email contact: FERNetwork-owner@YahooGroups.com
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: FERNetwork (to subscribe: FERNetwork-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement:
FERN is an informal networking group for home educators in the areas of Columbia, Rensselaer, and Albany counties in New York and in Berkshire county in Massachusetts. FERN operates as a computer-based "newsletter" for activities, resources, and information to support homeschooling families and those interested in home education.

Guilderland Area Home Learning Association (GAHLA)
Region served: Capital region (Albany/Schenectady/Troy area)
Email contact: Ellen Doolin (GAHLANY@hotmail.com)
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: GAHLANY (to subscribe: GAHLANY-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement: Not provided

Home Education Network of the Albany Area (HENAA)
Region served: Albany County and surrounding regions
Email contact: henaahomeschool@gmail.com
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Not provided
Website: Not provided
Statement:
HENAA is an inclusive, eclectic homeschooling cooperative comprised of families residing in Albany, NY and the surrounding regions.

Hudson Valley LEAH
Region served: Albany area
Email contact: Benita Oliver (attstylmom@aol.com)
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Not provided
Website: Not provided
Statement:
This is a Christian group. We have field trips, a full day of classes and activities for all ages. Right now the new group's classes include Art, Spanish, gym and anything else the parents would like to start.

Living Room Learners
Region served: Albany, Greene, and Schoharie counties
Email contact: LivingRoomLearners-owner@YahooGroups.com
Phone contact: Paulette Ryder (518) 239-8414
Email list: LivingRoomLearners (to subscribe: LivingRoomLearners-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement: Living Room Learners is a group of home-schooling families living around upper Greene / lower Albany / eastern Schoharie counties. We embrace all races, religions, and styles of learning.
Our primary purpose is socialization - both for children and for parents (!) - and to that end we meet at members' homes, at indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and at local places of interest. We also acknowledge that different parents have different academic strengths, so encourage parents to lead informal classes within their field(s) of expertise. We are always on the lookout for educational programs offered to the home-schooling community, and organize group outings to attend such programs.
Living Room Learners is a wonderful, friendly group for any home-schooling mom or dad who enjoys being with their children while also getting to have that rare adult conversation!

Saratoga Area Homeschoolers
Region served: Saratoga County and surrounding area
Email contact: Anne Hodge (chez-hodge@juno.com)
Phone contact: Anne Hodge 518-584-9110
Email list: SaratogaHomeschoolers (to subscribe: SaratogaHomeschoolers-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement: Not provided

The Alternative Learning Center (TALC)
Region served: Columbia County and surrounding area
Email contact: membership@talcny.org
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Open to members only
Website: www.talcny.org
Statement: TALC is a homeschooling community and cooperative based in Columbia County. Our mission is to provide a forum in which people of all ages can share educational resources and knowledge; to organize and coordinate activities which further such sharing; to operate a program of activities for children and youth, using the resources of the community; and to encourage learning in its broadest sense.

Southeastern New York

AHEAD-NY
Region served: Queens, Long Island, Brooklyn and surrounding areas
Email contact: Not provided
Phone contact: Annette 718-441-6501
Email list: AHEAD-NY (to subscribe: AHEAD-NY-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: groups.yahoo.com/group/AHEAD-NY
Statement:
This group recognizes that Homeschooling teens face challenges and concerns that are unique to their age group, including the all important High School years. We provide a community for them where they can share their concerns and joys in a secure environment. We also share resources, trips, curriculum, etc, as well as providing our 'Clubhouse', where we have coops, 4-H, and Social Time that enables them to bond and form friendships. The only criteria is that everyone respectfully respects and supports each others homeschooling family dreams. The age range is from 13 and up.

APPLE Family and Homeschool Group
Region served: Brooklyn and Long Island
Email contact: Deanna (applefamilygroup@yahoo.com)
Phone contact: Deanna 631-243-5821
Email list: Not provided
Website: www.APPLEnetwork.US/ny/
Statement:
Children of all ages are welcome. Members are currently from Long Island and Brooklyn. APPLE plans to connect with homeschoolers throughout the Tri-State and Pennsylvania areas, to gather together for field trips and such; in an effort to broaden our childrens' experiences and network. APPLE is inclusive; meaning that there are no specific criteria stipulating membership. We do have one notation: We ask everyone to treat one another, as they themselves hope to be treated, and that including that children be treated with courtesy. We hope everyone's little lights shine!

BAHC: Brooklyn African American Homeschool Connections
Region served: Brooklyn and Tri-State Area
Email contact: Lynn S.
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: BAHC20 (to subscribe: BAHC20-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BAHC20/
Statement:
BAHC-Brooklyn African American Homeschool Connections was birthed spring 2005 for the collective purpose of aiding families of color in Brooklyn and surrounding boroughs with their valiant efforts to homeschool their children. BAHC coordinates local base field trips as well as extended field trips out of state, and soon out of the country. We network with homeschoolers around the country. We provide an environment where children can share, bond, and develop into free independent well rounded individuals.

Discovery, Resources, Education, Activities and More (DREAM)
Region served: Long Island, Queens
Email contact: DREAM4KIDS-owner@YahooGroups.com
Phone contact: Lauren 516-746-4270 or Natalia 516-837-3417
Email list: DREAM4KIDS (to subscribe: DREAM4KIDS-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DREAM4KIDS/
Statement:
Our group is secular, and is open to all current and interested homeschoolers. We are a diverse homeschooling community that offers support, resources, networking and activities for homeschoolers of various ethnic and religious backgrounds throughout Long Island and Queens. We welcome and respect members of all homeschooling methodologies and philosophies. The group is member-driven in that all members are encouraged to plan activities and post to the list.

East End Homeschoolers
Region served: East End of Long Island
Email contact: Keena Smith (eastendmomof3@yahoo.com)
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: eastendhomeschoolers (to subscribe: eastendhomeschoolers-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eastendhomeschoolers/
Statement:
East End Homeschoolers is open to all homeschool families in the 5 East End Towns of Riverhead, Southold, Southampton, East Hampton and Shelter Island. We plan trips and have get togethers during the year at the many wonderful locations available througout the East End. Please contact Keena Smith for more information or if you are interested in joining this warm, family oriented group.

homeschoolnewyork
Region served: New York City
Email contact: homeschoolnewyork-owner@YahooGroups.com
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: homeschoolnewyork (to subscribe: homeschoolnewyork-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homeschoolnewyork/
Statement:
This group is for parents and tutors who are homeschooling in the New York City Area. The purpose is to share information about workshops, trips, classes, meetups etc. that are of local interest to those of us in this area. This group is an offshoot of NYCHEA @ yahoo groups. Also, be sure to check out http://www.nychea.org/index.html. You can sign up for their monthly newsletter for lots of local information.

Long Islanders Growing at Home Together (LIGHT)
Region served: Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn
Email contact: LIGHTmail-owner@YahooGroups.com
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: LIGHTmail (to subscribe: LIGHTmail-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: http://www.LongIslandHomeschool.com
Statement:
We are Long Island's Oldest Secular Homeschool Support Group!!! Almost 20 years of Home Education Support for the famlies of Long Island.
LIGHT is a secular grassroots non-profit organization directed by member consensus. The common interest of our members is home-education. The purpose of this organization is to offer information, organize activities for members by members (and their children and families), hold meetings that support members in their home education choice and help members to introduce themselves to one another. All services are provided through the unpaid volunteer efforts of the members. All members are invited to attend business meetings or send written opinions.
We welcome people of all faiths, belief systems, religions (or lack thereof), ethnicity and abilities to come together as fellow home schoolers as long as they do not infringe upon the right of other members with differing beliefs. Our members peacefully coexist under the umbrella of home schooling.
Our goal is to offer the Long Island area a stepping stone in which they can:
~ gain home school information
~ network with other home schooling families
~ create cooperative learning opportunities
~ create home school choice support
~ collectively direct the culture of the group

New York City Home Educators Alliance (NYCHEA)
Region served: New York City
Email contact: Not provided
Phone contact: 212-505-9884
Email list: Not provided
Website: www.nychea.org
Statement: Not provided

Orange County Homeschoolers
Region served: Orange County
Email contact: Linda Wajda (orangehomeschoolers-owner@YahooGroups.com)
Phone contact: Linda Wajda 845-651-5595 (or 9 Jonah Circle, Florida, NY 10921)
Email list: orangehomeschoolers (to subscribe: orangehomeschoolers-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement:
An inclusive group offering social outings and community-based educational opportunities for our children. We are an informal group and members take turns arranging actvities. We have a private email list (see link above).

Queens County Homeschoolers
Region served: Queens, New York City, Long Island and surrounding areas
Email contact: QueensCountyHomeschoolers@yahoo.com
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Not provided
Website: www.geocities.com/queenscountyhomeschoolers/queenscountyhomeschooler.html
Statement: Not provided

Suffolk County Homeschool List
Region served: Suffolk County
Email contact: scnyhomeschool@yahoo.com
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: SCNYhomeschool (to subscribe: SCNYhomeschool-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement:
This list is meant to provide a forum where homeschooling families can connect with other homeschoolers located on the eastern half of Long Island. THIS LIST IS OPEN TO HOMESCHOOLERS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS, RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND HOMESCHOOLING METHODOLOGIES. I am leaving this list unmoderated, and request that we all treat each other with respect and tolerance. Hopefully moderation will not become necessary. Please keep in mind when responding to posted messages that those who join this list are looking for SUPPORT.
Some topics that may be discussed on this list include: Planning field trips and other events, resources and opportunities available to homeschoolers in Suffolk County, finding other homeschoolers with similar interests, understanding and dealing with NY state homeschooling regulations, first hand experiences with specific school districts, suggestions for writing IHIPs and quarterly reports, and varying homeschooling approaches and curriculums.

Suffolk County Homeschoolers
Region served: Suffolk County
Email contact: SuffolkCountyHomeschoolers-owner@YahooGroups.com
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: Not provided
Website: Not provided
Statement:
Serving current homeschoolers in Suffolk County, NY. Suffolk County Homeschoolers has a wide range of field trips and events for all ages, even a teen group. Although we have no dues, we do require a telephone interview, follow some simple email rules, and live in or around Suffolk County.

The Learning Community (TLC) of Bergen and Rockland Counties
Region served: Rockland County, NY and Bergen County, NJ
Email contact: amazzingpet@aol.com (Cynthia)
Phone contact: Not provided
Email list: TLC_Bergen_Rockland (to subscribe: TLC_Bergen_Rockland-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement:
TLC is a support and activity group for Attachment Parenting families who are homeschooling in Rockland County NY, Bergen County NJ or the surrounding areas.

Tri-State Homeschoolers
Region served: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster and Rockland Counties; also Fairfield County in CT and Bergen County in NJ
Email contact: syldiaz@optonline.net
Phone contact: Sylvia Diaz, 50 Guernsey Hill Rd, LaGrangeville NY 12540, 845-677-4113
Email list: Available to newsletter subscribers
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tchs_newsletter/
Statement:
Tri-State Homeschoolers is a newsletter-driven support group for families in and around the Tri-State area of NYC - with subscribers located in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster and Rockland Counties in NY, Bergen County in NJ, and Fairfield County in CT. The purpose of the group is to provide educational and social activities for our children and networking opportunities for homeschooling families. A sample newsletter is available at the website and a complimentary copy of the current newsletter is available by request. This is an inclusive secular group. Homeschooling families from all faiths, backgrounds and teaching styles are welcome. We share a commitment to offering our children an excellent home-based education.

Woodstock Home Educators' Network
Region served: Woodstock/Saugerties area
Email contact: Michael Sklaroff (msklaroff@ulster.net)
Phone contact: Michael Sklaroff 914-247-0319
Email list: woodstockhomeschoolers (to subscribe: woodstockhomeschoolers-subscribe@YahooGroups.com)
Website: Not provided
Statement: Not provided