Best Resources For Homeschool Families In Baltimore
Joining a Baltimore homeschool group is not just about giving children access to group activities to build socialization skills. These organizations also provide parents with support, education, advice and the best resources for home educators and their families in the area. These are the cream of Baltimore's homeschooling crop.
Baltimore Homeschool Community Center
1777 Reisterstown Road, Suite 50
Pikesville, Md. 21208
(410) 205-6505
www.baltimorehomeschool.org
Price: $350 per year
Take classes, attend social events and locate the best homeschooling resources available with the help of the Baltimore Homeschool Community Center. The annual membership fee includes access to a computer lab, art room, library and free WiFi, as well as classes and events for the entire family. Members are very active in the organization, and the group consists of parents, teachers and students – all of whom are avid believers in the power of homeschooling. BHCC is open to all homeschoolers regardless of children's age, cultural background, educational perspectives or religious beliefs.
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Homeschool Support Network
P.O. Box 107
Abingdon, Md. 21009
(410) 465-1500
www.homeeducator.com
Formed in 1986, the Homeschool Support Network services include helpful information, encouragement and unlimited support to parents interested in homeschooling, all of which are free of charge. For new homeschool teachers, request a free issue of the Home Educator's Family Times publication that features useful articles such as "Determining Your Educational (Homeschooling) Philosophy" and "Keys to Home Management." Another great resource is its Research and Encouragement, and Recommended Books pages, which supply a host of go-to materials for optimizing homeschool success. Take advantage of an online support group and online help desk to assist with finding support groups and answering specific curriculum questions.
BaHaCeHS
bahacehs-owner@yahoogroups.com
groups.yahoo.com
BaHaCeHS is a web-based support group for Baltimore, Harford and Cecil homeschoolers that has created an online forum for sharing resources, experience and ideas. Although members come from a broad range of religious and homeschooling philosophies, the group is founded on the belief that every homeschool family is unique and as such, has a wealth of information and advice to share with the greater homeschooling community. The discussions include opportunities for homeschoolers in the Baltimore-Washington Metro area as well as Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Related: Best After-School Activities For Kids In Baltimore
Columbia Homeschool Community
info@columbiahomeschool.org
www.homeschool-life.com
A friendly, inclusive homeschool support group, CHC's mission is to create a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment that fosters support, socialization and educational enrichment to homeschoolers and their families. Members come from all over Central Maryland to partake in activities like the CHC music and art series, Field Day, science fair, teen mixers and dances, spelling bee, picnics and more than 60 field trips throughout the year. The nonprofit organization is made up of roughly 200 families and 480 children. CHC invites homeschoolers of all backgrounds from novice to veteran experience, and especially encourages those who may be homeschool curious to learn more about home educating in Maryland before taking the plunge.
Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators
P.O. Box 417
Clarksburg, Md. 20871
(301) 607-4284
www.machemd.org
Price: $9 per individual
Since 1989, MACHE has been supporting Christian home educators and their families so that homeschooling in Maryland continues to be a positive, rewarding experience. MACHE accomplishes this through leadership training, monitoring of the Maryland state legislature, and hosting statewide events including an annual resource-rich curriculum fair, plus a variety of workshops and symposiums. Membership is available for individuals as well as groups ranging from two to more than 200 families. By becoming a member, homeschoolers receive perks such as discounts at educational stores, priority notification for limited attendance events and free or discounted admission to events.
Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in arts and culture, natural wonders, lifestyle and pets. She enjoys promoting thought-provoking discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. Follow her on Twitter at @KtBlue16 and online at Examiner.com
