Where to look for a homeschool co-op
Most families find their co-op through people, not websites. These are the places that usually turn something up, roughly in the order worth trying:
- Your state homeschool association. Most states have one, and many keep lists of local groups and co-ops.
- Local Facebook groups. Search your city or county plus "homeschool". Read the pinned posts and rules first.
- Libraries. Many host homeschool days or let groups book meeting rooms, and the staff often know who is organizing.
- Churches and community centers. Many co-ops meet in these spaces, and they are good places to ask even if you are not a member.
- Other homeschool parents. Ask at park days, sports, and classes. Co-ops are often full or invite-only, so a personal introduction helps.
- An online co-op. If nothing is close, a virtual co-op can fill the gap.
Questions to ask before you join
- What is the co-op for: academics, enrichment, social time or a mix?
- How often does it meet, and what does each family have to do?
- Are parents expected to stay and help, or can they drop off?
- What are the dues and what do they cover?
- Is there a written code of conduct, and what happens if someone breaks it?
- How are children supervised, and who is responsible for first aid and emergencies?
- Are there openings, and is there a trial visit?
When there is no co-op near you, start one
Starting small works. Most guides suggest gathering a few committed families first, agreeing on one clear purpose, setting simple rules, and holding a first meeting before you build anything bigger. A few good walk-throughs: Sonlight's 7 steps, BJU Press's 9 steps and AOP's 5 steps. When you are ready to write your rules, use our free bylaws and rules template.
A private co-op directory for Lumi members
Lumi Circles is a members-only space for Lumi Academy and Lumi High families. You can browse the co-ops listed in the directory (a co-op appears there once it has a second admin) and ask to join, and the owner can ask you a few questions first. Your parent profile lists your children's age brackets and what you are hoping to find, and owners see that before they accept you. Start your own co-op with a name, a bio and your goals, then bring families in with an invite link or QR code.
Circles is text only, with no photos or video. An optional kids' room exists, but it is off until a co-op admin switches it on and a parent approves each child.
Find your people
Lumi Circles is included with Lumi Academy and Lumi High.
Start the free 48-hour trial →- You can try the whole lesson library free for 48 hours while you look for a group, with no card needed.
- Subscribers get a private directory and invite links, so you meet other Lumi families instead of strangers from the open internet.
- Your own homeschool keeps going with Lumi on days the co-op does not meet.
Start the free 48-hour trial. The free trial covers the lessons. Lumi Circles is included once you subscribe to Lumi Academy or Lumi High.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a homeschool co-op near me?
Start with your state homeschool association, local Facebook groups, libraries and other homeschool parents. Many co-ops are full or invite-only, so a personal introduction helps.
What if there is no homeschool co-op in my area?
Start a small one with a few committed families, agree on one purpose and write simple rules. You can also join a virtual co-op in the meantime.
What should I ask before joining a co-op?
Ask about its purpose, how often it meets, what parents must do, the dues, the code of conduct, how children are supervised and whether there is a trial visit.
Is Lumi Circles a co-op finder?
It is a private directory and community for Lumi members. You can browse co-ops, ask to join, or start your own and invite families by link or QR code.
Who can use Lumi Circles?
Active, paying Lumi Academy and Lumi High members. A free trial does not include it.