(Source: Getty Images)
Alternative Homeschool Educators
Coral Castle Museum
28655 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 33033
(305) 248-6345
www.groups.yahoo.com/AlternativeHomeschoolEducators
Based in Broward, this support group serves both parents and kids in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties. Kids from kindergarten through 12th grade are included and get to participate in activities like park days and field trips – giving them an awesome opportunity to build their social skills. Parents have access to an online discussion list that provides information on different teaching methods. The can learn about newly introduced styles and get feedback from other parents on the most effective methods. Monthly newsletters are also distributed to keep parents informed on the latest news.
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Miami-Dade County Homeschool Support Group
18311 N.W. 85th Ave.
Miami Lakes, FL 33015
(786) 529-6515
www.mdchomeschoolsupportgroup.com
Since 2008, this parent and child support group has focused on building a communal connection among homeschooling parents across Miami-Dade County. With its substantial list of resources, including informational links and educational programs available for purchase, the group fosters a strong support system for parents. Kids of all ages are welcome. Fun activities and trips are planned to give them a positive experience in social interaction (which can contribute to the child’s academic success). As a member, you can receive group admission discounts to several local attractions.
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Parents’ Association for Teaching at Home (P.A.T.H.)
Immediately south of downtown on Brickell Ave.
www.pathhomeschool.org
This non-profit organization is run solely by volunteers. It aims to provide a strong network for Miami-Dade County residents who are homeschooling their children. The group’s mission is to be a platform to educate, encourage and inform parents of everything related to homeschooling. Children of every age, grade level and curriculum are welcome. Some of the group’s benefits include membership in the Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA), networking opportunities and informative newsletters.
(Source: Getty Images)
Broward Homeschool Parent Support Group
9241 N.W. 24th Court
Sunrise, FL 33332
www.mdchomeschoolsupportgroup.com
As both the oldest and largest group of its kind in Broward County, this group serves parents across South Florida with information and resources for homeschooling. While it is a Christian-led group, it welcomes parents and children from all backgrounds and faiths, and promotes diversity and acceptance. Its informational resources include a monthly newsletter and weekly e-letter. To provide kids with as much of a traditional school experience as possible, the group organizes events such as graduation ceremonies, high school proms, science fairs, yearbooks and more. To get involved, contact Kelly Fifelsky at browardhomeschool@yahoo.com.
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H.O.M.E. – Homeschoolers of Miami Enrichment
Meeting place: Calvary Chapel Miami Beach
7141 Indian Creek Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 298-4673 or (786) 597-7435
www.home4homeschoolers.com
What’s distinctive about this family support group is its diversity. A number of different ethnic backgrounds are represented in the group. In addition, several other languages are spoken, including French, Spanish and even Portuguese. H.O.M.E. offers classes in a variety of subjects and semesters run from January to March and from September to November. Parents can also be a “support only” member, where they pay an annual fee without taking the classes. Contact Jannet or Dee Dee at info@home4homeschoolers.com.
For nearly 20 years, Shawanda James has been actively involved in creative writing in Miami, Florida. In addition to her work as a freelance writer, she is actively seeking publication for her debut novel and collection of poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
