FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join SHG?

SHG is open to any homeschooling family in the Greater Seattle area looking for connection and resources. We welcome those who homeschool independently (Home-Based Instruction as defined by Washington State law), those who homeschool through Parent Partnership Programs or other ALEs, part-time homeschoolers, and those who practice any other method of homeschooling.

How do I join SHG?

In short, you must know or have met a current SHG member (in person) to join. 

Why? We place a high priority on ensuring new members are real people with genuine intentions of homeschooling in the Seattle area. Because we are a group that values in-person connection over anonymity, we try our best to make sure each person is a real human before adding them to the group. This is to maintain the safety and privacy of our families, and to prevent marketers, spammers, or bots from joining.

Becoming a member means being added to a private Google Group, i.e., email list. 

See our Join page for all the details.

How do I meet a current SHG member? 

New or prospective homeschoolers are welcome to attend any of the various community events listed on our Events Calendar. If you are attending an event for the first time, we recommend reaching out to the contact person listed so they can be on the lookout for you. During some times of the year, park days and other weekly events may have low attendance, so contacting the organizer can help you decide if it is worth going that particular week. 

Your best bet for meeting a larger group of homeschoolers is through one of SHG’s quasi-cooperative communities: Loyal Heights Homeschool and Tall Mountain Homeschool. 

It can feel intimidating to attend an event for the first time. It takes courage to walk up to a stranger and say, “Hi! Are you a homeschooler? I’m new!” But we strongly encourage you to do it! (And if that person turns out not to be a homeschooler and gives you a funny look, try to brush it off and don’t let it discourage you! It’s happened to many of us!) 

If you happened to attend during a sparsely attended event or amongst a particularly introverted crowd or just couldn’t find the group, don’t lose hope! Try again, or email seattlehomeschoolgroup@gmail.com and we can help you connect with a homeschooler to talk to.

I live outside of Seattle. Can I still join SHG?

SHG families span the greater Seattle metro area, with most members in the city of Seattle, and many members spanning areas just outside Seattle. If you live and homeschool in the Seattle metro area, you are welcome. That said, our in-person communities tend to meet within Seattle or not too far outside of Seattle.

I’m new to SHG. How can I get to know people and feel more connected?

A great question, wondered innumerable times!  Check out our Community and Newcomers pages for some friendly advice. 

I’m an introvert/my kids are introverts. How can I find friends for myself/my kids?

Not gonna lie. You might need to get outside your comfort zone. We encourage families with introverted kids (or parents) to identify a few events that seem manageable and make a commitment to show up again and again. There are many friendly homeschoolers who are happy to chat up and welcome a new or introverted family. However, they don’t always know you are there or trying to meet people. Also, they might be introverted themselves. The truth is, many families who’ve gotten to know each other are more focused on catching up with friends than being on the lookout for newcomers. Give yourself (and the organizers) a leg up by letting them know you’re new and looking to connect with people. You could email the organizer in advance, or just walk right up to that group of parents you are pretty sure are homeschoolers, and say, “Hi! Are you homeschoolers?”

If you sit/stand there with your head down, looking at your phone, we are going to think you’re occupied doing that. So, if what you really want is to talk to other homeschoolers, put your phone away and go say hi. For more ideas and encouragement, see the Newcomers and Community pages.

What can I post on the SHG Google Group?

Homeschooling is the thread that unites us. Therefore, we ask members to keep homeschooling central to their posts. The following are the types of posts appreciated here:

• Share resources and educational opportunities, such as classes, co-ops, services, or programs of interest to homeschoolers

• Share about and/or invite others to in-person or online social and educational gatherings, such as park days, playdates, clubs, events, or field trips

• Ask questions or share concerns about homeschooling

• Be generous in sharing your knowledge and experience, as well as support and encouragement

• Sell or give away homeschool-related items. This can include books, curricula, and other learning materials. Please reply directly to the sender. All sales and transactions are done at buyers’ and sellers’ discretion, and all risks are assumed by those parties only.

• Promotions: If you have a business that offers classes, programs, or services that homeschoolers may be interested in, you may post about them, but please do not post more than once a month. Advertising of businesses not related to homeschooling is not permitted.

Members are asked to read and agree to the SHG posting policy.