Frequently Asked Questions

How can I talk to an SHG member to see if homeschooling is for me?

Many homeschoolers are happy to talk to people considering homeschooling. Any new or prospective homeschoolers are welcome to attend one 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 so they can be on the lookout for you. It can feel intimidating to attend an event for the first time. It takes some courage, but you can do it! Just say, “Hi! Are you a homeschooler? I’m new!” (And if that person is not a homeschooler and gives you a funny look, 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, don’t lose hope! Try again, or email seattlehomeschoolgroup@gmail.com and we can help you connect with a homeschooler to talk to.

How do I join SHG?

In short, you must know or have met a current SHG member, in person, to join. Please see Join SHG for all the details.

How do I homeschool?

There are many ways to homeschool your children. You can re-create formal school structure at home, or you can wake up at noon and wear PJs all day. You can school independently as a single family, or you can outsource every subject. You can closely follow a specific curriculum, or you can unschool and let your children guide their own education. There is no ideal model that works for everyone. Homeschooling means you can find the philosophy and structure that best fits your family’s needs and personalities, and then you can adjust that system as necessary. Among the SHG membership you will find a wide variety of homeschooling styles and educational philosophies. If you have questions about any particular philosophy, style, or curriculum, there is a good chance you can find SHG members who will be happy to share personal experiences on the topic.

What are the legal requirements for homeschooling in Washington state?

It is important to familiarize yourself with the Home-Based Instruction (HBI) law for Washington State. Read Homeschooling 101 on the Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) website for all the details. The WHO is Washington’s homeschool advocacy organization, and is the best resource for help in understanding and interpreting Washington State’s Home-Based Instruction law. WHO provides extensive resources and advocacy, and maintains a list of testing and assessment options. For more information, visit the WHO website: washhomeschool.org.

If you want to know how to homeschool specifically in the Seattle region, check out our Resources page.

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 Newcomers page 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, we don’t always know you are there or trying to meet people. 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. For more ideas and encouragement, see the Newcomers page.

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

SHG families span the 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.

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.

How do I organize an event or group activity?

See our Community page for some tips and ideas.

Who runs SHG?

SHG is run by homeschool parent volunteers who manage and update the Google Group, website, events calendar, Facebook group, resource directory, and family directory. In addition to these primary concerns, we consider the many communities and recurring events on our Events Calendar to be part of the SHG network.

SHG is not a formal organization* and, therefore, does not have a formal organizational structure. Longstanding members of SHG have taken administrative responsibility for certain functions, such as managing membership, moderating the Google Group and Facebook groups, and maintaining our website and events calendar. Outside of those core functions, there are various events and activities planned and organized by SHG parent volunteers. Some traditions, such as weekly park days, community center co-ops, and special annual events, have been passed down from one SHG generation to the next, as new families join and families with older children age out of homeschooling life.

SHG would not exist without the time and commitment of parents dedicated to building and sustaining these community events. In addition, we always want to remind new members that any SHG member is welcome and encouraged to start new activities and traditions and invite others to join you.