There are many resources for homeschooling in the Bay Area. There are local support groups that have regular park days for informal socializing. There are websites and email lists dedicated to giving out information about field trip opportunities, classes and social functions. For academics, families can choose from several options including charter school specializing in independent study, district independent study programs, private independent study programs and private school affidavits (R-4s). Here are a few phone numbers and websites to get you started:

Some local support groups and contacts:

Family Village - meets at Corodonices Park in Berkeley every Monday afternoon (weather permitting). Mary D. 510-548-7435.

Home Grown Kids - meets around the East Bay weekly. Marianne F. 510-527-6625; Lucy K. 510-540-0332

Alameda Oakland Home Learners - meets in Oakland and Alameda on Thursday afternoons. Jennifer O. at 510-601-8748 or email: joberholzer AT mindspring.com

Websites:

The Homeschool Association of California - www.hsc.org HSC has information for new homeschooling families and also runs the Home=Education Conference every summer in Sacramento. They offer speakers and workshops which are really great for both the new and veteran homeschooler.

Homefires - www.Homefires.com - for lots of local information including an extensive list of local support groups and contacts.

California Homeschool Network: www.californiahomeschool.net - information on the legality of homeschooling in California.

Independent study charter schools serving the Bay Area:

Bay Area School for Independent Study (BASIS): www.basischarter.org or call 510-687-9111

Hickman Charter School (Berkeley Annex): www.hickman.k12.ca.us or call (510) 525-3111

Connecting Waters Charter School: www.connectingwaters.org or call 800-808-9895

Thank you,
Julie Mattoon

Hi to All, I started (with a few bumps) a group that meets on the last friday of the month 7:30 - 9:00pm at the El Cerrito Plaza Barnes and Nobles, a group for homeschooled/ing teens and their parents. It is an inclusive group designed to support parents through this teen time and to allow teens to met new teens. Relationships and issues and challenges and joys come and go so fast during these years. The teens met in the book stacks and chat and ask the parents if they come up with any idea's for fun/learning they want the parents to support. While this is happening, the parents chat and share what works, what isn't, what could be interesting to do as a group or a few, etc. It is meant to become a group of parents who commit as regulary as they can through these years but who also in all probability have a schedule that does flucutate, like mine! For more information come check it out. I will be the one with the coffee cup looking around constantly! Lucinda