Before joining any organization or signing up for any services, we strongly urge you to investigate the organization thoroughly. Join the MHLA egroup and check the archives for a variety of opinions on various organizations -- or post a new question.

The listing of an organization or business below does not imply MHLA endorsement or affiliation.

Massachusetts Statewide Homeschool Organizations

Massachusetts Home Learning Association (MHLA)
http://mhla.org/
Massachusetts Home Learning Association, founded in 1987, supports home learning as an alternative to public or private schooling in our state. We believe families are uniquely able and competent to support the individual needs and talents of their children. We recognize the right of families to retain control of both their children's education and their moral and ethical training. MHLA maintains a Massachusetts Support Group List on this website, containing information about any local group that wishes to be listed.

Massachusetts Homeschool Organization of Parent Educators (MassHOPE)
http://masshope.org/
From their website: "Mass. H.O.P.E. was established in 1989 as a Christian ministry for the express purpose of encouraging home educators across the Commonwealth." Contact them if you'd like an affiliated group near you.

Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts (AHEM)
http://www.ahem.info/index.htm
From their website: "Advocates for Home Education in Massachusett is an independent, grassroots, volunteer-run organization working to foster informed and active homeschoolers empowered to be their own best advocates in defending the right to independently homeschool."

Nationwide Homeschool Organizations

National Home Education Network (NHEN)
http://www.nhen.org/
The National Home Education Network exists to encourage and facilitate the vital grassroots work of state and local homeschooling organizations and individuals by providing information, fostering networking and promoting public relations on a national level. Because we believe there is strength in a diverse network of homeschoolers, we support the freedom of all individual families to choose home education and to direct such education.

NHEN's Legislative Forums and Controversial Issues are both excellent places to learn about national homeschool issues. As one participant on the Legislative Forums commented: "NHEN is the only homeschool group in existence that is inclusive on the national level. It's the only one hosting a genuine exchange of information among all kinds of homeschoolers with all kinds of opinions."

Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations Serving Homeschoolers

Massachusetts

Family Resource Center (FRC)
http://www.FRC.info
Provides a wide variety of services. From their website: "Monthly field trips: Great group rates, arranged homeschool days, web-based curriculum to accompany programs. You do not have to be a member of The Family Resource Center in order to register for a field trip, class or special event."

North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens
http://www.northstarteens.org/
104 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
413-582-0193
North Star is a teen center for homeschoolers. Most of our members are coming from school experiences, though many life-long homeschoolers join North Star as well. We offer family support in choosing the homeschool option, as well as classes, tutoring, mentorship, and connections to internships and other resources for our teen members. North Star is committed to assisting teens in making their own positive choices for their lives and helping them to direct their own educations. Please visit our web site for more information.

Northeast Unschooling Conference
http://northeastunschoolingconference.com/
The Northeast Unschooling Conference is an annual gathering for unschoolers with presentations, Funshops, and entertainment. It gives unschoolers the opportunity to live in a great community for a long weekend where they don't have to explain themselves and they can get support and share resources. Visit the website, http://northeastuns choolingconference.com/ or call 978-744-4796 for more information.

Voyagers --A homeschool resource center and cooperative
http://voyagersinc.org
Voyagers, a homeschool resource center and cooperative, is based in Acton, MA and serves over 80 families from Massachusetts & New Hampshire. Voyagers offers study groups, workshops, and support by and for homeschooling families. Educational programs include nature activities, science, art, music, theatre (including a yearly Shakespeare production), a high school-level Mock Trial team, and much more. Programs are based upon ability and interest, rather than age. Voyagers currently runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. For more information please visit www.voyagersinc.org or e-mail info@voyagersinc.org.

Worcester Area Think Tank
http://www.thethinktank-worcester.com
Worcester Area Think Tank is a resource center that provides young adults a place to engage in academics and endeavors that promote personal, social and intellectual growth. Our goal is to encourage students to be life-long learners who carry their talents and inspiration into the wider world. Please see our website: www.thethinktank-worcester.com or email info@thethinktank-worcester.com.

Nationwide

John Holt/Growing Without Schooling (GWS)
http://www.holtgws.com
John Holt and his legacy, including Patrick Farenga's books and Unschooling Workshops.

Home Education Magazine (HEM)
http://homeedmag.com/
From their website: "Home Education Magazine presents free online newsletters, discussion boards, a networking list, and selections from the magazine, including articles, interviews, columnists, resources, reviews and more!"

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
http://www.hslda.org/
In the Issue Library, you can review HSLDA's positions on state, national, and international issues.

From their website FAQ about HSLDA:
Q: Is HSLDA a Christian Organization?
A: Yes, however, HSLDA's mission is to protect the freedom of all home schoolers. Although our officers and directors are Christians, HSLDA membership is open to all home schoolers...