Sarasota area Homeschooling (public school, camping, clubs)

[dashfamily]

Is anyone aware of any homeschooling groups or organizations in the Sarasota area that are not heavily influenced with religion. We homeschool our children and are looking to relocate to the area next summer (2012). While we teach our children manners, responsibility and respect for all people, we are not religious and in our current location ALL homeschooling groups are heavily religion based. Just wondering if there are any groups that home school for the same academic reasons as us and do not feel the need to focus on the childrens religion. Thanks for any suggestions on places where I can look for more info on the area!

[SoFLGal]

Yes, I home school both of my younger girls. I had the same problem when I began homeschooling. The only group in the area that I found who isn't religious is the Suncoast Home schoolers. They are accepting of everyone, regardless of religion or not. The other groups required a "letter of faith".

Robin Hagan is the head of the group and here is their page: suncoasthomeschoolers.com You have to request to be a "member". She just verifies a few things and then will let you have access to the forum so you can check things out. The group is terrific and very supportive. You'll get the idea once you can check out the forum.

Here's their Facebook page: //www.facebook.com/pages/Suncoa...19606721411551

Suncoast has approximately 120 families that meet at local parks once a week, there's a game night once a month, many different clubs for the kids, camping once a month, dances, field trips, etc

The only issue I have with the group is that there aren't a ton of teenagers. I'm thinking of putting my oldest back in public school for this reason.

I'd be happy to answer any questions about the group you may have.

[dashfamily]

Thanks SoFLGal! Like always, I post a question about the area and you have great insight! We will check this group out for sure. 120 families, that is as large as my daughter's whole 3rd grade class at the public school that she was enrolled in last year. Thanks once again for the information!

[TamRE]

Florida Virtual School is an online program free for homeschoolers as long as they are Florida residents. Many of the students take their courses there. Here is the link to look up information about the school: Home School | meLearning | Florida Virtual School | Home Schooling

Here is a Homeschoolers Guide for Florida Virtual School that should answer any questions you may have: http://www.flvs.net/Students/Documen...meEd_Guide.pdf