HF Homeschool launches to simplify starting a co-op

Homeschool co-ops, in which homeschool families meet to educate their students, have blossomed across the United States in recent years.

Starting such a group just became easier, now that the Herzog Foundation has launched a new program for prospective leaders called HF Homeschool.

The program was officially launched over the weekend at the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) LeaderLife Conference in Washington, D.C.

The conference brought together more than 120 people for a two-day event focused on developing and supporting homeschooling advocates and educators.

Jonathan Edmondson, Herzog Foundation project manager and administrator, said that HEAV is one of the largest homeschool associations in the country, and played a key role in bringing the new program to life.

“HEAV has been an integral partner in the development of HF Homeschool since the idea was first conceived at their LeaderLife conference last year,” said Edmondson. “We were excited to roll out the completed program, of which HEAV staff were the primary authors, at this year’s conference.”

HF Homeschool is a free, online resource designed to equip new or seasoned homeschooling parents seeking to start a co-op or similar group in their community. The program provides training, mentorship and intentional connection with state homeschooling organizations.

A Washington Post article last year called homeschooling the fastest-growing form of education in the United States, noting its “explosive” rise over the last several years. Most estimates put the current number of homeschooled students at around 3 million.

The Herzog Foundation’s new program aims to support and empower those who choose to homeschool.

The HF Homeschool web site offers an 8-step guide to starting a homeschool or co-op; one-to-one mentorship opportunities; and access to best practices, policies and resources to ensure a quality education.

“We want to equip the next generation of co-op leaders, taking your dream to reality,” said Herzog Foundation President Darrell Jones. “We want these families to have support to continue homeschooling for the long haul.”