Local Homeschool Support Groups In the Lake County, Illinois, Area (Updated Spring 2012)

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1 Local Homeschool Support Groups In the Lake County, Illinois, Area (Updated Spring 2012) This list was put together so that local homeschool groups are aware of other groups in the area and around the state and nation, so referrals can be made when appropriate. There were some concerns expressed that the list could be posted to the public at large somewhere and might result in a flood of inquiries. Understandably, some groups prefer to get referrals by word of mouth or personal recommendation. With that in mind, PLEASE USE THIS LIST OF CONTACTS RESPONSIBLY AND DO NOT POST IT ON ANY PUBLIC BOARDS OR E-LISTS. For corrections or updates, contact Sheri Blome at momb96@sbcglobal.net. Thanks! National Homeschool Organizations Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) Website: (Correct as of 1/21/12) State-wide Homeschool Organizations H.O.U.S.E. (Home-Oriented Unique Schooling Experience) Website: State and local contacts: (Correct as of 1/21/12) Illinois Christian Home Educators Website: (Correct as of 2/23/12) ICHE Legislative Task Force Description: In 2008 the Christian Home Educators Coalition (CHEC) and ICHE formed a new strategic alliance to protect and defend the freedoms of homeschool families across the state of Illinois. The result was the formation of the new ICHE Legislative Task Force. ICHE created this new strategic task force as a permanent committee under the supervision of the ICHE Board of Directors, and this new group was launched with energy, purpose, and inspiration. The Task Force works closely with Homeschool Legal Defense Assocation, the Illinois Family Institute, and other organizations that share ICHE's vision for families to glorify Christ in the process of raising and educating their children. The ICHE Legislative Task Force monitors legislation at the state level, and works with local support groups when necessary to educate local politicians on the blessings and benefits of home education. Website: legal@iche.org Illinois Association of Roman Catholic Home Educators Website: (Correct as of 2/23/12) Classes/CO-Ops for Homeschoolers Appletree Description: Apple Tree is a Biblically-based cooperative learning enrichment program for homeschoolers pre-k through 12th grade. We provide hands-on supplements to your home curriculum

2 including PE, drama, art, sports, music, accountability, fellowship and fun. Meeting Schedule: We meet every Wednesday from September to April. Meeting Location: Lake Villa, IL Website: (Correct as of 2/23/12) Classical Consortium Description: The Classical Consortium provides a unique and exceptional educational experience for homeschooled students in the Northern Illinois area. The Classical Consortium is a one-day-a-week, comprehensive, academic program that follows a classical method in both the subjects taught and how those subjects are taught. Students are in C.C. classes on Mondays and are responsible to accomplish homework from those classes during the week under their parents' supervision. C.C. serves students in third through twelfth grades. Schedule and Courses: C.C. meets every Monday from late August until late May. Students are in class from 8:00am to 3:45pm. Meeting Location: The Village Church of Barrington Tuition: Yearly tuition is $1,350-1,650 depending on student's level. Tuition may be paid in ten monthly installments. Books must be purchased separately. A comprehensive booklist is provided by C.C. Website: Contact: Jennifer Burns at fourthdegree@sbcglobal.net or (Updated 2/25/12) Chicago CHARGE Speech & Debate Club and Summer Programs Description: A Christian speech and debate club for 12- to18-year-old homeschool students. Debate and speech classes prepare students to speak with confidence and to compete in a variety of competition arenas. Summer Programs include the Young Speakers Camp in July for 7- to 11-year-olds and the Summer Debate Institute in August for high school students. ( Meeting Location: various locations, generally in Du Page County Contact: Diana Wolfson or LifelongCommunicators@gmail.com (Correct as of 3/4/12) H.E.A.R.T. - Homeschool Enrichment Achieved Respectfully Together Description: H.E.A.R.T. (Homeschool Enrichment Achieved Respectfully Together) is a nine-month, weekly program for homeschooled children in kindergarten through 8th grade that supplements the teaching they receive at home. Students kindergarten through fourth grades receive qualified instruction in the areas of art, science, Spanish, and physical education. Students are also able to take a class in music, drama, performance, or bible study. In addition, kindergarten through third grade students are exposed to a wide variety of other subjects during month-long unit studies taught by parent volunteers. Fourth through eighth grade students receive teaching in the areas of physical education; Spanish; apologetics/speech; and, performance or biblical study. They may choose to take classes in fine art, sewing, or wood-sculpting; and home economics, 3D art or strategic games. Meeting Location: The Village Church of Barrington Tuition and Service Commitment: Yearly tuition is $855-$900 depending on student level. Tuition may be paid in nine equal monthly installments. In addition a parent must volunteer roughly 15 hours per kindergarten - fourth grade student enrolled. When parents are not volunteering they are not required to be on-site. Website: Contact: Jennifer Burns at fourthdegree@sbcglobal.net (Updated 2/25/12)

3 Indian Hill Homeschool Group Description: IHHG is a Christian co-op of enrichment classes for prek through high school. We meet every Tuesday from September through March, with a break at Christmas. Meeting location: Indian Hill Bible Church in Ingleside, IL Contact: Michele Holmes at clanholmes@comcast.net (Correct as of 2/26/12) KRHEST (Kenosha/Racine Homeschool Education Support Team) Description: KRHEST is a group of families who come together to support one another and share in homeschooling their children. Although we come from many different backgrounds, we share a Biblical worldview. Our goal is to honor the Lord Jesus Christ as we raise and teach our children and as we interact with each other. KRHEST offers enrichment classes in the fall. In addition we offer a variety of activities such as Literature and Geography fairs, spring/fall socials, field trips and youth group, shared Phy. Ed. Classes, as well as a Graduation Celebration. Everything that is accomplished is done on a volunteer basis. The members meet quarterly. Website: Meeting Location: Various churches and libraries in the Kenosha area Contact: Amanda Paul at littlemama@likepreciousfaith.org (Corrected 2/24/12) Village Church of Gurnee Home Run Kids Description: Meets on Monday afternoons for co-op enrichment activities. Registration may be limited. Meeting Location: Village Church of Gurnee Website: Contact: Laura at laura@choysrus.com (Updated 2/28/12) Catholic Homeschool Support Groups Splendor of Truth Catholic Homeschool Group Description: Southeastern Wisconsin including Racine, Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie, Bristol, Trevor, and Burlington. Northeastern Illinois including Winthrop Harbor, Zion, Waukegan, Beach Park, Grayslake, Gurnee, Lake Villa, Antioch, and Spring Grove. Meeting Location: Moms' Homes and Perkin's on HWY 50 & I-94 Contact: Sherry Petersen at peterjs@netzero.com (Updated 2/25/12) St. Scholastica Catholic Homeschool Group Meeting Location: Various locations in Lake and McHenry Counties Contact: Cindy Lesniewski at or lesfam88@wishcom.net Catholics in the Northern Suburbs Website: Description: The group is for Roman Catholic Homeschoolers living in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago. We are a group faithful to the teaching magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. This group will serve communities along the north shore and surrounding communities including Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, North Chicago, Waukegan, Beach Park, Zion, Winthrop Harbor, Gurnee, Wadsworth and Lindenhurst, etc. Please post anything that would be relevant to the homeschoolers of this area. This group is for members only. The list owner has the right to restrict membership as well as to moderate posts. Please contact me with your questions at hazfam@comcast.net.

4 Contact: Leslie Hazinski at Christian Homeschool Support Groups Compass Homeschool Group Description: A Christian homeschool group that meets formally for enrichment two Friday mornings a month from 9am-noon on Yorkhouse Rd. in far north Waukegan. Focus is on strengthening relationships mwhile learning in a large group. Parent participation is necessary and a commitment to attending the Friday meetings is a must. Parents are involved in some aspect of the group - teaching our themed class, music, gym, or preschool, planning field trips, social events, or service projects. K through high school, under 5 siblings very welcome in our preschool program. Registration is limited. Small yearly family fee - $50/family. Location: North Waukegan/ Beach Park Contact: Angie Lopez mama2mnm@sbcglobal.net or (847) (Correct as of 2/26/12) Hearts And Minds In Christ (H.A.M.I.C.) Description: A support group for families who incorporate their faith in Jesus with their educational endeavors. H.A.M.I.C provides opportunities for both parents and their children to share experiences and develop friendships through various clubs, activities and field trips. Meeting Location: Contact: Liz at or gertrude75@juno.com (Correct as of 2/24/12) The Home School Connection Mission Statement: The Homeschool Connection Ministry exists to promote biblical community among homeschooling families, encourage and build relationships, and be a resource in home education and family discipleship. Description: The Homeschool Connection is comprised of families in the Northwest Suburbs who share a Christian worldview and are committed to home education and raising disciples of Christ. The purpose of the ministry is to share life experiences, provide ongoing friendship and mentorship, support each other in prayer, and help each other work through the many challenges of home education and family life. Our goals are as follows: * Build biblical community and relationships among Homeschool Connection families * Prayer, support, encouragement * Social interaction (moms, dads, couples, families) J * Joint projects & initiatives / field trips Family service projects * Mentorship * Resources and education Meeting Location: We meet for monthly mom's prayer and encouragement meetings in Lake Zurich on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Joining: To become a member of the group you must complete a membership application and sign our statement of faith. Once a member, it is required you attend at least one monthly meeting and are encouraged to attend additional offerings. We also share an internet group with ongoing communication, calendar, etc. Contact: Gerianne Cygan, Chair at geriannecygan@me.com (Updated as of 2/24/12) Lakeland Home Educators Description: A ministry of Lakeland Evangelical Free Church in Gurnee. Focus is on providing support

5 and fellowship as described in our mission statement: "In our effort to effectively disciple and train our children as followers of Jesus Christ, Lakeland Home Educators will seek to provide support and encouragement to home educating families, foster Christian friendships, and grow in our individual relationships with Jesus Christ, becoming like Him as we relate to our children, each other and the world." We provide monthly moms support meetings on the second Monday of each month which are open to all. At our annual September and January registration periods, there may be opportunities for those who have previously attended a minimum of two moms support meetings to join as a registered member for the group's loop and family activities; however, membership may at times be limited to Lakeland regular attendees. Family activities include field trips, holiday parties, and both co-op and paid classes which are usually done on Fridays, September through May. Meeting Location: Gurnee Contact: Kate Woods at or LC.Kate@yahoo.com. NICHE (Northern Illinois Christian Homeschool Enrichment) [formerly NICHEA] Description: We meet every other Friday from 1-3 p.m. We are a co-op. for all ages, babies through high school. Classes taught this year were art, drawing, apologetics, science, and early childhood music/movement. Cost this year was $35/family. We expect to have openings for next year. Meeting Location: Northwest Christian Community in Mundelein Contacts: Gena Mayo gena@ichoosejoy.org; Jenni Fleener fleemachine@att.net; Anne Hurst hursta@prodigy.net (Updated 3/9/12) Military/Armed Services Homeschool Support Groups Great Lakes Military Homeschoolers Description: Welcome to GLMH online! The purpose of this group is to connect homeschooling military families assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes. Contact: GLMH-owner@yahoogroups.com Non-Sectarian Homeschool Support Groups Home Educators Fun Club Description: Meets Wednesdays midday year-round for socialization. We meet indoors in Round Lake most of the year; our room has access to outdoors so the children can play in the park on nice days. There is a minimal charge of $10 a month to pay for the room rental. We meet at parks throughout Lake County late spring through early fall. Currently our participating children range from age newborn to 18. Meeting Location: We use a room at the Round Lake Sports Center and various parks around Lake County. Contact: Christine at notasb@yahoo.com or Barb at bronte28@comcast.net (Updated 2/28/12) Lake County H.O.U.S.E. Description: We are located in and around Lake County, Illinois. Our mission is to provide nonsectarian and non-political support and information for homeschooling families as well as providing socialization and shared educational opportunities for our children. Lake County H.O.U.S.E. provides many opportunities organized by and for its members and others in the homeschool community, as well as a lively dialogue concerning homeschool interests and educational opportunities in the Lake County and Chicagoland areas. New members are always welcome. Membership is $7 per family per year. No

6 one is obligated to attend any functions or take on any position. Meeting Locations: Mundelein and Round Lake Beach Meeting Schedule: Activity Meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., featuring activities for students and a chance to socialize. Moms Breakfasts are on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 8 a.m., with a chance to get support and advice from other parents. Website: Contact: Zsuzsanna Dever at deverzs@yahoo.com. (Corrected 2/24/12) Lake Zurich Homeschooling Network Description: Founded in 1992 in response to an individual need to network with other area homeschoolers, the LZHN is primarily a support group for its membership, which currently consists of approximately 25 families from Lake Zurich and the surrounding communities. Members homeschool for a variety of reasons, but are united by the strong desire to provide the best schooling possible for their children. The Network plans a variety of events throughout the calendar year, and endeavors to be responsive to the changing needs of its membership. Annual activities vary depending on the needs and wants of the members, but a typical year s activities include fun and educational field trips, planning meetings, Thursday classes, science fair, cultural events, themed holiday parties, theater outings, spring talent show/graduation, outdoor fire pits, & age/gender related clubs. The members currently keep in contact & share educational and cultural events mainly through the website. The Network currently meets for classes and clubs at St. Peter s Church in Lake Zurich on Thursdays. The group consists of people helping people. LZHN flourishes when everyone chips in and does his or her part to help it run. Meeting Location: St. Peter's Church in Lake Zurich Meeting Days: Thursdays Contact: Athena Butler at athenabutler@sbcglobal.net (Updated 3/1/12) Off The Beaten Path (OTBP) Description: OTBP is an inclusive support network of unschooling families based in Lake County, Illinois. OTBP s mission is to bring local unschooling families out of the woodwork and give them the opportunity to connect with and support one another, both online and in person. Website: Contact: Deborah Cunefare at OffTheBeatenPath-owner@yahoogroups.com (Correct as of 3/1/12) WIFI (Wisconsin, Illinois Fun With Instruction) Description: WIFI is an inclusive group that meets 2-3 times a month on Wednesdays for field trips and outings. Our events take place from Lake County, IL to Milwaukee, WI. Our events include factory tours, classes at museums, classes at nature areas, disc golf, letterboxing, game days, plays, shows, etc. Meeting place: Varies. Contact: Zsuzsanna at deverzs@yahoo.com (Updated 3/12/12) Teen Groups TAG (Teen Activity Group) Description: TAG (Teen Activity Group) was started to provide a way for homeschooled teens to get together and have a good time. TAG is managed by the teens and all activity decisions are ultimately theirs. We are celebrating our second year of providing homeschooled teens with opportunities to interact in a safe and supervised homeschooled, family home environment, with the only goal being to further the healthy development of all homeschooled teens that participate.

7 Among the activities we host are a Literature Group, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Teen Discussion Night, Hikes and Mystery Night. TAG membership is only for homeschooled teens (13-19). No membership fees, but pre-approval is required. Meeting Location: Lake County, especially Libertyville Website: Contact: Zsuzsanna Dever at deverzs@yahoo.com (Added 3/1/12) IL Teen and Family Activities Description: A Homeschool Support Group for all Family Members! We offer year round activities and events. Our age-appropriate activities vary by age, which includes students birth through college age. We focus on seasonal themes, costumed history mysteries, social opportunities. We try to prevent the feeling of isolation and include events that Homeschoolers might feel they are missing by not attending school. Our elaborate events such as the Snowflake Ball, Valentine Dinner Dance, Prom, Black Light Jean Dance and other experiences allow Homeschool students to feel they have a larger community of peers. Parents enjoy the opportunity to spend time talking with other parents who prefer to Homeschool. Both students and parents enjoy the networking and camaraderie of our active group. If you are looking for an inclusive support group, please contact us! Contact: TeenActivities@gmail.com (Added 3/12/12) Special Needs Homeschool Groups H.O.U.S.E. Special Needs Yahoo Group: Meeting Location: Online only Contact: Jean Kulczyk at or advocate4kids@gmail.com. (Correct as of 2/24/12) McHenry County For a listing of support groups in McHenry County: Direct Link: (Verified 2/24/12)