Loudoun County, Virginia Homeschool Information for Beginners
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Loudoun County, Virginia Homeschool Information for Beginners
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PURPOSE
The purpose of this site is to help home educators in and around Loudoun County, Virginia get started and to help them link up with support groups that can encourage and answer their questions.
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GETTING STARTED
Once you've decided to homeschool your child, I recommend you first join a support group that will give you a discount on membership in Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), such as Home Educators' Association of Virginia (HEAV), Right at Home, HEARTS, or SHARENET. As a member of either of these groups, you save $15 off the regular membership fee of $100. It is good to join HSLDA in case you run into any legal problems. Also, HSLDA acts as a watchdog for homeschoolers, sorting through all the proposed legislation on Capitol Hill to see how it affects us and lobbying on our behalf. You can reach them at 540-338-5600.
The next step is to notify your county and request the "Intent to Homeschool" form. The number in Fairfax County to call is 703-876-5233. In Loudoun County it is 703-771-6426. This form must be submitted by August 15. At the end of the year your child must be tested and the results must be submitted to the county by August 1.
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SUPPORT GROUPS
Support groups vary greatly in size, in philosophy or religious beliefs, and in what they have to offer, such as activities, classes, help, and encouragement. It is very important to connect with one that best fits your needs. Here I have attempted to provide a brief description of the ones I know of.
PROTESTANT GROUPS:
GRACE Home Educators has activities and a co-op for grades K-6. The co-op meets weekly at Christian Fellowship Church in Ashburn, where the moms take turns teaching subjects such as history/geography and science. It's not necessary to be in the co-op in order to participate in the activities and field trips of the homeschool group. Refer to their website for more information.
HEARTS for the Lord has activities and classes for grades 7-12. The classes usually meet at Christian Fellowship Church in Ashburn. Classes taught depend on the needs of their members and the availability of teachers. Sometimes parents volunteer to teach and sometimes they hire teachers. Refer to their website for current offerings.
Moms meet monthly to discuss homeschool issues and to plan field trips at the home of Robin Johnson in Ashburn. This group is not closed to people of other beliefs. Her e-mail address is <ashburn6@juno.com>.
Right at Home provides resources and information to home-educated families, concentrating in the Leesburg area. To subscribe to their newsletter, send $10 to Joyce Guthrie, 38327 Charles Town Pike, Waterford, VA 20197. Her e-mail address is <GuthrieJS@aol.com>.
CATHOLIC GROUPS:
Traditions of Roman Catholic Homes (TORCH) -
Andrea Shermer has a play group that meets in Sterling 2 or 3 times a week. Her number is 703-729-3056.
Susan Lindner in Vienna can tell you about activities available through TORCH. E-mail her at <sh_lindner@compuserve.com>.
For more information on TORCH go to their website: <www.catholic-homeschool.com>.
The National Association of Catholic Home Educators (NACHE) provides information to Catholic homeschoolers, sponsors regional Catholic homeschooling conventions, and publishes a quarterly magazine. Their website is <www.nache.org>.
Seton Home Study <www.setonhome.org> is a full service Catholic curriculum provider. For information call 540-636-9990 or e-mail them at <info@setonhome.org>.
GROUPS WITH NO RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION (Although the leaders may be of a particular religious belief, these support groups serve people of all faiths.):
Home Educators' Association of Virginia (HEAV) sponsors an annual state convention which usually includes more than 80 workshops, a 43,000 square foot exhibit hall for all the curriculum and other educational resources, student competitions and performances, a used curriculum sale, and a very nice graduation ceremony. HEAV also publishes a quarterly magazine which includes state, local, and national news affecting homeschoolers, as well as informative articles and resources. For a more complete list of support groups in Virginia go to <http://members.aol.com/heav33>.
SHARENET is another good resource for us. People e-mail Melissa Reimer with ideas, activities, field trips, and homeschooling tips. These in turn are e-mailed to all members. No money or time commitment is required. Melissa's address is <riemerfam@worldnet.att.net>.
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