Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.

~John Dewey

Ronnie’s Awesome List presents a guest article by Julie Schiffman, M.Ed, President of Marin Homeschoolers and a member of the board of directors at Homeschool Association of California

When heading out for guided hikes by Park Rangers in the beautiful hillside of Marin County, or spending the day at any of the Bay Area's fabulous museums, or possibly joining one of the many classes offered to homeschoolers, parents who choose to educate their children at home will often joke about how little time they actually spend in their homes.  Every day of the week in the Bay Area, families can attend Homeschool Park Days and organized field trips from Petaluma farms to tidepooling in the South Bay.  To find out more about homeschooling in your area, join a local homeschool network--ask questions, attend events, and get involved.  Discover the joys of living life without school.

Marin:

• Marin Homeschoolers
• Sonoma County Homeschool Nonprofit
• Golden Gate Learning Center

San Francisco:

• San Francisco Bay Area Unschoolers (SFBUN)
• San Francisco Homeschoolers
• San Francisco Homeschooling

East Bay:

• DaVinci
• Contra Costa County Homeschool Meetup Group
• Diablo valley unschooling co-op
• SAGE Homeschoolers

Peninsula & South Bay:

• Peninsula Life Learners
• B.A.Y. Homeschoolers
• South Bay Free Scholars
• Academic Antics

General Bay Area & Additional Resources:

• SF Bay Homeschool Yahoo Group
• Bay Area Homeschool Network
• Outschool
• Quantum Camp

Outdoor Programs:

• Wild Child Free School
• Trackers
• Vilda

There are many, many more -- too many to list here!  Your local Homeschool Association of California County Contact will have more information regarding all the support groups and resources in your area.  For a more complete listing of Bay Area groups and resources check out A2Z Home’s Cool.

With over 20 years experience throughout the fields of public, private, and alternative education, Julie Schiffman, M.Ed, helps families discover the joys of living life without school.  She currently serves as President of Marin Homeschoolers and a member of the board of directors at Homeschool Association of California.  Julie hosts regular homeschool information nights in San Anselmo and Mill Valley.  Join Marin Homeschoolers for details on upcoming events.