We’re so excited to offer a comprehensive list of local homeschool resources to the Richmondmom community. If you know of any additional homeschool resources in the area, email us at cs@richmondmom.com. Also check out our Richmond Homeschooling 101 article for more information on homeschooling.
Co-ops and Classes
Arete Christian Academy: It is the purpose of Aretè Christian Academy to provide middle and high school level classes to supplement the parent-directed education of home-schooled children. They will provide classes in a nurturing environment that encourages parental involvement, strives for academic excellence, and promotes the development of Godly character in students.
The Athenian Academy of Richmond: is designed to facilitate a parent-led approach to education with courses for children preschool through high school and beyond. The Athenian Academy is an independent organization offering a wide range of classes with a broad spectrum of instructors designed to meet the diverse needs of the Richmond homeschooling community. The Athenian Academy strives to provide both enrichment and academic opportunities in a comfortable, yet professional, setting with the objective of fulfilling the criteria of a classical Athenian education with equal emphasis on art and literature as well as science and math – and everything in between – helping students find their passion and purpose. Teachers strive to be mentors exciting both student’s minds and hearts through discovery.
Chesterfield Christian Academy: This co-op is an extension of home education. It is their primary focus to teach students to develop and grow their personal relationship with Christ and that every subject they learn in school can be used to fulfill the will of God for their lives. They strive to support and strengthen Christian families in their endeavor to become the primary social and educational unit.
Homeschool Resources Group: This group offers supplementary classes, tutoring and activities for homeschoolers, public schoolers, private schoolers, and adults. They are a STEM/STEAM Center with a focus on career and college development and advanced mastery, with a goal of preparing thier students for a competitive and an informed future.
James River Home School Academy: If you’re just looking for a few quality classes to augment your homeschool, Midlothian Christian Academy might be the place for you. Students are taught in small group settings with lots of hands-on-learning and individual attention from caring teachers; it’s almost like learning at home!
James River Home School Foundation: The James River Home School Foundation, a 100% volunteer-run Christian ministry, was incorporated in the summer of 2009, as a nonprofit entity with the goal and purpose of supporting the home school community by offering programs and opportunities in the areas of academics, athletics and performing arts. They offer numerous athletic teams, academic classes, as well as the three-tiered drama program.
Maymont Homeschool Mornings: Maymont educators offer a variety of historical and environmental homeschooler programs to incorporate into your planning for the school year. Go to their event calendar to register online.
Pierian Spring Academy of Arts & Science: offers a full private education for independent thinkers seeking an outside-of-the-box, customized education in a hands-on, multi-sensory, project-based environment. Courses may be purchased on an a’ la carte or tuition basis. Families may break down tuition costs using a no-cost payment plan.
Westminster Academy: Westminster Academy seeks academic excellence under the lordship of Christ, within an administrative structure that enables parents to direct their child’s education, in a community where each person is treated with the utmost respect.
Support Groups:
Chesterfield Home Educators of Virginia: CHEVA is a comprehensive homeschool support group for residents of Chesterfield County, VA and the surrounding areas. This group offers online support and discussion, field trip opportunities, park days, and more!
Classical Conversations of Glen Allen: Classical Conversations supports homeschooling parents by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian worldview in fellowship with other families. We believe there are three keys to a great education: Classical, Christian, and Community.
East Henrico Homeschoolers: offers ideas and get togethers specifically in East Richmond, East Henrico, and New Kent areas. Anyone is welcome to join this Yahoo group.
Hanover Home Schoolers: This is a loosely organized, inclusive support group of and for all homeschooling families. They have members from all over the region – King William to Chesterfield, Goochland to Charles City and beyond — 12 counties and the City of Richmond at present. They welcome homeschoolers of all faiths and homeschooling styles. This group is for the distribution of their newsletter and announcements.
Home Educators at Grove: This is a home school support group originating from but NOT exclusive to members Grove Avenue Baptist Church. Our support group is built on the truths of the Word of God. Throughout the year there are many activities planned which include field trips, clubs, parties, geography and science fairs, curriculum sale, variety show and field day events, Back-to-School and End-of-the-Year Family picnics.
Homeschool Support Group VA: They are a local support group in Chesterfield County, Virginia, upholding biblical Christian values and loving and nurturing training of our children to honor God. They exist to help meet the needs of families with preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school children who are at least strongly interested in homeschooling as an educational option for their family.
James River Home School Foundation: The James River Home School Foundation, a 100% volunteer-run Christian ministry, was incorporated in the summer of 2009, as a nonprofit entity with the goal and purpose of supporting the home school community by offering programs and opportunities in the areas of academics, athletics and performing arts. They offer numerous athletic teams, academic classes, as well as the three-tiered drama program.
Midlothian Home Educators: This group is a place for home educators in the Midlothian, Virginia area to share news, ideas, tips and encouragement.
RAH Our Lady of Grace: A place where the Catholic Homeschoolers in Richmond VA can gather and share resources, events and ideas consistent with their Catholic faith and heritage.
Richmond Area Homeschoolers: This is an active inclusive group of Richmond (Virginia) area homeschoolers to share ideas, organize get togethers, and for general support. They get together in parks and have regular field trips. They have annual events including a “Not Back to School Party” in September and a Spring Picnic in March. If you want to see a homeschool activity happen, then this is the place to start organizing it.
Richmond Preschool Homeschoolers: This is an inclusive group of Richmond area homeschoolers of preschool aged children to share ideas, organize get togethers, and for general support. They have play dates in the park and field trips suited to preschool aged children.
Richmond Unschoolers: This is a group of Richmond (Virginia) area unschoolers – homeschoolers who follow John Holt’s notion of child-led learning. Unschooling allows children to learn naturally, without adult-imposed “lessons”, schedules, or timelines. This list is to discuss anything related to homeschooling/unschooling, for support, and to arrange informal get togethers with other unschoolers.
South of the James Homeschoolers: This is an active, parent-led support group composed of families with diverse backgrounds, experiences and beliefs who homeschool primarily for educational reasons.
Training and Educating African American Children at Home: TEAACH is a group founded to connect all children, and all home educators of color, in Central Virginia. The goal is to provide fellowship for our homeschooled children and support for each other as we endeavor to raise righteous God fearing children.
Tri-Cities Homeschool Educators: Visitors are always welcome at meetings and will receive a welcome packet of information. Check the public calendar for meeting dates and location. They regularly meet at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Colonial Heights, VA. Membership is not required to attend monthly support meetings.
Work and Homeschool Richmond Group: This is a group for working parents that Home Educate their children and live in or nearby the Richmond VA area. Their purpose is to help working families connect.
Extra Curricular Activities
Academy of Music: Their mission is to provide everyone, no matter their age or experience, an enriching music education through instrumental or vocal study, ensemble participation and/or music classes.
The Animation Course: Chad Stewart, former Disney animator and homeschool Dad offers 12 week online animation courses for 11-18 year olds. He is also teaches online drawing classes for multiple ages as well. There are 2 levels to the drawing course, but they can be taken in any order. Weekly classes are one hour long with assignments planned for each principle that is covered in class.
Art by Kathleen: Art Classes by Kathleen are for almost everyone, promoting excellence in art making and enjoying the artistic experience. Whether you’re apprehensive about your abilities or confident and experienced, her classes can move you along to enjoy the visual arts and achieve what you never thought you could!
ART IS FUN! Art lessons in Richmond’s in west end for beginning or advanced students ages K-Adult. Have fun while learning serious art skills and techniques. All mediums are offered, including pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, pastels, oil pastels, acrylic, oil painting, printmaking, and mixed media. All classes, workshops, and summer camps are taught by an experienced award winning professional artist. Students entering local, regional, and national competitions win awards too! For more information, email Artisfun.rva@gmail.com or call 804-747-7457. All supplies are included and students may join in anytime! Sessions can be prorated.
Central Virginia Homeschool Athletic Association: For the past two decades CVHAA have been one of the foremost homeschool athletic organization in Virginia, offering boys and girls middle school and high school sports. They offer baseball football, soccer, and volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball, softball and soccer in the spring.
Disciples Football: is Virginia’s first home school football team competing at the high school level. The team is comprised of home educated athletes ages 13-18 as well as those who attend private schools without a football program. The Disciples are members of the Mid Atlantic Christian Conference. The team hosts spring and summer camps and begins the fall season in early August. Practices are held at Mehfoud Elementary School in Varina and home games are played at Point of Rocks park in Chester.
Greater Richmond School of Music Homeschool Band: The Greater Richmond Homeschool Band and Choir offers homeschool students the opportunity to participate and perform in a quality band and choral program. Students do not need any previous musical experience to participate. The curriculum is designed to teach beginning through advanced students. Their highly qualified and experienced instructors have bachelors and masters degrees in music education and performance.
Martial Arts World of Chesterfield: We have a special twice a week program for your home school needs. Not only is it a great PE option, but we focus heavily on teaching the mental side of martial arts; i.e. focus, respect, self-discipline, and self-esteem. Parents are welcome to join in as well!
Nathan Mills Guitar Lessons: Nathan Mills teaches private classical, acoustic, and electric guitar lessons in the Richmond area to students of all ages and experience. As a classically-trained guitarist with a Master’s degree in Guitar who was homeschooled himself, he tailors every lesson to the needs and interests of each individual student. You can hear him play here: www.youtube.com/beyondtheguita
Powhatan Homeschool Music: With Beginner Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Pep Band, Powhatan Homeschool Music is a quality Band ensemble and private instruction program for beginners through advanced levels.
Richmond Flutist: Heidi Thurmond, owner and operator of Richmond Flutist states that, “I play the flute with passion and I teach others to do the same! I strive to meet each student where they are so, no matter where you are on your musical journey, I know I can help you be successful! Whether a young child holding the flute for the first time, or a seasoned adult picking it up again after many years, I can help you gain the confidence, knowledge, and skills to become the flutist you desire to be.”
Sunshine Art and Lessons: Sunshine offers a variety of art lessons for all ages. Lessons are structured by age group and developmental abilities and are available to those with limitations as well.
Swan Quarter Art: For those beginning with these classes, you begin with charcoal drawing and then focus on developing a color sense, exploring the color wheel and the way light affects color, painting simple block and ball studies using a technique drawn from French Impressionism. Then you will focus on areas of particular interest, including portraiture, still life and landscape painting with brushes or palette knives. Full day workshops are held outdoors, weather permitting, and focus on painting in natural sunlight.
U-Turn Sports: The mission of U-Turn is to train youth through sports for lives of Christian love, purpose and service. The vision of U-turn is three-fold: to develop youth to be highly skilled athletes while offering Christian mentoring to them; to reach out and minister to at-risk youth; and to model servant leadership while offering resources to the Richmond community. In addition to sports training, they offer kids the truth and love of God. While U-Turn is committed to the fundamentals of historical Christianity, it welcomes kids from any background. U-Turn exists to train champions for life!
Statewide Homeschool Resources
Homeschooling in Virginia: An inclusive organization bringing together individuals, families, homeschool organizations, and businesses to promote and protect the interests of Virginia homeschoolers, through legislative work, assistance to individual homeschoolers, and by providing information, speakers, events and resources
Home Educators Association of Virginia: HEAV is a member-supported, statewide, nonprofit homeschool association that operates from a biblical worldview. Working to promote and protect homeschool interests in Virginia through information, legislation, and resources.
