Classes for Homeschoolers

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Archived Q&A and reviews ▼

Parent Q&A

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  • Classes for homeschoolers

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    Jan 12, 2022

    Hi - I'm looking for classes during the day (school hours) for my homeschooler.  I'm not finding many options available for a 3rd grader/8yo.  It seems most classes are after school. I know about Trackers Bay, Sienna Ranch, Wild Oak.  Any others?  Can be in any type of activities/subject.  Thanks.

    Jan 12, 2022

    Hi there,

    I started homeschooling my 7 year old son in November and also couldn’t find any day classes. It wasn’t until he was enrolled at Connecting Waters East Bay that I found in person day classes. I signed him up for 4 classes but one got dropped due to lack of enrollment. Today’s our first day since we had to quarantine the first weeks of January. If you’re interested I can let you know how it goes.


    Best,

    Jaymee

    Jan 19, 2022

    Hi! My 5yo son attends Outside School in Alvarado Park/Wildcat Canyon and absolutely loves it. Heather Taylor, the school founder/teacher is amazing! We feel fortunate that our child is learning outdoors and experiencing things that would have never happened in a traditional classroom. School runs Tues through Thurs from 9am to 3pm. I highly encourage you to check out the links above to learn more, and feel free to reach out directly with any questions.

    Jilliann

    Jan 19, 2022

    Hi, I presume you mean in person classes? During Covid, not many, and for those that are meeting in person, you’ll likely have to drive a bit (worth it!). A Team Homeschool in the South Bay is doing classes outdoors and has a decent selection. Check BEan in Nature and Reikes center as well. Some folks are arranging their own classes by finding a willing teacher or parent and hosting in back yards or at the park. It’s good to be industrious these days to make it happen. 

    Jan 19, 2022

    Hi! My homeschooling kiddos are at Outside School, an excellent Tues/Wed/Thurs program held in Alvarado Park, mixed ages, small cohort, one educator (who is super experienced, talented, kind, and thoughtful). They hike, explore, play in the woods, learn about nature, have deep discussions, navigate their social and emotional lives and interactions, observe wildlife, occasionally dissect small animals, read books at lunchtime... it's been so rich for my kids this year, and really steady during all the covid ups and downs. One of mine is also 8/3rd grade and it would be awesome for another to join! Feel free to be in touch with me directly for any questions about our experience, and I know Heather (who runs Outside School) is super available to talk.  https://www.teachoutside.org/outside-school

    Update August 2022:

    Towards the end of last year, our experience at Outside School shifted and was no longer positive for my kids or for us as parents. If you'd like to know more, feel free to reach out.

    Jan 21, 2022

    Lawrence Hall of Science used to offer classes specifically for homeschoolers during the morning/early afternoon.  There was another program on Shattuck at the time, that did the same -- it was a science program, chemistry etc.   We did this, but around 10 years ago.

    Jan 31, 2022

  • Inquiry-based science support for homeschooler

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    Sep 28, 2018

    Hello, I am looking for recommendations for a hands-on elementary grade science enrichment program or tutors for a homeschooling family. Thank you.

    Sep 28, 2018

    Look at the GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) guides published by Lawrence Hall of Science. Lots of hands-on experiments that only require things that you either have at home or can purchase for very little money at the grocery, drug or home improvement store. No really specialized equipment needed.

    Sience mom

    Oct 3, 2018

    Hi Lucky,

    The Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley offers lots of great workshops for homeschool students. From engineering to environmental and forensic science, you can learn more about this year’s homeschool series here: https://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/visit/camps_and_classes

    Emily

    Oct 11, 2018

  • home school teen friendships

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    Aug 26, 2018

    My 9th grade son needs to make more friends. We are looking for fun ways he can spend more time with other teens. (He spends too much time on the computer.)  We live in Kensington and he  has free time on Friday mornings and weekends.  He enjoys doing many things, including rock climbing, mountain biking, flying kites, tossing the frisbee, drawing, and ceramics (on the potter's wheel).  We would appreciate any suggestions....

    Thanks!

    Aug 26, 2018

    I"m assuming your son is homeschooled.  There's Bridges down the hill next to the Pacific East West mall in Richmond for rock climbing.  You can contact the El Cerrito HS mountain bike team or the Richmond Composite HS team to see if he's eligible.  He's not in Richmond but he is in WCCUSD, so he might be OK.  Great kids, great adults.  He can do Rich City Rides ride outs on Sunday.  Some of them are more for little kids, but there's a big mix of people, especially on the long rides.  My middle school kid goes on those and to Dirt World with his BMX bike. 

    Aug 27, 2018

    Hi there!

    If your son is ever free on Thursday afternoons he might want to come meet the small group of teens who come to the Alameda Oakland Home Learners park days (check the calendar page on aohl.net for locations).  My kids also really like the Oakland Ultimate and Bay Area Disc Ultimate Frisbee programs which should be starting up soon on weekends.  It's a really welcoming sport.  Hope to meet you!

    Alanya

    Aug 27, 2018

  • Any homeschoolers here? Our six year old needs playmates.

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    Aug 17, 2018

    We are homeschooling our son and he needs more peer interaction. He is six but ahead for his age. He loves complex board games and programming, but also plays soccer and like playgrounds. If you have a child who wants a playmate, please get in touch. We are in Berkeley now, but likely moving to Oakland in September. We are flexible in terms of location.

    Aug 17, 2018

    My homeschooled kids have met friends through Trackers Bay classes. Sticky Art Lab also has homeschool classes with kids you son's age. 

    Aug 22, 2018

    There are home school classes during the day at Lawrence Hall of Science and probably other places.  Also google around because around 10 years ago there were yahoo groups that would have activities for homeschoolers.  Like once we went to the DeYoung and met about 20 other homeschoolers and got a tour, playdates at parks and Live Action Role Playing, etc.  Hickman Charter also if you are interested, in Oakland, but call soon.  They used to have Wed classes for their homeschoolers.

    Aug 24, 2018

  • Homeschool enrichment classes near Walnut Creek? Orinda?

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    Jul 31, 2018

    Hi all, wanting to know what’s out there besides what I can find through my charter. Ideas?

    I have 3 Elementary aged kids and I’d like two days/week max.

    Ideas?

    Jul 31, 2018

    I recommend in Walnut Creek, Lainie’s learning lane/core academy for this. They have specific for homeschooling http://www.lainieslearninglane.com/the-woodhouse/

    Aug 1, 2018

Archived Q&A and Reviews

 

One-day school options for homeschoolers?

Sept 2014

Looking for a one day per week program for my homeschooled kids (elementary age) which will allow them to socialize and have some group-learning experience. So far I know about Hickman and Quantum Campus. Anything else out there? Any private schools or afterschool programs offering hybrid homeschool programs? HomeschoolMom

Lawrence Hall of Science used to have classes for homeschoolers I think held during the school day. Maybe they still do. anon

Sienna Ranch in Lafayette offers a variety of nature based,outdoor programs for kids 3-14. They have several classes that are specifically for homeschoolers that run from 9:00-1:00ish. You can choose 1 day or more. The teachers are great and the location is serene (and surprisingly just off the freeway in Lafayette). My son has attended their summer camps for several years and Sienna Ranch is his favorite camp by far.It's a magical place. Check them out at www.siennaranch.net Emily