Whenever I tell someone that I homeschool, the first matter I am questioned about is socialization? Do my kids get along with other kids? Do they have good social skills? Harford County is a great place to homeschool. There are many homeschoolers in the county and lots of activities going on.
For younger children, there are plenty of library programs and church groups throughout the county. The libraries have program aimed at homeschoolers during the daytime. Oak Grove has a large co-op. Parks and Rec has homeschool programs throughout the county, in addition to afterschool and weekend sports. The YMCA in Abingdon also offers a homeschool PE class. There is also a homeschool PE program in Havre de Grace There's a lego league in the county. Once you get plugged into one group, you'll find that the homeschooling network in Harford County is a small world.
One of the biggest ways my children socialize is at our local pool in the summer. In Aberdeen, there's a pool run by the Boys and Girls Club.
But, many parents wonder about high school. What about prom? What about sports? There are a lot of options...
Contact Phyllis Harden at The Narrow Road Homeschool BookShop. Her email is on the website She can add you to the CHEN Email list. Two different proms are being planned this year for homeschoolers in this county. And Swingtime Ballroom in Fallston has dancing for teens 16-18 periodically. Beachmont Christian Camp in Kingsville hosts a teen Bible study during the school year, has a dodgeball team, summer teen nights, and is the site where the county's homeschool football team, the Maryland Saints, practice.
Harford Community College is known to be homeschool friendly and many high schoolers in the area begin taking classes there with dual enrollment, earning high school and college credit. If your child waits until they are 16, they will take a placement test to decide which math and English classes they will begin in. Prior to age 16, they must pass a test to enter HCC before they can take classes.
No, homeschooling isn't just like high school at a public or private school. You have different options and activities available to you and your children when you choose to homeschool through high school.
Please contact me regarding the Harford Composite Squadron Cadet Program for children ages 12 to 18. We have a wonderful Cadet Program and already have several home schoolers as Cadets and would like to get the word out to more families as there are volunteer opportunities for parents as well. Our Facebook page can be found under Harford Composite Squadron. Thank you, Bonnie Miranda, Recruitment and Retention Officer. nelsonbonnie@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteHi There!
ReplyDeleteI am a Harford County resident that is strongly considering Homeschooling my son. He is scheduled to enter Kindergarten in the Fall at a private school but I've been on the fence about it since he's advanced so much in his learning at home with me already. How can I get connected with one of the activity groups above? I'd love to connect with other Moms in the County about this. Thanks so much!