About once a month I get an Instagram message asking about the homeschooling community in Kansas City. (Either from people contemplating a move, or someone who has just moved to the area!)
When I answer it always end up being six voice messages because where do I even start?!
The homeschooling community is one of my favorite things about Kansas City. It’s established and interconnected, with lots of on-ramps and ways to make friends. Honestly, there are way more things than I could ever fit on my calendar.
So many great homeschool moms dedicate hours of their time unpaid to organized community events!
Since I like playing concierge, I put together a list of my own recommended co-ops, events and enrichment programs just for you. (You can tip me by sharing this post on Instagram and tagging me!)
Signing up for these co-ops and events is exactly how I’ve made friends for myself and my kids since moving to Kansas City. The programs on this list are either things I have attended myself or have been referred to by friends.
Enjoy!
Academic Co-ops and Enrichment Programs
There are lots of established co-ops throughout the metro area. Each has its own flavor, format and emphasis. There are low-cost parent-run co-ops as well as drop-off academics and enrichment options run by paid teachers.
Click each link to get into the details about the format and ages served!
Discovery Homeschool Academy Pleasant Hill, MO
Homeschool Christian Academy Overland Park, KS
Legacy Christian Academy (and Legacy Connections) Lenexa, KS and Belton MO
Legacy Homeschool Enrichment Center, locations throughout Johnson County, KS
Brighton Academy, Overland Park, KS
Journey Outpost, Harrisonville, MO
Mighty Roots Academy, Grandview, MO
Stone Table Study Group Blue Springs, MO
KC Connected Homeschool South Kansas City, MO
Raymore Homeschool Enrichment Co-op, Raymore, MO
Abundant Life Homeschool Center, Lees Summit, MO. This organization is through the ministry of Abundant Life Church and hosts clubs, field trips, meet-ups and play dates all year long. (I linked their Facebook page below in the Facebook Community Page section–it’s one of the best!)
There are also Classical Conversations groups but those are pretty easy to find through CC’s directory so I won’t list them here.
Private School Homeschool Hybrid Programs
These are private schools that offer part-time homeschooling options.
Christ Prep Academy Lenexa, KS
Daniel Academy, Kansas City, MO
Bethel Academy, Grandview MO
Homeschooler Education Network Hybrid Learning Center Olathe, KS
Midwest Parent Educators
MPE gets its own heading due to the sheer amount of resources and events it hosts for the homeschooling community in Kansas City. When you become a paid member you get free access to their annual homeschool conference. It’s not faith-based by name, but they are definitely a conservative, Christian organization.
MPE brings together the homeschooling community in Kansas City with the following:
- An annual conference and curriculum expo
- Proms and graduation ceremonies
- A regular podcast with guests from the KC area and beyond
- An annual Women’s Encouragement Day with breakfast, lunch and speakers just for homeschool moms
- Smaller workshops for homeschool moms throughout the year
- Testing opportunities
- Special homeschool days with discounted rates to places like Great Wolf Lodge and the Royals game
- A full list of field trips in the Kansas City area
- How-To Homeschool Guides for Kansas and Missouri here
- Support groups for MPE available to members only
- A homeschool moms mentorship group-information here
- MPE’s own list of co-ops and enrichment programs (with more options than are in my list!)
Nature Groups
Wild + Kindred Nature Group, greater Kansas City area
Adventure and Wonder Nature Group Northland, Kansas City
Wild + Free Groups. You need to create an account and become a Wild + Free community member (it’s free) to find and join one of these groups. There are groups located throughout the metro area in Louisburg, KS; Olathe, KS; Kansas City MO, Eastside; Independence, MO; Lees Summit, MO
State Organizations
Missouri Homeschool Alliance– a political advocacy group and community for Missouri homeschoolers. I know these ladies personally and they are advocates and educators who pour their personal time into the community. The group itself is newly formed but run by seasoned leaders.
Kansas Home Educators organization with similar offerings and Midwest Parent Educators, but throughout the state of Kansas
Midwest Parent Educators (see above!)
Facebook Community Pages
There are so many great Kansas City homeschool Facebook pages, but I only included the ones I’m personally most familiar with. They are active pages that are well-run and organized.
Cass County Homeschool Moms Connect this page for Missouri homeschoolers welcomes homeschoolers from throughout KC metro area. The organizer of the group also hosts a coaching program and podcast with her husband called Show Me Homeschool as well as workshops in the area. It’s a great place to post questions and get good answers from experienced Kansas City homeschoolers. (Also co-founded Missouri Homeschool Alliance, mentioned above!)
KC Connected Homeschool this page is hosted by the organizer of the KC Connected Homeschool, a parent-run co-op in Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Homeschool Connection a page for Christian homeschoolers run by veteran homeschool moms in Kansas City. Beyond a Facebook page, the group also offers a membership which gives you VIP access to a private group, discounted field trips and events, members-only events, and extra support. (This group is also run by one of the co-founders of the Missouri Homeschool Alliance.)
KSHE Kansas Homeschool Support Group this is one the larges homeschool Facebook pages in the area, run by Kansas Home Educators
Abundant Life Homeschool Center another organized and well-run homeschool Facebook page in the area. The leader who hosts this page does it alongside the team of volunteers at Abundant Life Church. (It represents Abundant Life Homeschooling Center listed above!)
The Homeschool Hookup the largest of groups listed here. A page for Christian homeschoolers in the metro area.
Instagram Feeds
Not specifically homeschooling, but great resources for things to do around the city!
Everyday Outdoor Family your source for outings all over Kansas City and the Midwest. Amy has the scoop on all the best family destinations in the area!
Kansas City Mom Collective follow for family-focused guides to Kansas City and updates on the best local events. Their website also has tons of resources and directories.
Performing Arts
Kansas City’s performing arts centers are one of the big on-ramps for homeschoolers in the areas. These theaters and studios that are either homeschool-friendly or specifically created for homeschoolers.
Athletics
Organized athletics just for homeschoolers as well as schools and leagues that allow homeschoolers to participate.
KC Metro Mavericks, Olathe, KS
KC East Lions, greater Kansas City area
City of Raymore Youth Sports, Raymore, MO
Christ Prep Academy, Lenexa KS
Heartland Soccer Association, Olathe KS
Regional Conferences/Conventions
Midwest Parent Educators in Kansas City, MO
Bloom and Blossom Home Education Conference in Springfield, MO. This conference has a retreat-like feel with good coffee, delicious food and local speakers! Just a few hours outside of Kansas City, it’s a fun girls weekend that I’ve attended twice. It’s hosted by homeschool coach Christina Carpenter of Authentic Joy in the Journey.
Missouri Great Homeschool Convention in St. Louis, MO
KS Homeschool Expo in Park City, KS
Just for Mom
Kansas City also has community events that focus on encouraging and connecting homeschool moms.
Flourish Workshops a Christian ministry that encourages and equips mothers. Some events are homeschool-focused and others are for moms of any walk. These events are always hosted in a beautiful location with locally crafted food and drink. I highly recommend these! (Attending one of Natalie’s workshops is how I met three of my good friends—that includes Natalie!)
Women’s Encouragement Day a day for homeschool moms in Kansas City hosted by Midwest Parent Educators. Once a year they bring in a speaker for the day. Moms are served coffee, snacks, breakfast, and lunch!
Homeschool Coaches
If you need tailored, one-on-one homeschool support there are some great coaches in the area. Expect coffee, real talk, and practical help!
Authentic Joy in the Journey is a homeschool coaching from the founder of The Bloom and Blossom Conference. Christina lives in Springfield but is connected to the homeschool community in Kansas City, including Flourish Workshops.
Kindred Home Education. Sarah is a Kansas City-based homeschool coach. She also partners with Natalie at Flourish Workshops to bring home education support meet-ups!
Show Me Homeschool Erin offers one-on-one, group coaching, and Lunchtime Live sessions! She’s the co-founder of Missouri Homeschool Alliance and co-hosts the Show Me Homeschool Podcast with her husband Joe.
I hope this little list helps you get connected and find some like-minded homeschooling support.
Just getting started homeschooling? Go here to take my free, thirty-minute course, The Simple Start Mini Course!
