VHS and VHEN: Vermont Homeschool Organizations and Support Networks

Vermont families use the Vermont Home Education Network (VHEN), the Agency of Education's Home Study Office, regional groups, and Facebook communities for support and current information. References to "VHS" appear in older or informal material, so verify the status of any organization or contact before relying on it.

The "VHS" Label

"VHS" or "Vermont Homeschool Society" is not the Agency of Education's Home Study Office or the office that accepts Notices of Intent. If you find a current VHS website, email address, event listing, or social-media account, verify that it is active and represents the organization you intend to contact.

Vermont Home Education Network (VHEN)

VHEN operates as a network and resource hub for Vermont home education families. It provides community connection and resource sharing, along with an advocacy and legislative-monitoring role:

• Regional group directory: VHEN maintains contact information for local co-ops, support groups, and activity groups across Vermont. This directory is one of the most practical starting points for new families.
• Legal and compliance resources: VHEN provides information on Vermont's home study law, Notice of Intent requirements, and assessment options.
• Events calendar: Regional events, field trips, and cooperative activities organized by member families.
• Secular and inclusive orientation: VHEN is generally seen as more inclusive of secular homeschooling families than some other state organizations.

Finding VHEN: Search "Vermont Home Education Network" for their current web presence and contact information.

Vermont Homeschool Events

Vermont does not have a fixed state-run homeschool convention program. When a statewide convention or other large event is offered, it may include:

• Curriculum vendor hall — opportunity to see and compare physical curriculum before buying
• Workshops on Vermont law, assessment, and homeschool approaches
• Speakers on educational philosophy and practical home study topics
• Networking and community connection with families from across the state
• Used curriculum exchange (check whether offered for the specific year)

Dates and locations vary. Check VHEN, the AOE Home Study Office, regional groups, and current event listings for the year you plan to attend.

For new Vermont homeschool families, attending the convention in your first or second year is worth the investment. The vendor hall alone saves the time you'd otherwise spend ordering and returning curriculum that doesn't work for your family. The networking produces connections that can turn into co-op relationships.

Regional Groups and Support Networks

Beyond the statewide organizations, Vermont's actual community life for homeschoolers happens at the regional level. What exists varies significantly by region:

Chittenden County / Burlington metro: Most active region in Vermont for homeschool community. Multiple co-ops with different philosophical orientations (classical, Charlotte Mason, secular, eclectic), organized field trips, and a critical mass of families large enough to find a compatible group.

Central Vermont / Montpelier-Barre area: Active groups, somewhat smaller than Chittenden County. VHEN's regional contacts list is the starting point.

Upper Valley (Windsor County / White River Junction): Strong cross-border community with New Hampshire homeschoolers. Several well-established co-ops serving the Vermont/NH river communities.

Rutland / Southwestern Vermont: Several informal groups; historically served by Green Mountain Homeschoolers and related contacts.

Northeastern Kingdom (Essex, Caledonia, Orleans counties): More sparse. Informal networks around St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville, and Island Pond. Families here tend to drive further for community or build very small local groups.

Southern Vermont (Windham, Bennington): Brattleboro has the most active community in the region. Upper Valley connections for Windsor County families.

Facebook Groups: Where the Real Community Lives

The most active day-to-day community for Vermont homeschoolers is on Facebook. Key groups:

"Moms Homeschooling Vermont Chat Group": The largest active Vermont homeschool Facebook community. Used for curriculum questions, finding local families, activity planning, and general support.

"Vermont Homeschoolers & Unschoolers Unite": Broader in scope; includes unschooling families and those with non-traditional approaches.

Regional groups: Search Facebook for "homeschool [county name] Vermont" or "homeschool [town] Vermont" — local groups exist for most major population centers and some rural areas.

These Facebook groups are where you'll find:

• Real-time responses to Vermont-specific law questions
• Local co-op openings and family meet-up announcements
• Used curriculum buying and selling
• Field trip organizing
• Finding families to build a pod with

Joining 2-3 relevant Facebook groups and posting your location and interests is the fastest path to connecting with Vermont homeschool community.

Front Porch Forum

Vermont's hyperlocal community platform is not specifically a homeschool resource, but it's the most Vermont-specific tool for finding local families. Posting "looking to connect with homeschool families in [town/region]" on Front Porch Forum consistently generates responses from families who aren't in the Facebook groups or VHEN directory. This is particularly useful in rural areas where the formal network is sparse.

What Organizations Don't Provide

Vermont homeschool organizations are primarily volunteer-run and have limited capacity. What they don't provide:

• Legal representation or advice (contact HSLDA for that, or consult a Vermont attorney)
• Curriculum guidance specific to your child's profile (you make that decision)
• Daily community (they can connect you with people; building ongoing relationships is your work)

For the legal and documentation side of Vermont home study, see Vermont homeschool laws and Vermont notice of intent homeschool.

Connecting with VHEN, the AOE Home Study Office, and the Vermont homeschool Facebook community early in your journey will save you significant research time and introduce you to families who have navigated the same decisions you're facing. The Vermont Micro-School & Pod Kit at /us/vermont/microschool/ is designed to complement these community resources with the specific documentation and operational structure you need to run a compliant Vermont home study program or microschool pod.

See more Vermont guides →