POST COVID EDITION:
Homeschool co-ops come and go, but Covid accelerated the process tremendously. Many homeschool co-ops were shut down during Covid, and once things calmed down a bit, many new co-ops opened. Especially with a tremendous influx of people seeking alternative education for their children. Let’s see which of these co-ops survived.
This page has a list of NJ Homeschool Co-ops and Alternative Schools. We hope that you find it helpful.
If you have a co-op/alternative school that you belong to, or run, that is not on this list, please feel free to fill out the form below and tell us a bit about it. Would you like to have your co-op to have a small description page included on our website, with more info, and photos? Then, please reach out and we will be happy to do so for you! If you are an administrator of a group and would like to edit the description of your group, or would like your Co-op removed from this list, just let us know.
Alright, without further ado, here is the list of NJ Homeschool Co-ops that we know.
Some of these co-ops charge a nominal fee, while others (especially those that meet many days a week) charge quite a bit more. Many of these co-ops and schools are also at their full capacity and have a waiting list. The best way is to reach out and ask questions!
1. Homeschool Explorers Club
Homeschool Explorers Club re-opened and is still going strong!
They meet on Wednesdays in Edison on a weekly basis. They are a secular co-op, parent participation is a must, and one or more of the kids have to meet a minimal age requirement (5 years old). The link is a Facebook group where you can find out more information.
2. The Homeschool Village Co-op
The Village Co-op is back on, however they moved to a new location in Edison.
This co-op is located in Dunellen. They meet regularly on Fridays during the school year once a week. There is more info on their website.
3. Green Valley
We should talk about Green Valley for a bit. When we were members, Green Valley is a supportive community, not a co-op in a traditional sense, but more like a support group for homeschoolers of all paths. There were no classes, and a weekly meeting on Tuesday. I reached out to GV to get more information, but for the moment, I heard they are having informal meetings in the park.
From their website: “Green Valley Homeschoolers is a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community participating in home education of varied philosophical, religious, or spiritual approaches. This includes support for homeschooling parents, socialization for children and adults, in a non-sectarian, cooperative structure that offers a variety of activities and a sense of community.”
4. E-Cubed
E-Cubed was awesome, and they totally shut down during Covid. Because kids are generally older there, many of them graduated. There are talks of re-starting E-Cubed, though in a new location. Stay tuned!
E-cubed is a teen led group that meets once a week in Princeton. It is a teen group, so only kids 13 and up. There is quite a bit of information on their website. They do have a waiting list and it takes a while to get in, so if you have a kid on a precipice of being a teenager, you might want to reach out and ask to get on the waiting list.
5. Aquinas Learning Catholic Classical Co-op
It certainly looks like it is still operational. Their Facebook page looks very active and recent.
Located in Parsipany, NJ, and pre-k to 8th grade.
6. CHUC
CHUC is still active as well.
CHUC stands for Christian Homeschoolers of Union County. From their website it sounds like the are more of a support group then a traditional co-op: “Christian Homeschoolers of Union County was founded in 1989 to provide support to homeschooling families living in the Union County, New Jersey area. We have a current membership of 50 families, including some from other counties. ”
There is also Somerset County Christian Homeschoolers. They meet in Bridgewater, NJ.
7. Jersey Shore Home Educators
They don’t seem to have an active co-op group going, but there is a FB group by the same name for meetups and field trips.
INACTIVE Jersey Shore Home Educators meet in Bayville. Here is more about them from their website: “Jersey Shore Home Educators is a new co-op currently working with over twenty families. We incorporate extracurricular classes including Art with a younger and older group, Musical Theater with a younger and older group, Creative Writing (older group only), Archery for both age groups, and Science for both of our age groups. Our goal is to be budget friendly, while creating a fun environment for the children. ”
8. Kids Homeschool Network
I reached out to the group to see what their plan is.
What is KHN? Kids Homeschool Nerwork is the longest running Secular Homeschool co-op in central NJ featuring enrichment activities and education where parents attend with children; for children age 4/5 through 18 who attend and participate happily in a group-structured relaxed environment. Interested? Please email: kidshomeschoolnetwork at gmail to meet the team on a Thursday in Central NJ. Weekly Location changes as it is based on individual pre-planned activities
9. Harmony Homeschoolers
Harmony Homeschoolers is still active. You can reach them via the FB page.
Harmony Homeschoolers was formed in 2014. There usually are various classes for middle-school and high-school aged kids being offered by a wonderful teacher! Check them out right Here.
10. The Learning Cooperatives
PLC is still active and going strong.
Princeton Learning Cooperative is a school alternative learning center, located in Princeton, NJ. They meet on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during the school year. There are two more programs in two different locations. One is Raritan Learning Cooperative in Flemington, NJ. The other is Bucks Learning Cooperative in Langhorne, PA.
11. Voyagers Community School
Voyagers still seems active.
Voyagers is another alternative education school. There is a lot of information about them on their website. They are located in Eatontown, NJ.
12. Mosaic Free School
Mosaic Free School is on and running in a lovely location, with lots of classes to choose from.
Mosaic Free School is back on, so be sure to check out all the new offerings on their website.
13. INACTIVE The Kaleidoscope Cooperative for Science and Math
INACTIVE: looks like they are currently not meeting, though the FB page stays updated with new ideas all the time.
The Kaleidoscope Cooperative for Science and Math focuses on, you guessed it, science and math. According to their website, it is a private enrichment program specializing in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). The program runs for 32 weeks, and is taught by volunteer parents.
14. Stone Hill Learning Center
Stone Hill Learning Center looks alive and well.
This is the description from their website: “The Stone Hill Learning Center (SHLC), established in 1984 as Westerly Road Church Learning Center, is an academic enrichment program for homeschooled students, grades K-12.” It is located at Stone Hill Church of Princeton. The classes are run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 3:00 pm. More information can be found by clicking on the name to go to their website!
15. Knowlton Fine Arts
Knowlton Fine Arts also looks like it is still active.
Located in Columbia, NJ. Here is a short description from their website: “Knowlton Fine Arts is a Christian non-denominational homeschool group drawing participating families from across Northern New Jersey and Northeast Pennsylvania. We exist to develop excellence in arts and music in our children, and to be a vibrant community for children and parents alike in friendship, encouragement, and sharing in the important and rewarding job of homeschooling.” They have a variety of classes available, with a focus on music, drama and fine arts.
16. Creekside Learning Co-op
Their FB page looks like it is active and updated, and seems like they continue to meet. Though it is best to reach out to them with any questions you might have.
This co-op is located in Hopewell, NJ. For children aged 0 to 15, they meet weekly every Tuesday from September to May. “Our co-op is designed to provide a fun, relaxed, and nurturing environment for children to pursue, explore, and discover their passions alongside peers and with the guidance of their parents.” You can use their website to contact them and find out more information. It is a secular co-op.
17. Bright Co-op
Bright Co-op is active, they are operating from Zarephath, NJ.
Bright Co-op is located in Netcong NJ. It is an academic co-op with classes spanning PreK – 12th. The co-op meets on Fridays from Sept – May. For families looking to participate: you have to commit to a full school year, willingness to teach and participate as an active member of the co-op, there is a statement of faith requirement for at least one parent.
18. The Learning Connection
ACTIVE
The Learning Connection is a Christian Co op, located in Northwest NJ. Here is a brief description from their website: “We are here to encourage you on this journey of home schooling through many facets. Our co-op is our most attended event with low cost, member teachers, specialized outside teachers, core and elective classes and great fellowship.”
19. Wildflower Homeschool Collective
ACTIVE
Wildflower Homeschool Collective is a Muslim faith-based weekly co-op offering classes and field trips. Wildflower Homeschool Collective also offers monthly courses for homeschoolers that are open to everyone such as art, environmental sciences, Juijitsu, music, robotics and more. They are based out of Bergen County offering courses in the Bergen, Essex and Passaic County areas. You can also be reach them at info@learnwithwildflower.com.
20. ACCE: Academic Christian Center For Excellence
ACTIVE
ACCE is a homeschool hybrid learning center in Tinton Falls that offers part time and full time options in a warm nurturing environment with very individualized programs and lots of experiential learning. Enrichments included in addition to the core curriculum are cooking, martial arts, music, Holy Yoga, and STEM activities. ACCE can be contacted through the Facebook page or by phone or email: (732) 430-1955 accelearning2@gmail.com.
21. CBEC: Calvary Baptist Enrichment Cooperative
ACTIVE
CBEC meets at least once a month in Oceanport NJ for a casual social gathering, mixed ages, boys and girls. They often have seasonal and holiday celebrations, and we also do focused themes or subjects. CBEC is run by homeschool parents, and are a ministry of CBC which welcomes all children in the community for enrichment, fun and friendship for the children and tweens; as well as social connections for the parents.
22. Acton Academy
ACTIVE
Acton Academy is an alternative school. It currently has two locations, one in Morristown and one in Vernon.
“We believe that each young person who enters our doors is a hero destined to change the world. Acton Academy Morristown is part of the Acton Academy network –a network of true learner-driven communities started in Austin in 2009– and considered by many to be a leading model of K-12 innovation in the United States. We believe it is the most nurturing, deep-learning, student-centered learning environment in the world, and we’re thrilled to share it with intentional families in our community.”
23. INACTIVE Amber Colibri Center
There is not information to show that this co-op remains active.
Amber Colibri Center is located in Newark. They offer a variety of educational programs and classes that look like they would be a good fit for many homeschoolers in the area.
***Disclaimer: Please know that TheHappyHomeschooler is NOT affiliated with any of the schools mentioned in this article. We are NOT being reimbursed for anything said here. All the opinions are ours alone and do not reflect the opinions of the organizations mentioned here, unless explicitly stated otherwise. ***
Do you have a great co-op that you love in NJ? Let us know in the comments.
I would like to find out how to advertise our homeschool co op on your site
Hi Angela, I will send you an email. You could leave a comment here in the meantime, or just reply to my email with information, and I will add it to the list.
Hi!
My name is Jessica and I am from FOCUS Children’s Therapy Center located in Tenafly, NJ. We have a great program launching in the Fall and I think it would be great for parents that home school their children! We have a Fitness Program, Art, Yoga, and much more! Is there a way I can share on your page our programs? If so, I’d love to share what we have.
I look forward to hearing from you! Thank you!
Hi Jessica! Thank you so much for reaching out! Currently, I am having some technical difficulties here, at thehappyhomeschooler. I am working on resolving them, and will get back to you shortly.
I would be interested I live close to tenafly. And homeschool 3 children. From 7 years old to 15.
Thanks so much for adding Aquinas!
I am happy to!
Hi. We are a family that homeschool my daughter is 7 years old she would like to meet other homeschool children we arein Eatowntown new jersy.
Are there any home school groups in South Jersey area? luv2bholm@yahoo.com
Unfortunately, I am located in North Jersey. You could check out our list of co-ops and see if there is one close to where you live (http://www.thehappyhomeschooler.com/nj-homeschool-coops-and-alternative-schools/), or you could ask in one of the Facebook groups: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NJHSHO/ or this one: https://www.facebook.com/groups/148230255222432/ Good luck!
We are the Hubiere Family and we live in Bloomfield NJ. Our kids are 14 and 10 (both boys). This is our second year homeschooling and we are hoping to connect with other families for activities and socialization opportunities. We are looking for a coop in northern ni.
Thank You
Sent from my iPhone
Aquinas is still in operation, and we’re meeting in Tewksbury. Our website is working fine! https://www.aquinaslearning.com/
I’m not sure if I already wrote this, but Aquinas Learning is still active! We’ve moved to Tewksbury, but we’re still here, still Classical and Catholic.
https://www.aquinaslearning.com/
Hi Nicole, Thank you for reaching out and letting me know! I took an internet break for the holidays and just saw your comment. Thank you for your patience! I will update.
Thanks Nicole!! Our family loves Aquinas Learning
Hello! I’m located in Milltown, NJ and considering homeschooling our two children 3 and 6yrs. Looking for other families in my area for advice and help getting started if that’s what we end up doing. Thanks in advance for any help!
Hi Anabela, My biggest piece of advice for getting started is to join a few online homeschooling groups for your area (such as some listed here: http://www.thehappyhomeschooler.com/nj-homeschool-online-support-groups/). Then through the groups, look for events in your area, and join in. Talk to other parents, ask questions, make friends. Then take it one step at a time. Good luck to you and your little ones!
Is there anyone that could give me further information on beginning the process of homeschooling? My son is losing his self esteem due to low grades at school and has been begging me to homeschool him. I’m able to do so but have little knowledge of where to begin. Also is the any homeschooling groups in Little Egg Harbor, NJ area?
Thank you.
Athena, I would start by looking for a few facebook groups. Here are some suggestions. http://www.thehappyhomeschooler.com/nj-homeschool-online-support-groups/. I will also shoot you an email and we can talk further.
KHN/Kids Homeschool Network is one of the oldest established secular co-ops in Central NJ near Hunterdon/Somerset Counties/class trips all over for ages 5-18. It is not a drop-off service.
Important Note: it appears that the website needs to be updated as the mentioned location and schedule have changed. For current information/to attend, email kidshomeschoolnetwork@gmail.com
Hello please feel free to add Acton Academy Verona – it is a progressive, child centered microschool in Verona, part of the Acton Academy network that was hailed as one of the next great thing in education by the Christensen Foundation for Educational Excellence
Www. Actonacademyverona.org
done.
Hello
I am working with group homeschooling middle school in north Jersey , 12 students — any idea how we can qualify for a G Suite for Education account? – I know some home school groups are given access ..
They do have some directions for homeschoolers in their support. Good luck! https://support.google.com/a/answer/2856827?hl=en
Looking for homeschooling community in Hoboken. We are new to area and have a 4.5 yr old and 2.5 yr old and looking for play groups and other homeschool groups in the area.
Definitely check out some of the Facebook groups. There are several from that area.
Hi. Please consider adding Amber Colibri Center to the list of Nj co-op an alternative school. We are a small 501c3 non-profit. One of our programs is a homeschooling co-op with enrichment workshops and promised stability of a social environment for homeschooled kids ages 5-10. You can find more information under the tab “programs for children” on our website.
All the best, Agnieszka
Added.
Please consider adding Acton Academy, hybrid homeschool. Morristown and Veron locations. 3-5 full day programs. My daughter would like to attend but not enough middle schoolers, yet, so she’s reluctant. Can check out FB pages or website.
This is a national program. Thanks.
Added. 🙂
Hi. The info for jersey shore home educators is no longer accurate. We no longer have classes. We take 2 field trips a month, all over NJ!
Thank you for letting us know.
Hello, please add our Co-Op, and thank you for this terrific resource.
“CBEC” Calvary Baptist Enrichment Cooperative
We meet at least once a month in Oceanport NJ for a casual social gathering, mixed ages, boys and girls.
We often have seasonal and holiday celebrations, and we also do focused themes or subjects.
We are run by homeschool mamas, and are a ministry of CBC which welcomes all children in the community for enrichment, fun and friendship for the children and tweens; as well as social connections for moms.
We would love to send you some pictures which include a field trip to learn about the Peregrine Falcon, Valentine swaps, Christmas fun, science lessons, kindness activities for our community, and more,.
Sara and Lynette
1305 Eatontown Blvd. Oceanport
Facebook.com/calvarycoop
Thanks!
Added!
Please add ACCE Academic Christian Center For Excellence to this list. ACCE is a homeschool hybrid learning center in Tinton Falls that offers part time and full time options in a warm nurturing environment with very individualized programs and lots of experiential learning. Enrichments included in addition to the core curriculum are cooking, martial arts, music, Holy Yoga, and STEM activities. ACCE can be contacted through the Facebook page or by phone or email (732) 430-1955 accelearning2@gmail.com
Will do.
Please add Wildflower Homeschool Collective, we run a Muslim faith-based weekly co-op offering classes and field trips.
Wildflower Homeschool Collective also offers monthly courses for homeschoolers that are open to everyone such as art, environmental sciences, Juijitsu, music, robotics and more. We are based out of Bergen County offering courses in the Bergen, Essex and Passaic County areas.
We currently have a Facebook page, Instagram and can be reached by email as well at info.learnwithwildflower.com
You got it!
Please let me know if there are any co-ops in the Pompton Plains, Wayne, Butler area of North New Jersey. My boys are 13 and 9.
I am not in that area, but there are several Facebook groups for that area. I know that Montclair area has a large community of homeschoolers.
Hi,
I’m a professional musician and guitar teacher based in Princeton and am looking for some interested students during the day. I was homeschooled for a year growing up, and that is when I first started learning the guitar. It changed my life and I’m hoping to bring that some love and joy to others.
Classical Conversations is a Christian curriculum that meets in communities around the country, and in many places around New Jersey – http://www.classical conversations.com
Hello. Check out New Beginnings Co-Op Learning Center. https://newbeginningsnj.org/co-op/
Here’s what our Co-Op & Learning Center looks like for your family!
~ Our Co-Op is for children in Kindergarten to 8th-grade. We ask parents to stay, engage and play an active role in our weekly activities and learning experiences.
~ We meet every Thursday from 8:30am to 3pm at our Bayville Campus (1 New Beginnings Way, Bayville).
~ We start our day with an assembly, then split into Co-Op activities or Learning Center experiences. (Sometimes we just spend the day in Co-Op activities depending on what’s going on.) We know you and your kids will have fun spending time with other children, parents and actively learning together!
~ Our Co-Op activities support your child’s need for community. These are social activities that help kids engage with their peers, and express themselves hands-on. (Think arts and crafts, home ec., theater, etc…)
~ Our Learning Center experiences are educator-led and subject-focused but in an interactive format. This is all to promote children retaining information, problem-solving and critical thinking. (Think open discussion and small groups.)
That is fantastic, thank you for sharing!
Hi! My company is launching new programs in the fall for homeschooled students! Hoping to connect with you for ways to get our information on your site for the public to see! Look forward to hearing back from you.
Hi Caitlin, I will send you an email. In the meantime, please feel free to share more info here!
Hello, I’m in Maplewood NJ. I have a 4.5 year old and 1.5 year old. I’m looking for homeschool groups in my area that are currently having classes Any Info would be greatly appreciated.
I recommend you check out some local FB groups.
Hello! We just created a brand new online music class for 1st and 2nd grade homeschoolers!
“pBuzz: Intro to Brass” – Learn to play the pBuzz!
Participants learn how to play the pBuzz in 4 weekly 30-min classes formulated specially for 1st and 2nd grade personalities! This live online class doesn’t feel like online learning- it’s interactive, fun and engaging. We explore 1st and 2nd grade musical concepts like high/low, fast/slow, basic rhythms and rests as part of our pBuzz Zoom band. Participants discover the sounds, shapes and musical personalities of a different brass instruments each week. Every class we also get our little learners wiggling in a segment featuring movement and rhythm games. They have a blast! While they’re having fun, we sneak in tons of content that’s aligned with the National Music Education Standards. At the end of the class, you’ll get a detailed class content sheet for your portfolio. The pBuzz is an inexpensive and durable plastic pre-brass instrument that you can buy for about $30. Before you invest in an expensive instrument and lessons, give the pBuzz a try and let your little learner explore the world of brass! This is a short term class sparking long term musical interests!
We homeschool our 14yo daughter in Eatontown who is very involved in freehand and digital art, creative writing, baking and science and are looking for homeschool groups and /or co-ops in our area! Any groups with friendly people would be great!
Hi! We offer private guitar lessons in Bergen County NJ and beyond. Guitar instruction is personalized for each unique individual with a stress-free, highly enjoyable program, helping you cultivate your passion for music and learning.
Both in-home & virtual lessons are available. Beginners to advanced players welcome.
15+ years of dedicated guitarists and happy families!
https://adventuresofleonid.com/guitar-lessons
Our son was homeschooled and we compiled an extensive library of books and educational material from pre-K thru High School. We would like to donate these materials to some interested schooling group. We are located in Morris County, Nj and could deliver the materials to you. Bob Sheriff
Robert, there are plenty of organizations that will take the books! Best of luck!
Did you find someone?
Thanks for putting this up!
Hello, I am located in North Jersey any Co – ops in that area. it has been very hard to find a co-op in northern Nj
I feel rather out of touch with all the new co-ops that have been opening up since 2020. I hope you found something that suits your family’s needs.
Hi. I’m looking for a homeschooling pod for my 9 year old. I live in MARLTON New Jersey. Thanks so much.
Hi Lisa, I recommend joining a few local to your area homeschool groups on FB.
Hello!
I am wondering if we could have our hybrid school added to this list. Greystone Academy is a Christian school that has been meeting in Newtown, PA for the past 9 years and just opened a location in Hamilton, Mercer County, New Jersey for the 2022-23 school year. We offer classes two days a week and families can join one or all. We also accept in-year enrollments. Thank you for your consideration and Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi, I have two pre-k aged children and I’m looking for alternative education, like a co op or learning pod, located near Bergen County. Any advice on where to start looking? Most things I find are old from Covid times and no longer around. Thanks so much!
Hi. Tree of life has a coop for ages 3-15 years old in Boundbrook. Check us out at http://www.treeoflifecoop.org