Getting Out of the House is Easy for Homeschool Kids
Homeschooling is on the rise, and the greater Kalamazoo area redefines what it means to homeschool.
Whether you are a veteran or just starting out, Kalamazoo has an astounding array of support groups, classes, and extracurricular options certain to fit your style and family dynamic.
Don’t forget that your kids can also take advantage of sports and extracurricular activities anywhere such as Girl Scouts or classes at The Suzuki School, so this list is by no means exhaustive.
Did we miss your favorite homeschooling resource or program? Email our editor to update our guide!
In this Article
• Secular Homeschoolers
• Religious Programs
• Discounts
• Rewards
• Events
Classes + Activities: Secular Homeschoolers
Art & Music
Design Street 115 W Bridge St, Plainwell, MI 49080
Design Street offers art classes for homeschoolers ages 5-18 using multiple art techniques and media.
Kalamazoo Chinese Academy 203 E Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002
This nonprofit offers Chinese language at all levels and performing arts classes (dance, lion dance/martial arts, Chinese yoyo) plus painting and Asian inspired mixed media art classes for students ages 4-18.
Kalamazoo Music School 324 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Kalamazoo Music School offers homeschooling families daytime private music lessons (virtually or in-person) in guitar, ukulele, piano, voice, drums, bass, violin and viola.
They also are home to SW Michigan’s premier youth jazz orchestra and vocal jazz ensemble.
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Contact the KIA to arrange a tour or special class for a homeschool group, adapted for grade levels attending.
Soul Sparklettes Art & The Glitter Bomb online (locally owned)
Local mom Julie Soul’s passion for art is evident in over 300 projects and lessons from her company. Perfect for homeschoolers, teachers or parents who just want to share art with their kiddos.
Cooking Classes
Crème Baking & Cooking Classes Portage, MI
Crème classes are designed to teach kids culinary skills and techniques through a hands-on approach in the kitchen. Sessions are offered monthly with varying themes. Email the instructor (Meg) with questions.
Nature
Girl Scouts has offered Homeschool programs in the past. Contact them for future opportunities. (2023’s info)
Kalamazoo Nature Center 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Once a month, the KNC holds a homeschool science class for ages 4-12, beginning in the fall. Classes focus on exploring native Michigan habitats, studying and recognizing seasonal changes in plants and animals, and becoming a scientist.
Life Cycles Nature School Vicksburg, MI
LCNS offers secular programming in sustainable gardening, homesteading, wilderness skills, and off-grid living in all seasons for ages 2-12. Families can enroll in 6-week sessions that meet once per week in Vicksburg.
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute 701 W Cloverdale Rd, Hastings, MI 49058
This nature center offers homeschool group field trips, classes, and lesson plans for elementary-aged kids.
Sarett Nature Center 2300 Benton Center Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Homeschoolers, six and up, can take a natural science class at Sarett Nature Center.
Science
Air Zoo 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Homeschool Discovery Days are the perfect addition to any at-home curriculum.
The Air Zoo’s programs meet both Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Michigan Science Standards with dynamic, hands-on lesson plans and interactive demonstrations and tours.
Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center 600 W Vine St Ste 400, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Students can apply to the KAMSC in eighth grade. Once accepted, students spend a half-day in intensive mathematics, science and/or computer courses.
Sports & Fitness
Branch Gymnastics 6712 Financial Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Kids Gym 9027 Portage Industrial Dr, Portage, MI 49024
Both Branch Gymnastics and Kids Gym offer homeschool gymnastics classes during the day.
Informal bike club for all ages and experience to find common interests with biking. Club meets 1-2 times per week in the fall; parents are encouraged to bike as well.
Swing away with the Kalamazoo Cougars middle school golf team that operates secularly through the Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation program.
Kingdom Sports 8151 Merchant Place, Portage, MI 49002
Kingdom offers camps and classes in soccer, skateboarding and flag football.
Homeschool run club for kids ages 8-12. Sessions take place at Haven Church on Sprinkle Road.
Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area 13421 Mann St, Jones, MI 49061
Swiss Valley offers a Homeschool Ski Special for students and their families every winter.
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo – Portage 2900 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
The YMCA offers homeschool classes at the Portage location for gym, yoga, and swimming. They can also schedule additional homeschool classes for groups upon request.
Classes + Activities: Religious Homeschool Programs
Art & Music
The Homeschooling Performing Arts (HPA) is a Christian organization in which students and parents work together to produce music, drama, and musical theatre productions.
An independent Christian choir, the Kalamazoo Homeschool Choir is for homeschooled kids 7-12 in the Kalamazoo area.
West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts (WMHFA) is a Christian non-profit organization that offers music classes, band, ensembles, and orchestra.
Reformed Heritage Christian School (RHCS) offers classes for homeschoolers in high school, including their popular art classes.
Sports & Fitness
A non-profit organization ran under the Kalamazoo Homeschool Sports (KHSS), the Kalamazoo Cougars offers baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, and volleyball.
Other Groups
The Southwest Michigan Homeschool Speech and Debate Club meets weekly at the Ransom District Library in Plainwell.
Woodworker + Wife Homeschool offers digital downloads of homeschool curricula.
Support Groups for Homeschoolers
Starting to homeschool can be intimidating; connecting with other homeschooling families will allow you to share resources and form friendships.
There are many ways to find your tribe and friends for your kids: Meetup groups, co-ops, school partnerships, and online groups can all help you develop your homeschool support network.
All-Inclusive
If you are looking for a group for parents already unschooling their families, or if you want more information about the unschooled lifestyle, visit Kalamazoo Unschoolers.
Out and About Homeschoolers is a spot for homeschool families to check in and see where other homeschoolers are hanging out around Kalamazoo.
Secular
Battle Creek Young Homeschoolers members share resources, celebrate successes, and get together for playdates, field trips, and fun events.
Find secular homeschoolers in the Kalamazoo area through the closed Facebook group Kalamazoo Secular Homeschoolers. They regularly host group activities and field trips.
For school partnerships, students enroll as part-time students with the school systems and can take elective classes, online and dual enrollment courses, and participate in established community partnerships. SW Michigan Partnerships include Gull Lake Partnership, Hamilton School District Partnership, and Niles Virtual Partnership.
Religious
Battle Creek HEART is a Christian homeschool group for homeschooling families in the greater Battle Creek area. They offer family field trips, park days, play dates, and mom support.
A Catholic homeschool support group, JMJ provides mutual support, prayer, and offers educational and spiritual opportunities. They include field trips, book clubs, and park days.
Classical Conversations is an organization that supports homeschooling parents by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian worldview in fellowship with other families. There is a weekly meeting and a scheduled curriculum to follow.
With over 45 classes in a group setting and tutors for all aspects of spiritual and academic growth, Kalamazoo Area Tutoring is a Christian co-op.
R.E.A.C.H. Kzoo is a Christian homeschooling co-op. They meet Wednesdays at the Lighthouse Community Church in Kalamazoo.
Servants of the Immaculata Catholic Co-op provides enrichment opportunities for preschoolers through middle school and core classes for middle and high school.
Homeschooling Discounts
If you’re looking to buy or sell used curriculum, consider the closed Facebook groups Kalamazoo Area Homeschool Curriculum Buy and Sell and Kalamazoo Area Homeschoolers Buy, Sell & Swap
Two used curriculum sales happen every spring, the TLC Annual Used Curriculum & More Sale and the KAHSA Used Curriculum Sale. Both have used curriculum, books, games, manipulatives, kits, and other resources.
Use your homeschooling educator discount card at Barnes & Noble on select days to receive up to 25% off books and other merchandise on Homeschool Educator Appreciation Days.
Participate in the annual INCH Conference held every May in Lansing. With keynote messages, vendors, and over 100 workshop choices, with a focus on Christian homeschooling.
View a list of discounts available with a valid homeschool educator ID card (one option available here). TLC Co-op also offers a free ID.
Rewards Programs
Pizza Hut Book It Program is a reading program for K through 6th Grade, including homeschoolers. Set the reading goal for a chance to earn a FREE personal-size pizza.
Local libraries often have summer reading challenges for kids with fun prizes. Check with your local branch for details.
Events
More to Explore
