Schweinfurt homeschoolers meet monthly

Homeschooling is an option parents have when deciding how to best educate their children. It is an alternative for parents and families everywhere, and perhaps more appealing to those of smaller military communities living abroad.

To support those families in Schweinfurt choosing to homeschool, a group called the Schweinfurt Homeschoolers meets monthly where parents can discuss curriculums, bounce ideas off each other, and simply mingle with others in a similar situation.

“Everyone homeschools for a lot of different reasons.  This group is here so we can get to know each other, support each other, and for the kids to know other kids here who are homeschooled,” said Myra Forrester, a homeschooling parent who, with the collaborative efforts of other homeschooling parents and Schweinfurt agencies, coordinated the Schweinfurt Homeschoolers group.

Forrester explained that the group meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Kessler Bowling Center from 1 to 3 p.m. while also going on different field trips on a monthly basis.

“We’ve been to the castle in Coburg and have visited some museums in Schweinfurt. These trips offer a new perspective and they’ve been really informative,” Forrester said.

“Our family loves the opportunity to get together with other homeschoolers on these trips both for a great outing and also to encourage and be encouraged by others on this similar journey. We’ve found many families have taken the path of homeschooling for a variety of reasons and each has something new or different to offer,” said Heather Chandler, a Schweinfurt homeschooling parent.

The Schweinfurt Homeschoolers group currently hosts 12 families, with children of all ages, and welcomes others to join anytime. According to Forrester, as the group grows and evolves, she consistently seeks ways to meet the needs of homeschooling families, and hopes to integrate a physical education option and German classes for homeschoolers.

“We are the mom, the teacher, the lunch lady. It’s a full time job. We want to be a help to those people homeschooling because it’s such an important task. Everyone needs a net to catch them,” Forrester said.   

For more information or to join the group, contact the School Liaison Officer at 354-6057.

Story by Emily Athens, USAG Schweinfurt Public Affairs