Local Resources Directory

Finding a community of support is a key to homeschooling success, so we’ve organized this Local Resources Directory. Everything you want to know for educational and social connections. 

Co-ops, Resource Centers and Support Groups

  • HERO Irmo Co-op: Home Education Resource Organization offers social and educational activities in Irmo; inclusive/non-religious
  • Life Ready Learners: Critical thinking and hands-on class experiences to aid students in developing vital life skills.
  • Southeast Columbia Co-op: An inclusive learning cooperative that meets weekly with something fun and educational for every age.

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  • Akoma Cares: Homeschool & Community Resource Organization dedicated to supporting families of the  African diaspora on their homeschool journeys. Provides resources, opportunities for enrichment, education, and socialization for melanated families in the Carolina region.
  • Arrows Academy: Two day per week program that partners with families to give their children instruction in the main content areas with qualified teachers and excellent curriculum from a Christian perspective.
  • Chapin Academy: Offers classes two days a week with qualified, Christian instructors.
  • Christian Home Educators of Camden: Informal homeschool support group in the greater Camden, SC area.
  • Community Literacy Lab: Game-based and multi-sensory online learning
  • Dutch Fork Resource Center: Serving the high school needs of homeschooling students throughout the Chapin/Irmo area and beyond.
  • Excelsior Academy:  Academy classes, ages 4-13, develop an effective Christian worldview as we study literature, history, and the fine arts based on various time periods. High School offerings are college-preparatory classes with honors options.
  • Garnet Squadron: 4H club for grades 9-12 participating in FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics.
  • Grace Community Academy: Private school offering part-time enrollment for high schoolers. Band and Drama, too.
  • Harvest Collaborators United Co-op & Hybrid Academy: A la carte classes, in-person and online, ranging from preschool to High School and ACE College Credit Classes.
  • HERALD 5: A support group for home schooling families in the St. Andrews/Irmo/Chapin area; however, residence in Lexington/Richland District 5 is not required for membership
  • Lexington Homeschool Co-op: A Christian Homeschool Group offering classes taught by the parents of children who attend co-op, rather than paid teachers.
  • Midlands Resource Center: Offers middle school preparatory classes and the upper level mathematics, science, foreign language, and/or English courses required to graduate from high school and to prepare their child for college with a Christian perspective.
  • Nelson's Bright Minds Academy: a SC K12 Certified Literacy Teacher, we’re offering home school support for subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies for students in 3rd - 12th grade.
  • Peaceful Gatherings Nature School: An agile learning center where tender hearts and adventurous spirits play to learn.
  • Principia Center: Provides weekly instruction for students in grades 7-12, from a Christian perspective.
  • Rooted in Learning: Virtual preschool sessions to help 3-5 year old children prepare for Kindergarten, while having fun and making friends. Also offers specialized Math and ELA tutoring services for K-8th grade students.
  • Royal Scholars Academy: Afro-centered learning co-operative, with field trips and social activities too.
  • Trinity Homeschool Academy: Equipping the next generation of homeschooling families to love God, love others and reach the world.
  • USC Strings Project: offering instruction on the bowed stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello and bass). Group classes and orchestra from 3rd grade thru high school and beyond.
  • World Changers Leadership Academy: Offers weekly co-op as well as field trips and social activities. A complete support community.
  • YMCA Homeschool Swim & Gym: Incorporate physical activity, healthy living, socialization and play into your homeschool curriculum.

Educational Destinations and Other Resources

  • Agritourism Passport: Visit the participating farms and collect stamps to win Certified South Carolina items!
  • The State Museum: Free daily admission with proof of homeschool registration.
  • Columbia Museum of Art: Kid-friendly tours and projects, free public events.
  • Confederate Relic Room: Free once a month Homeschool Friday, pre-registration required. Free daily admission with proof of homeschool registration.
  • Eudora Farms: Drive-thru safari. Free admission for Homeschoolers in August.
  • Historic Columbia: Once a month Homeschool Day, pre-registration/pre-payment required.
  • Liberty Live 1780: Active learning experiences in the areas of the Life in the Colonial SC Backcountry & American Revolutionary War in South Carolina.
  • Revolutionary War Visitor Center: Seeks to teach South Carolinas' important role in the American Revolution and the importance of the Southern Campaign. Free educational programming for all ages.
  • Riverbanks Zoo: Water park, zip-line, rock wall and carousel activities.
  • Sal's Feed and Seed: Gardening classes and farm tours.
  • SC Military Museum: Self-guided, Free admission. Homeschool STEM Day once a month.
  • SC Numismatics Association: Coin collecting clubs in your area (homeschoolers are welcome).
  • SC State Parks Passport: Explore SC--visit all 47 state parks and earn the ultimate outsider award!
  • Sumter County Museum: Promotes the history of Old Sumter District through programs and exhibits that allow all of us to inform and shape our future.

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  • Virtual SC:  A free state-sponsored ala carte supplemental online program serving students currently attending public, private and home schools in grades 7-12
  • SC Discus: South Carolina’s Virtual Library is the “information place” for all South Carolinians. Provides free access to an electronic library that’s available 24/7. Accessible from your county library's website or via Discus with username/password. READ MORE HERE. 
  • Ed's Editions: Used bookseller locally owned by homeschooler, has large selection of homeschool materials.
  • Richland County Library: Education Studio: A carefully-curated collection of books and materials that support learning through a multisensory approach. The specially-designed studio space provides quiet seating for homeschoolers, tutors and teachers to prepare and conduct lessons. Reading specialists offer a personalized consultation.
  • Discovery Therapies: Learning Development center that goes beyond tutoring by addressing the underlying issues that cause students to struggle.
  • Educational Learning Services: Testing, tutoring, curriculum counseling for homeschoolers in SC and beyond.
    Homeschooling the Special Needs Child: Consultation, Curriculum counseling, testing services especially for homeschoolers.
  • Dyslexia Reading Center: Offers services and resources for students who struggle with reading and those who teach them.
  • All Kinds of Minds: Neurodiversity-Affirming Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services
  • SC Assistive Technology: Technology devices and services to help people with disabilities live, work and learn more independently.
  • Family Connections of SC: Provides programs and support to families that have a child with a disability or specific healthcare need.

Submit Your Club Idea

Cola City can help you set up your club or activity idea. Start by submitting your idea here. Then, we'll contact you to get the details finalized. 

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