Community Connections

HACHE exists to help families connect with information, resources, and community.

 

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

HACHE helps connect families with other homeschool opportunities in the Helena area.

While not every activity is organized directly by HACHE, we help families discover opportunities such as:

  • homeschool organized sports teams
  • homeschool ski days
  • reading programs, co-ops, nature groups, art classes, and other activities

DIVING DEEPER

HACHE is an all-volunteer organization with a long history of creating opportunities and memories with homeschooling families.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS

  • Science Fair:  Our longest-running annual event, started in 1992, encourages children to be curious about God's creation, hypothesize, and conduct experiments to learn about our incredible world.  A fantastic opportunity to think analytically, creatively, and to compete in a supportive and encouraging environment.  HACHE members enjoy a reduced entry fee, and all participants bring a potluck item for dinner.
  • Spelling Bee:  This event is a fun way to show off your children's skills, build confidence, speak publicly, and have fun.
  • Science Olympiad, MathCounts, and Academic Olympiad: These three competitive programs are designed to challenge students in STEM and other academic subjects. Students build friendships with like-minded peers while collaborating in a team-based adventure that builds confidence, critical thinking, time management, and analytical skills all while having fun.
    • Science Olympiad: HACHE placed 2nd Overall in Small Schools in 2026!
    • MathCounts: A wonderful math teacher volunteers his time and skills to tutor kids for 4+ months in a team setting to prepare students for the competition.
    • Academic Olympiad: In 2026, the middle and high school teams both notched wins, and each student earned points by correctly answering questions!

ENRICHING OPTIONS

  • Field Trips:  Enjoy learning with others through hands-on events planned by our members, including Museum of the Rockies, Buffalo Jump, Montana Wild, the Montana History Museum, snowshoeing, and more.
  • HACHE Prom: Organized and planned by a student-led steering committee, this spring event offers older students an evening of socialization and dancing with peers.  Learn more here.
  • HACHE Picnics:  Twice a year, members are invited to a potluck picnic to socialize in a relaxing atmosphere.  These picnics also offer members with businesses an opportunity to showcase their products to other members.  Bring your table and your products and feel free to sell away.
  • Ski Days:  The Great Divide, Discovery, and Big Sky Resort offer discounted ski passes for homeschoolers. The Great Divide outside of Helena offers discounted tickets, lunches, rentals and lessons for students and family members. Early sign-up is recommended because tickets are limited. Information is in the newsletter.
  • Track Meet:  A homeschooling father and experienced PE teacher reinvigorated the original Small School/Homeschool with an annual Youth Track & Field Day each spring. HACHE members receive a discounted rate to participate. Learn more here.

COMMUNICATION

  • Email Tree:  Communication is the key to success, and the HACHE email tree is vital to disseminate information on a timely basis.  Members may use this benefit to sell curriculum, ask questions, or promote classes.  Interesting opportunities are offered to members using the Email Tree.
  • Membership Newsletters:  Enjoy 9 months of newsletters letting you know the latest happenings, highlight your students' successes, and promote your businesses to home schooling families.
  • Steering Committee:  The Steering Committee consists of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and At-Large members who oversee the events. The members are elected each spring and, per the bylaws, must have homeschooling for at least a year.  This is a great way to serve your fellow homeschoolers.
  • Legislative Issues:  The Montana Legislature meets biannually, and homeschool regulations come up every single time.  Stay informed on issues that affect homeschooling by being involved in the email tree.  Learn how to testify, or have your children become active citizens in the state government.
  • Membership Directory:  Make connections with fellow homeschoolers with the member-only directory.

SUPPORT

  • Helena Homeschool Resource Fair & Curriculum Sale. Typically held in August, this fair includes presentations, curriculum tables, local resource vendors, children's story time, book nook, free resource table, bounce house, giveaways, door prizes and more! Watch the newsletter for announcements.
  • Mentorships.  If you are new to homeschooling and want to talk to an experienced homeschooling family, contact the HACHE to connect you with a seasoned home educator. If you have been blessed by homeschooling and are willing to share your wisdom with another family, please let us know that you are willing to mentor.
  • Home School Library. Hundreds of books are available for checking out at the Liberty Baptist Church Home School Library.

ENDLESS OPTIONS

Christ is King, and if He is calling you to organize an activity or event, please reach out. Past activities and events that HACHE has supported include:

  • Helena Area Home School Athletic Association:  For 5th grade and up, homeschoolers enjoy a traveling Volleyball team and a traveling Basketball team, and compete in the Small Schools league. There are middle school, Junior Varsity, and Varsity teams. Contact the HACHE board to connect with the Athletic Association.
  • Art and Talent Night:  Show off your child's talent in this annual winter show.  Bring their artwork, have them sing a song, play a musical instrument, and enjoy their baking talents.
  • Geography Bee:  Annually, fourth graders and up can participate in and test their knowledge of America and the world.  Winners advance to the higher level.
  • School Pictures:  Many HACHE members are talented photographers and have offered professional and gorgeous "school photo" opportunities for families. Although phones make taking and sharing photos much easier, there are many options to level up your photos and share the joy of your growing gifts from God.
  • Park Play Dates: Families take advantage of empty parks and playgrounds. Parents get to chat, and kids get to run and have fun.
  • Vendor tables: At every event, members with businesses are offered the opportunity to showcase their products.  Be sure to contact the organizer so that we have enough tables for you.