2026 THE GREAT STATE OF MAINE HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE

Augusta, Maine May 1 & 2, 2026

Join us for the largest homeschool event ever held in Maine!

purchase tickets here until
TUESDAY, APRIL 21st 2026
***There will be No tickets at the door***

The Great State of Maine Homeschool Conference presented by Maine Home Education Alliance is geared for the whole family:

Interactive, engaging family-friendly entertainment and programs for all ages;

Workshops and panel presentations;
Children’s area;
Special learner sensory space;
Career and college fair for teens and homeschool graduates;
Social time and networking for both teens and families.

Stay tuned as we roll out special announcements of nationally recognized performers and speakers you won’t want to miss!

The Great State of Maine Homeschool Conference will be held at the spacious, centrally located Augusta Civic Center. Right off of I95 at 76 Community Dr, Augusta, ME 04330

Stay tuned for the complete schedule!

Friday May 1, 2026

Keynote Speaker: Amanda Weeden, New Hampshire’s Home Education Advocate and Leader will talk about “School Choice: A Cautionary Tale from NH”

Performance by Josiah Dyer, Maine homeschool graduate & musician. Check him out in the American Idol auditions!

Maine’s Homeschool Idol– singing competition for homeschooler’s aged 13-20!

Saturday May 2, 2026

Keynote Speaker: Patrick Farenga, writer, publisher, and education activist will talk about “Learning is Natural, Schooling is Optional”

Community Contradance from 4-6 PM! All ages welcome- No experience needed-

Stay tuned as we roll out additional announcements of nationally recognized performers and speakers you won’t want to miss!

We are excited to announce a bigger, expanded children’s area and even MORE family friendly, hands-on programs than last year! Returning for this year’s lineup: Mr. Drew (both days), Frogtown Puppeteers, and KindKids.

Seminars, panel discussions, and breakout sessions at our conference offer a unique opportunity to dive deeper into specific topics, engage in interactive discussions, and network with like-minded professionals. These sessions cover a wide range of subjects and attendees can choose sessions that best align with their interests and goals for a more personalized and impactful experience.

Breakout sessions to date:

Embracing Dyslexia: Empowering Homeschooling Families
Kids Who Learn Differently and the Parents Who Want Answers
Building a Solid Math Foundation—Because Confidence Matters
Come Learn More about the Alfond Grant and Maine’s 529 Education Savings Plan
Experience Classical Education with Triangles!
Homeschooling the Teen Years
Opening to Magic: Teaching Poetry from the Poet’s Perspective
Nature-Powered STEM: How to Build Curiosity, Confidence, and Real Science Skills
Traveling Light: How we traveled and Homeschooled without being rich
Unschooling 101: Trust and Connection
Homeschooling 101
State Legislator Panel-Homeschooling and Legislative Concerns
Science Superpowers: Engaging Neurodivergent Learners
Paleo Problem Solving
GenUS Microcredentialing Program for Maine Homeschoolers
Co-op Leader Panel-Starting and Organizing Co-ops Q&A
Wellness Wizard Magic Workshops
Portfolio Reviewer Panel Q&A
Write ME: An Introduction to Letter Poems for Young Poets
Special Learners Parent Panel Q&A
Parental Rights, Homeschooling and the Law
Public Librarian Panel- How Public Libraries Help Maine Homeschoolers
Career Pathways at General Dynamics/Bath Iron Works
Elevate your child’s talent with love, music and environment!
Journey to Job: Pathway to Career Exploration
Your Homeschool Group: Answering the Hard Questions
I’d Like to Help, but How? Dads and Homeschooling
Move Like a Bison Through the Eye of the Storm
Early College Program Q&A
College Admission Panel Q&A
How to Effectively Engage with Policy Makers, and Why it is Important! Q&A
Homeschooling Advanced, Gifted, and Twice-exceptional Children and Teens
Crush Homeschool PE Requirements. Stronger Families, Kids and Lives. Q & A
Resilient Stories: Turning Real‑World Adventures into Homeschool Learning
Vikings, Pirates, and Ninjas: Teaching History with Mixed Grade Levels

The Great State of Maine Homeschool Conference will host a College and Career Fair for teens from 9-11 am on Friday, May 1! Employers, career preparation professionals/programs and Maine colleges will be on hand throughout the fair to provide information on a variety of opportunities available to young people in our great state. Many will provide breakout workshops where you can get in-depth info on all they have to offer and how they achieved their own career goals!

College and Career Fair Attendees:

In the afternoon, attend one of our college- and career-focused workshops, including:

Early college classes
College admissions counselor panel
College financial planning
Career planning
And more!

We are so excited to announce that we are partnering with some amazing organizations for the Special Learner & Sensory Play Space! Both the Autism Society of Maine and Gallant Therapy Services will be providing a fun, friendly play space for families and their children who may learn a bit differently or have physical or developmental disabilities. In addition Rise, Inc., Maine CITE, Special Olympics, Camp Capella, and the Maine Parent Federation will be there to be a one-stop shop for networking, information on resources for families, all while the kids are in a safe, monitored space to play. Need a quiet corner for an overstimulated family member? We’ll have one conveniently attached to the play space. This is meant to be a drop in space where families can come and go as they need to…. for 15 minutes or a few hours! It’s your call. Many from our team have homeschooled our neurospicy kids, so PLEASE come join us!

The vendor fair will run from 9am-4pm each day; where 9-11am each day is dedicated specifically just to the vendor fair. Our vendors bring together homeschool friendly businesses offering tools, ideas, curriculums, resources, service and/or products to encourage and inspire homeschooling families.

The vendor fair will run from 9-4 each day; 9-11am each day is dedicated specifically to the vendor fair. We have big plans for a ROBUST vendor area in the main auditorium for 2026!

Please complete the form found at the link below if your organization is interested in a paid vendor space at The Great State of Maine Homeschool Conference on May 1 and 2, 2026 at the Augusta Civic Center. If Maine Home Education Alliance feels you are a good match for our event, we will get back to you within 2 weeks with vendor details. Space is limited, so please submit early! https://forms.gle/d77N5QL3MWvUxibbA

Thank-you for your interest! Sponsorship packages will be offered soon for the 2026 event on Friday and Saturday, May 1 & 2, 2026.

Thank you for your interest! We are seeking breakout session speakers and hands-on programs. Please use the speaker proposal submission form to inquire.

Many hands make light work! In order to pull off the largest homeschool event our state has ever seen, we need lots of help to make the event run smoothly. Parents and responsible teens are needed! We have jobs for everyone, from social butterfly to bookworm. Check back in March to find out how to volunteer!

Questions?

If you have questions about The Great State of Maine Homeschool Conference or need assistance, contact us today