SHEN - Sydney and NSW Home Education Network

10/09/2026

Use SHEN as your school"

Booking a venue or organising an activity that normally needs a "school" behind it? SHEN members can use our organisation as that backing — the kind of practical, behind-the-scenes support that makes bigger things possible for home-educating families.

06/09/2026

Sports carnivals, the traditional way

Swimming carnival. Athletics carnival. The full school-sports-day experience — races, ribbons, cheering sections and all — organised for home-educating families, with subsidised entry for SHEN members. Because homeschoolers deserve carnival day too.

04/09/2026

One platform, every event

Members get access to an online platform to list their own events and activities — and to browse and join activities other homeschooling families are running. Invite participants automatically through our newsletter. One less thing to organise on your own.

31/08/2026

You're not doing this alone

Homeschooling can feel isolating if you're going it alone — SHEN exists so you don't have to. Our community is here to answer the questions, share the wins, and back you up on the hard days. That's the part of membership you can't put a dollar figure on.

27/08/2026

Theatre and dance, made accessible

Sydney Dance Company. Seymour Theatre. Capitol Theatre. SHEN members get access to performances at these venues at school rates — the kind of cultural experiences that usually take a school excursion to arrange. As a member, it's part of what your $23 a year unlocks.

24/08/2026

Opera House, at school rates

Yes, really — SHEN members can access Sydney Opera House performances at school rates. One of the perks of being part of an organised home education community: doors that are normally only open to school groups, open to your family too.

21/08/2026

One membership, a full calendar of benefits

SHEN membership is $23 a year — and it covers a lot more than you'd think. Discounted tickets to major events, school-rate seats to Opera House and theatre performances, swimming and athletics carnival entry, and a whole community behind you. All for less than the price of one excursion ticket.

See the full list of member benefits: https://shen.org.au/join-shen/membership-levels/

19/08/2026

Do I have to buy a complete curriculum package to homeschool?

No. A purchased ‘complete curriculum’ isn’t required for registration and doesn’t guarantee a better outcome. Everyday resources, your local community, and activities like the ones SHEN coordinates throughout the year can form a valid part of your plan.

16/08/2026

What is SHEN?

Not sure what SHEN actually is? We're a not-for-profit, volunteer-led community connecting home-educating families across Greater Sydney. Run by home educators, for home educators — we organise events, share resources, and make sure no family has to figure out homeschooling alone. 🏡📚

Learn more about us: https://shen.org.au/about/

31/07/2026