Writing: Local Guide
Nurturing Young Writers: Local Resources for Homeschool Families in Southeast Wisconsin
How do you feel about teaching writing? Does it give you the warm fuzzies or do you start to get indigestion? Writing can be a subject that causes home educators and students some level of anxiety. It can be especially tough if you don’t consider yourself a ‘good’ writer. I mean, when it comes to math you know that 2+2=4 but writing is subjective right? There’s enough gray area that it can be hard to determine if a student’s work is right or wrong.
Let’s pause real quick to address one fact. You’re not alone! Parents across the state of Wisconsin are figuring it out for more than 30,000 home-based students*… and you can too.
Options for language arts curriculum and online platforms are overwhelmingly abundant but this local guide is for home-based educators who have already tried a few things and need some creative ideas for getting unstuck. Whether it’s writing workshops, clubs, contests or tutoring, Southeast Wisconsin offers several opportunities to help your child develop strong writing skills. Let’s dive in…
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*Self-reported data from 2024-25, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
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Sylvan Homeschool Support (Kenosha)
Sylvan Learning centers offer homeschool support in person and through the flexibility of online tutoring. If your child struggles with writing assignments, their personalized writing program aims to improve writing skills and confidence in communication overall. Writing programs are available from 2nd through 12th grade.
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Sharon Schuman's Love to Learn Tutoring (Mequon, WI):
Locally-owned and operated in Mequon, Wisconsin, Love to Learn Tutoring specializes in individualized and curriculum-based tutoring programs in reading, language arts, writing and more.
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Gateway Technical College Introductory Courses
Gateway offers introductory courses to high school students. Homeschool students are responsible for all costs associated with college classes and must meet any course prerequisites but on the plus side, they can attend classes during the day.
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UW-Milwaukee Summer Camps for Young Writers (Milwaukee)
UWM offers summer writing camps! In 2025 they offered two 5-day courses: Introductory Teen Writing Academy and Young Writer’s Academy. These classes are facilitated by experienced writers and teachers who introduce writing activities that are fun, helpful and inspiring.
Write On Tutoring (Wauwatosa)
Specializes in middle/high school and college‑prep writing—grammar, composition, college essays—with licensed educators. Personalized one‑on‑one or group sessionsHomeschool students age 16 and older have the option of taking classes at MATC. Please note: homeschool students are responsible for all costs associated with college classes and must meet any course prerequisites but on the plus side, they can attend classes during the day.
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Gateway Technical College Introductory Courses
Gateway offers introductory courses to high school students. Homeschool students are responsible for all costs associated with college classes and must meet any course prerequisites but on the plus side, they can attend classes during the day.
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All Writers Workshop (Waukesha)
Offers a young-writers workshop both online and onsite. This class encourages young writers (grades 6–12) of all abilities and genres, but two things are required: a genuine interest in writing and a desire to write professionally and for publication.
Red Oak Writing (Wales)
Red Oak Writing supports writers from grades 6 through 12 though Creative Writing Camps, special events and school visits. Led by accomplished writing coaches who tailor activities to the age and interests of each group, Creative Writing Camps provide young writers with the time, space, support, and community they need to nurture their passion for writing.
WCTC Communication - Writing Emphasis (Waukesha)
Homeschool students (age 16+) can attend a-la-carte classes and/or programs at Waukesha County Technical college. A current transcript is required and the student may need to take an ACCUPLACER© test. The Communication - Writing Emphasis programis recommended as a starting point for high school applicants. Please note: homeschool students are responsible for all costs associated with college classes and must meet any course prerequisites but on the plus side, they can attend classes during the day.
Sylvan Homeschool Support (Waukesha)
Sylvan Learning centers offer homeschool support in person and through the flexibility of online tutoring. If your child struggles with writing assignments, their personalized writing program(s) aims to improve writing skills and confidence in communicating thoughts and ideas. Writing programs are available from 2nd through 12th grade.
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Moraine Park Technical College
Moraine Park Technical College is proud to be a homeschool-friendly college! They are dedicated to supporting non-traditional students throughout Washington County and want to help with any questions regarding dual enrollment and higher education. There are also ways that students under 16 can take classes at MPTC. Please note: homeschool students are responsible for all costs associated with college classes and must meet any course prerequisites but on the plus side, they can attend classes during the day.
Wisconsin Associations & Groups
Wisconsin Writers Association is a statewide organization that supports writers through workshops and events. They may host or know of local writing workshops suitable for homeschool students and/or can potentially connect you with individual members that are open to mentorship or tutoring.
Wisconsin Writing Clubs, Guilds & Groups
Check out this list of independent writing groups that meet across the state! While curated by the Wisconsin Writers Association, they are not directly affiliated; please contact groups directly for more information on potential mentors in your city.
Wisconsin Writing Contests
Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets Student Contest
Are you up for a roadschooling day trip? The Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets and Woodson Art Museum, invite high school students to participate in an annual statewide ekphrastic poetry competition. Students write and submit poems inspired by artwork images from Wausau’s Woodson Art Museum. In 2025, contest entries were accepted from October 1 -January 15 with cash prizes up to $75.
Scholastic’s Art & Writing Awards
Touted as the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens, the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers celebrates teens regionally and nationally with awards, exhibitions, publications, and scholarships. Students ages 13+ can submit work across 28 categories of art and writing. Submission deadlines vary by region but creative works are typically accepted in the Fall through December or January.
Library Workshops & Clubs
Libraries in Southeast Wisconsin and across the state often host author visits, writing contests and clubs. The Southeast Feast Enrichment Calendar regularly cross-promotes language arts opportunities geared toward K-12 students. Have a tween or teen? Encourage your student to get involved in TAB or ask your local librarian about starting an age-appropriate homeschool writing club —they’re often eager to collaborate!
Homeschool Co-ops
Many homeschool co-ops in Southeast Wisconsin offer parent-led workshops in literature and writing. Find your county page to browse and evaluate the local homeschool groups in your area (or check a neighboring county).
Local Tutors
If you’re hitting a dead end with your local co-op and other resources, consider searching for tutors on Wyzant, known for its in-depth profiles and flexible scheduling. Tutor.com, Varsity Tutors and Care.com also provide local and virtual options.
What did I miss?
As a homeschooling parent, you have the flexibility to customize your child’s education in creative ways, lean into that! Whether it’s finding a co-op mentor, entering contests, or participating in a camp, there’s no shortage of support in Southeast Wisconsin.
Do you know of a great writing resource that should be added? Support our next generation of storytellers by sharing it in the comments!
