Off the Beaten Path is an inclusive support network of unschooling families based in Lake County, Illinois.

OTBP was founded in July of 2000 by some moms who met through La Leche League and wanted to form a local support group for unschoolers. In fact, many of our members have their roots in LLL and Attachment Parenting. The natural continuum of this gentle and respectful approach to family led us on the path to unschooling.

Unschoolers, in general, may find themselves shying away from the curriculum-talk and school-at-home approach of more traditional homeschool groups. This situation can make it challenging for local unschooling families, and those interested in unschooling, to find each other.

OTBP’s mission is to bring local unschooling families out of the woodwork and give them the opportunity to connect and support one another, both online and in person.