One unique type of homeschool support group is called a homeschool co-op.
Homeschool co-ops are different from playdate or other types of groups, because co-ops involve regularly-scheduled classes.
Co-op classes may be weekly, monthly, or based on whatever timetable the leaders decide on. Most commonly, co-ops meet one day a week.
Homeschooling comes in so many shapes and sizes, homeschool curriculum types, and learning styles!
There are also many types of local homeschool groups and support groups for activities like going on field trips or participating in extracurricular activities like sports teams, bands, or choirs.
There are even online homeschool groups or completely virtual homeschool groups!
Home education is flexible and there are so many different options for you to explore and find exactly the right fit for your family.
What is a homeschool co-op?
Co-ops are formalized groups that get together on a regularly-scheduled basis in order to facilitate group academic teaching.
Co-ops might also have extracurricular activity options.
Basically, they are groups where homeschooled students get together to learn together in a classroom type setting.
Co-ops might meet at a home, church, library, school building, community center, hotel conference room, or any other place that has room for a larger group.
Who’s in charge of a co-op?
All co-ops are run a little differently. Depending on the structure of the co-op, the class options might be taught by:
- Professional teachers
- Retired public school teachers
- Private contractors
- Homeschool parents with expertise in a certain subject
- A group of families within the co-op
- Co-op board or group of leaders
How do I join a homeschool co-op?
Keep in mind that usually co-ops have openings at certain times during the school year.
Usually co-ops take applications for new members during the summer, before the fall semester begins.
They sometimes hold an open house so that parents interested in the co-op can observe classes, meet the teachers, and find out more information about the co-op before committing.
Co-ops might be secular or religious, but keep in mind that religious groups might require a statement of faith.
Parents might be required to volunteer, depending on the structure of the co-op. If parents are expected to volunteer, a background check may also be required.
Are there age restrictions to joining a co-op?
There might be student age restrictions to a co-op, depending on the way they offer classes.
Co-ops can be based around grade-levels but more commonly they focus more on academic readiness levels.
Homeschoolers are familiar with kids being in different grade-levels in different subjects and this isn’t a problem.
For example: Assuming that the particular co-op you’ve chosen supports multi-ages in classes, if your 9-year-old is on a 5th grade reading level but on a third grade level in science, you could enroll them in the fifth grade language arts course and the third grade level biology class.
While most co-op levels are flexible, you should respect the rules of the particular group. If you don’t agree with their policies on age groupings, they may not be the right co-op for you.
Does it cost anything to be in a co-op?
Most co-ops require fees to be paid to apply, join, and to be paid to teachers.
Usually, teachers are paid individually per course.
So, for instance, if your child is taking a math class and an art class, you would pay the math teacher their fee each month and the art teacher separately for their fee.
Co-ops commonly require fees for the teachers’ supplies, especially in classes with kinesthetic learning needs like art supplies.
Co-ops might ask students to purchase matching t-shirts, but don’t usually have uniform requirements, depending on the formality level of your chosen group.
How do I find a co-op?
- Check out this handy tool to find a co-op in your area and apply.
- Search online by looking for “homeschool co-op” plus the name of your town or county (most co-ops have websites or a social media presence).
- Ask local friends if they know what co-ops might be operating in the area.
- You can also ask your local public library children’s librarian if they know of what groups meet in the area.
What questions should I ask before committing to a co-op?
How much are classes?
Classes may vary in cost by subject.
What level of parental involvement is required?
Some co-ops require parent participation or volunteering, and some require that parents volunteer to teach a course.
How much outside work is required?
Depending on the co-op, there might be a lot or a little homework required from your child. Make sure you are comfortable with what’s required by each course.
Are you planning to move within the year?
It may not be a good idea to commit to a co-op if you are planning to move out of the area that the co-op serves within the year.
How does the teacher handle discipline issues?
Make sure you are comfortable with the way the co-op handles possible behavior issues.
Also, it’s a good idea to check if the co-op has a dress code to avoid inadvertently breaking a rule.
Do we need these classes?
Keep in mind that co-ops are supplemental and not designed to take the place of your homeschooling efforts.
Co-ops are especially helpful for classes that a parent might not be comfortable teaching, like upper levels of math, or that may benefit from other students participation, like speech or debate class.
If you don’t need to supplement with the particular courses that they are offering, it might not be worth your time.
Homeschool support groups are helpful in most cases, but not if they take away time that is better spent in individualized learning at home.
How far away is the co-op?
Make sure that the distance drive to the co-op isn’t a hassle for you to get to and to add to your weekly routine.
What is the style of the co-op?
Do you prefer that your child learn in a University model, Classical style, or other learning method? Or do you prefer an eclectic mix of styles?
Make sure that you are comfortable with the style of learning and the styles of teaching at your chosen co-op.
What are the benefits of joining a homeschool co-op?
Benefit 1: Getting out of the house!
Sometimes it’s just nice to mix it up and not be cooped up in the house all the time. The change of scenery can improve everyone’s moods.
Benefit 2: Group learning
Group projects—especially in the STEAM field—can be so much fun!
Benefit 3: Opportunities for learning outside the box
Teachers who are passionate about their subject can show your child a whole new side of things and give them new experiences.
Enrichment classes can broaden your child’s horizons. Some examples of enrichment classes might include courses like:
- Photography
- Dance
- Sewing
- Foreign Language classes
- Typing
- Computer Coding
- Woodworking
- Auto Mechanics
- Wilderness survival skills
Benefit 4: Socialization
Making new like-minded friends is important and boosts confidence.
Benefit 5: Shared experiences
Letting your child share experiences with others and learn how to be tactful and work as a team is a valuable skill.
Benefit 6: Accountability
Sometimes it helps parents to have the added accountability of other homeschool families alongside them, helping to keep them on track academically.
Benefit 7: Meeting other homeschool families
It’s an invaluable resource to be able to ask veteran homeschool families your questions and get help where you need it!
Encouragement from others in the same boat as you are is validating and can’t be overrated!
Any more homeschool co-op questions?
Co-ops can be wonderful, helpful experiences for a homeschooling family!
The idea of joining a homeschool co-op does bring up many questions as you explore these options, so let us know if you need a little more of a boost in this area.
We believe homeschooling is one of the best models for educating children, which is why we support parents choosing to homeschool with encouragement and practical resources.
Contact us if you need any help along your homeschooling journey! No question is too large or too small. We have homeschool mentors standing by to help you any step of the way.
