Co‑Op Homeschooling 101: Starting or Joining a Cooperative Learning Group
Even though you homeschool, do you want your child to learn alongside others? Check out this homeschool co-op guide.
What Is a Co-op?
A homeschool co-op is a group where members teach children in addition to or in place of their own.
Each member pitches in with a subject or class, and together they can offer more learning choices to the students.
A co-op is like a learning buffet. Everyone brings a particular specialty, and the result is a variety of subjects and classes offered to all.
Co-ops typically meet once a week, although some may meet more frequently.
The size of the co-op could be small (just your family and one other) or large (with many families).
The Pros of Joining a Co-op
Co-ops offer benefits to homeschoolers.
Socialization
Homeschooling, by definition, takes place at home. But children (and their parents) need social interaction.
Co-ops are a great place to meet friends whose schedules and priorities align with yours.
Low Cost
Since co-ops are run by volunteers (everyone pitches in), the cost to join is typically low.
Typically, members only cover the costs of supplies and facility expenses.
No Grades
If you value being your child’s teacher and primary assessor, a homeschool co-op will meet your needs.
Co-op classes typically do not give grades. Even if the class is an academic core, the understanding is that the homeschool parent is reviewing and grading the work.
Enrichment Opportunities
Co-ops often offer enrichment classes that stem from the interests and talents of the members.
Your student may take English country dancing, finger knitting, playdough mapmaking, or edible art projects.
You may not have a clue how to do any of these things, but someone in your co-op may!
The Cons of a Co-op
Are you ready to sign up for a co-op? There are some drawbacks.
Unequal Contributions
A successful co-op works when everyone pitches in, but some people may shirk their work.
It can be disappointing when others do less than what they should (especially when your child is in their class).
Limited Choices
In a co-op, people teach what they feel prepared to lead. Their interest dictates the class offerings.
This means that the class may be something that interests you and your children, or it may not.
Typically, co-ops only offer a few classes per age group.
Risk Management
Co-ops are groups of volunteers, which means they may not conduct background checks on their leaders or provide risk management training to members.
How to Pick a Co-op
If you have weighed the pros and cons and decided that you do want to join a co-op, you can find one in several ways.
State Homeschooling Organization
Check the website of your state homeschooling organization.
They often keep a page with links to various homeschool co-ops.
They may even offer a homeschool co-op guide with descriptions of the different co-ops in your state.
Check Local Groups
An internet search with the right keywords may yield some results.
Contact any local groups and ask if they have co-ops. Some focus on field trips, mom events, or physical education (PE), but many will also offer co-ops.
If you are a person of faith, consider contacting local churches (especially the large ones) to ask if they have a homeschool group with a co-op.
Network with Friends
Word-of-mouth referrals to co-ops are a great way to find one that fits.
Start conversations at the park, library, or homeschool field-trip day at the science center. Discover the groups other homeschoolers have joined.
How to Start Homeschool Co-op
If you can’t find the ideal co-op, why not start one? The homeschool co-op guide includes the steps you need to start a co-op.
Step One: Form a Group (Start Small)
A co-op has one requirement: you need other people!
If you have a friend with children of similar ages to your own, that is a perfect place to start.
Even if you dream of a large co-op, start small (with just a few families). You will learn a great deal about the process in your first year, and you can expand on it next year.
Step Two: Decide on Classes
What classes do you want to offer at your co-op? Do you want the co-op to have academic core classes, enrichment classes, or both?
While you may have ideas, remember that a co-op works best when the members are inspired to teach their subject.
Discuss with the other parents what they want to teach.
Step Three: Figure Out When and Where to Meet
If you have a small co-op, you can meet in someone’s house. Larger groups may meet at a church or public park.
Decide on a day and time for the co-op. Figure out how long you want the classes to last.
Most co-ops run one set of classes in the fall and another in the spring.
Homeschool Co-op Guide
A co-op is an excellent supplement to home education.
Consider the pros and cons and decide if it is right for your family in this season.
If you can’t find your ideal co-op in your area, consider starting your own with this homeschool co-op guide.
