Are you thinking of joining a homeschool cooperative but aren’t sure if it’s really what you need? A homeschool cooperative (co-op, for short) is a group of families who choose to homeschool their children together. Co-ops can serve your family wonderfully in some stages and not at all in others. So if you’re on the fence about a co-op, keep on reading to learn a few things that might help you to decide.
Our family loves co-oping (not 100% sure if that’s a word, but I’m going to run with it!) and have been involved with many over the course of our homeschool journey. But it wasn’t always that way. Here are some details that can help you determine if a homeschool co-op is right for your family.
What makes a co-op different?
Co-ops are often formed and function according to the needs of the participating families which tend to change and evolve over time. They are not an outside governing body like the state or local school district, which often standardizes learning. What your child learns at the co-op may or may not meet state standards for education.
Co-ops also differ from homeschool classes offered by learning centers, museums, or online providers in the sense that they are usually managed and led by parents within the co-op itself, not outside staff or hired employees of the center. Even if co-ops do hire instructors, active involvement from parents in other ways may still be required.
Co-ops can also differ from private tutoring in that they tend to provide more varied instruction to the group as a whole, not narrowly tailored lessons designed to support individual children struggling with a specific subject.
If what you really need is a school, a class, or a private tutor, a homeschool co-op may not be for you.
What kinds of learning do co-ops include?
Homeschool co-ops come in many different shapes, styles, and sizes. The area you live in may have multiple options to choose from.
In terms of learning, some co-ops are strictly academic, offering instruction in core disciplines such as math, science, and language arts. Other co-ops are strictly enrichment based, focused entirely on non-academic pursuits such as music, art, handicrafts, and life skills. Some co-ops - like Wildflower, the co-op I co-founded and that my children attend now - aim to provide a balance of both. I’ve even seen co-ops that function strictly for the purpose of social gatherings and field trips.
What are some benefits of joining a co-op?
Joining a co-op can have many benefits for homeschooling families, including:
- Providing a group learning environment for your children
- Networking and bonding with like-minded families
- Introducing a range of academic and enrichment topics you may not have the time or skill to cover in detail at home
- Sharing the load between families instead of feeling burdened to “do it all” by yourself,
- Rounding out your weekly routine
- Serving as a social outlet if you or your children are feeling isolated
- Normalizing homeschooling as a valuable alternative method of education
While the benefits can be great, not every benefit may be something you actually need right now, and that’s okay. It’s always important to consider the unique needs and capacities of your family before making a commitment.
Things to Consider before Joining a Homeschool Co-op
Before you join a co-op, it’s always good to ask yourself a few important questions first.
1. What are you looking for in a co-op?
Think of your needs as a homeschooling parent. Think of your children’s needs. Think of your needs for learning, social interaction, fun stuff, and values. Then see how those areas align with the groups that you’re thinking of joining.
2. How much time do you have to commit to a co-op?
All co-ops require different commitment levels. Some start and end after six weeks. Some meet for a semester. Others, like ours, last from September to June. Some co-ops are held once per week for only an hour or two. Others can be held multiple days each week!
Before you pick a co-op, make sure you have a good understanding of the time commitment expected of your family, and really consider whether it’s something you can uphold.
3. How can you give back to the co-op?
As I mentioned at the start, homeschool co-ops are groups of families who want to homeschool together. The work done together is what makes the cooperative work.
When considering a co-op, also consider what work you will put in to help make it great. If you’re expected to lead courses, start thinking of what interests, hobbies, and skills you can put to use. If you’re not expected to teach but have to fill other duties, think about where and how you can best lend a hand.
Maybe you can book trips for the group, maybe you can offer your home as a meeting space each week, maybe you’re great with little ones and can help babysit the toddlers so other parents can lead courses for your kids.
Signs that a Co-op May Not Be Right for You
There was a time when my children refused to participate in a co-op, they refused to participate in group learning of all kinds actually.
My oldest was about 7-years-old and his three younger brothers were all under age 6. No matter how much I tried to get them involved with a group, big or small, they refused. All they wanted was to learn with me at home. They didn’t want new classes, they didn’t want to make new friends, they didn’t want new schedules of things to do; they wanted me. Me on the couch. Me on the bed. Me reading out loud to them in a lawn chair while they jumped up and down on the trampoline.
I remember feeling so confused at that time and nervous about the isolation that could come with it, but looking back, those were some of my favorite homeschooling moments. We took it slow, we loaded up on cuddles and pajama days. We spent our time cooking, gardening, playing, and reading books. We invited close friends over to share in the fun.
A co-op might NOT be right for you now if:
- Your children don’t want to join a co-op.
- You don’t have the time or energy for new commitments and responsibilities.
- You can’t find a group that aligns with your family’s needs or values.
- You’ve had a major life change (a big move, a new baby, a sick family member, etc.) and are still trying to find your flow.
Sometimes a co-op won’t be a good fit for your family, and that’s okay. You can always join one later when the time is right, inshaAllah, God-willing..
Melissa Barreto is a homeschooling mother of five children and the Co-Founder of Wildflower Homeschool Collective, a homeschool organization based in Northern New Jersey.
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