What is a Homeschool Co-op? How They Work and How to Find or Start a Co-op

As you get settled in with homeschooling your kids and finding other homeschooling families one topic you may hear a lot about is the much talked about homeschool co-op. I know I had heard about them but didn’t know anyone who was a part of a co-op or honestly what it even was. I mean, I figured it involved a group, but just didn’t really understand the whole idea. After several years and some trial and error on our homeschool journey I found out firsthand what a homeschool co-op is & the many types that are out there.

What they are & are they right for you

A homeschool co-op (cooperative) is basically a group of homeschooling families that may share the same homeschool style and provide a group setting for learning together. They usually share a common goal associated with learning or socializing or both. 

If the focus is on learning, there are usually specific topics that are covered and they are typically enrichment style lessons – enrichment meaning they are not core subjects, but rather a chance to explore elective style classes like a foreign language, or in-depth/hands-on science classes/experiments, art classes etc. 

Co-ops that are focused on socializing may be field trip based, physical education based or even book clubs. These groups may also meet for special occasions like holiday themed parties.  The possibilities are endless!  

Some co-ops also have an option to join with the intention of hiring a certified teacher to teach a few families their core subjects a few days a week or sometimes even daily. Not all states allow this option, so make sure to check your state’s legal requirements when learning how to get started homeschooling. 

How to choose the “best” one for you

If you’re new to homeschool and don’t know any other homeschooling families, the question “what is a homeschool co-op?”can also be paired with, “where can I find a homeschool co-op?” Facebook, a simple Google search for “homeschool co-op near me” or possibly even your local library are great places to start your research. Once you find a few options, you will most likely not know which seems like it would be a good fit for your family. Below are some things to consider when selecting a co-op to try. 

Religious?

Long ago the notion of homeschooling was mainly associated with very religious families. Religion may in fact be a reason a family decides to homeschool today. However, there are many other reasons, leading to the increase in the number of homeschooling families today. When trying to figure out the question of what is a homeschool co-op, you also need to consider if you are seeking a like minded group. This is especially true when it comes to religion. 

Some co-ops are completely faith based or have a certain perspective that aligns with religious beliefs. Researching this & deciding if it’s an important part of what makes up a homeschool co-op is an important part of finding the right fit for your family. 

Parent involvement?

Religious based or not parent involvement is a big part of any co-op. Learning how much parent involvement is required before you commit is a good idea. Some co-ops require all parents to participate in some way. Whether it is leading the classes or activities, arranging the snack, purchasing materials etc. 

Some co-ops are a drop off and pick up style, with a set number of parents who stay to facilitate the co-op meeting.

We joined a co-op where parents volunteered to run the activities like book club, STEM learning days and field trips. This was great! Except the same parents kept volunteering, leading to burnout for some. Overcommitting can definitely lead to burnout as all moms know all too well! Deciding on how much you want to, or can be involved is a good idea to have in place before you decide on a co-op group. 

Time Commitment?

As with parent involvement, deciding on how much time you want to commit to a co-op is equally important. Some co-ops meet 2 or 3 times a week. Some meet weekly, or bi-weekly. Others, like the field trip based groups are more flexible and meet less frequently. Make sure you know how active you want you & your kiddos to be before you get involved. 

Costs?

After understanding more about what a homeschool co-op is, a big consideration is the costs associated with joining. 

Depending on what type of co-op you choose to try the costs can vary a lot. A structured, organized co-op style that meets regularly for lessons tends to charge one set fee for the year. This may cover any curriculum items, supplies, admin fees and so on. These fees are typically set regardless if your child misses a day or two. I have heard of some pricing being around $200+ per child. This will really add up if you’re enrolling more than one child. 

Other types of co-ops like the ones that meet less frequently or are based on activities or field trips may have costs only required for the days your child participates. 

It’s a good idea to find this info out ahead of trying out a group because you don’t want your child, or even you with new mom friends, getting attached if it doesn’t work with your budget.

Can’t find one? Start your own!

The second biggest question after “what is a homeschool co-op” is often, “there isn’t one around me, how can I start one? “ Or maybe you’ve tried the local options and can’t find a good fit. Well, start one! It can seem a bit intimidating at first. I guarantee you there are other families who feel the same way and would love a new group. Like I mentioned in a  previous post, you really need to put yourself out there when getting established homeschooling. Remember any moms/kids that are at a homeschool group activity are there for the same reason – to make friends!

Think of what’s important to you with the idea of a co-op. Make a list and add anything that comes to mind. Join any Facebook homeschool groups for your area and share your main idea there. I bet you’ll get responses from others who are interested and just needed the push to get a co-op going. 

Once you have some support or even a few others to bounce ideas off you have a great starting place for your co-op. Meet up spots can be the local park, libraries (many have rooms that can be used for a class or meeting), a church hall (a cost may be involved here), or even a rotation of different co-op members’ homes or backyards. Get creative and if it’s important to you, you can make it work!

Don’t be afraid to quit

It may seem like a co-op is the only way your child is going to thrive with homeschooling. Take a step back and you may realize it’s not. Something we don’t say often enough to ourselves as busy moms/parents– don’t be afraid to quit or say no. If it’s too much, it’s ok to step away!  

Co-ops can add great value to your homeschool, but they are definitely not necessary. You may even try out multiple co-ops before realizing this, and that’s ok too! Just like every other part of life, they’re not for all. The most important thing to focus on is what makes your kids feel happy and safe and you feel like they are learning the way that’s best for them. If that’s a co-op, great! If not, they will be just fine!