What is co-op?

Co-ops are a way for families to come together in fellowship and gives children an opportunity to learn with others. There are so many positives to being a part of a community this way. The first thing to know about co-ops is they come in many shapes and sizes. Depending on the area you are in, you will have the ability to shop around for a co-op that fits your family's rhythm.

Some things to know about co-ops:

• They are not normally drop off programs and require some sort of parental involvement. Even if that is just watching the exits and cleaning up after.
• Some can offer ala-carte classes while others follow a specific curriculum.
• Co-ops are typically locally run by fellow homeschool families. They are stand-alone organizations.
• There is generally a low cost. Any fees collected are used to help cover the cost of the space being used or supplies that are needed for individual classes
• Co-ops are generally open about beliefs. One of the points of being in a co-op is to come together with like-minded families to fellowship and learn together. There are both secular and religious co-ops. You just have to search them out.
• They are not hybrid schools.

While co-ops are great for a flexible way to get your children to learn with others, there are a few negatives to joining and attending a co-op.

• Once you join a co-op, you are financially committed. Typically, if you find you can't attend anymore, you won't be able to get a refund. This is due to co-ops typically being non-profit. All fee's collected do go to the needs of the co-op.
• You don't really have any control over the curriculum or content of the curriculum being taught.
• Lastly, in order for co-ops to be successful, you really do need to be consistent with attending. This can be hard for families to have this type of rigidity in their schedules.

If you are wanting to try and find a co-op local to you, check out the HSLDA website for co-ops listed by state. If you are on Facebook, check out your states FB pages for co-ops in your state.

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To Know God and to Make Him Known

Lori

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