Homeschool Co-ops: What, Why, and How

I’ve been asked about this so many times, thanks to the consistent growth of homeschooling across America. But how do you define something that is basically an organic idea that is carried out in a hundred different ways? I will do my best to give you an idea of what homeschool co-ops are (and can be), why they are fun, and how to start or join one.

What is a homeschool co-op?

It’s short for cooperative, meaning a bunch of families cooperate together for the socialization and education of their homeschooled children. And co-ops are as varied as the homeschoolers that create them!

The very basic version of a co-op involves meeting together once a week for classes that are taught by parents to homeschooled students. They may offer core school subjects or enrichment activities, or a combination of both. They may serve young children, high school students, or everyone from babies to 12^th grade. They may be completely volunteer led, or could include classes taught by paid tutors or teachers. They meet in church facilities, homes, parks, and anywhere else they have access to.

Example: I’ve been a member of our co-op for over 20 years. It is an enrichment co-op, so classes are a mix of academic and extracurricular. In order to create a class schedule, parents are invited to submit one or more class descriptions: this will include the class title, age group, class fee, description, homework, and supplies needed. (No one is required to teach, but most moms enjoy it.) The leadership team sorts all of these class descriptions and creates a schedule with them. Our group has classes for K-12, plus a nursery and preschool for families with those needs. We meet on Fridays for ten weeks in the spring semester and ten weeks in the fall semester. Each semester, the class schedule is quite different, although there are some favorites that repeat. We rent space in a local church.

There are many co-ops in our area, and they all operate a little differently. Some are more about academic courses, while others focus on group learning with all ages together. Some pay teachers, and the children are dropped off. Others meet at the local state park for nature studies outdoors.

When Covid school closures brought massive new numbers of families into homeschooling, “pods” were a popular buzzword. This was the new version of the homeschool coop. In short, it’s a cooperative way for families to work together to share the load of education and socialization.

Why attend a co-op?

I understand that co-ops aren’t everyone’s thing, but sometimes I think it’s about finding the right one, or just the right group of people. I am a strong believer in community, support, and having a tribe. A co-op is a wonderful way to find (or build) that.

Besides community, my family has always enjoyed the wide variety of class experiences in our co-op. Throughout our homeschool years, my children have learned paper making, cake decorating, water science, color guard, cooking, modern dance, science experiments, lego engineering, theater, creative writing, yearbook production, Irish dance, watercolors, field trips, street hockey, volleyball, gymnastics, drawing, ballroom dance, and all manner of history classes and projects. Their favorite thing is when the new class schedule comes out twice a year! In our co-op, parents teach what they love and what they’re good at, so you never know what you’ll get!

There are some things I could never teach my kids at home, whether for lack of time or because I simply don’t have the knowledge. Co-ops provide so many opportunities.

If you asked my kids why they love co-op, their number one answer is friends. Outside of church, their main social circle is in this group. (Honestly, church and co-op is largely the same group, haha.)

And speaking of friends, this is where my friends are, too. We are likeminded parents in many ways, and I have built some longtime friendships with other moms (and dads) who are raising our children with the same convictions and practices. We enjoy co-op for the socialization, too!

Some co-ops are more formal than ours. There are groups that focus heavily on the classical method, or worldview studies, or other similar niches. Many of them even offer high school credits for their courses. The beauty of this is in the choices. Every homeschool family is a little different than the next, and that means each family’s need for socializing or classes is going to vary. I do believe, though, that there’s something for everyone.

How to find a co-op

Like I said at the beginning, homeschool co-ops are an organic movement of parents with great ideas who get together and create something in their community. There’s no national directory or database to help you find them all. You really have to find out through word-of-mouth or social media. Some places to look:

• Public library – homeschoolers love libraries, so they may hang up a flyer or even hold meetings there
• Local churches – since many co-ops meet in church facilities, word gets around. Call several churches in your area and ask if they know where some homeschoolers meet.
• Facebook community or neighborhood groups – again, locals are bound to know, even if they don’t homeschool. Post questions in your local groups.
• State homeschool organization – your state likely has a homeschool association of some kind, and they may have a website with local or regional groups

And if there’s not something in your area…

How to start a co-op

I mean, that’s how every co-op began! Somewhere, a couple of parents were chatting about homeschooling and cool things they could do, and before long, a co-op was formed. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. If you can’t find a co-op, or maybe just need a better fit, consider starting one.

1. What is your vision? What kind of co-op do you see a need for? Is it for fun and socializing, core subjects, collaborating on the arts, or something else? Determine the focus of your group.
2. Find a facility. Location is a pretty big part of the plan. You need somewhere that has enough classroom space for your needs, a large common area like a fellowship hall or gym, perhaps a playground or basketball court, a kitchen, etc. Sometimes the co-op adapts to the space, and sometimes you search until you find just what your group needs. Look at the rooms: do they have tables, whiteboards, restrooms, a nursery, internet access, etc.? How much will they charge for rent? Who will be responsible to clean?
3. Once you have a location, you’ll have a pretty good idea of costs. Typically, the cost of running the co-op is passed on to the individual families as registration fees. This is one of the cooperative parts. Will you need some basic equipment, like a copier, a supply cart, name tags, etc.? Consider these expenses, too.
4. Build a leadership team. There are several ways to do this depending on your group, your state laws, and if you plan to be a tax-exempt organization. Another option is to be part of a church ministry, where the church leaders are also the co-op leadership. There are multiple variables here to consider, and it’s not as complicated as it sounds, but you do want to do some research.
5. Decide on your structure. Will you be an all-volunteer organization, or hire teachers for specific courses? Will parents be required to stay on the premises, or is this a drop-off program? Who will teach? What will they teach? How many families will you accept?
6. Build a class schedule. Start with my Big List of Homeschool Co-op Class Ideas!

If you’re excited about the possibilities, Carol Topp has some helpful books and info on everything you want to know about starting and running a homeschool co-op. Additionally, check out I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group. There are other groups on FB, too, with members who have a lot of experience in this area.

I have helped to start two different co-ops in my area, and have walked several ladies through starting new ones. If you would like my help, check out my Homeschool Consultation page and book a Zoom chat! Bring your fellow co-op leaders and let’s brainstorm together!

Co-op leadership is important, and can be difficult. Consider it prayerfully, but do consider it! What co-ops offer homeschool families is such a blessing, and from what I can tell, there is still a huge need for these all over the country.

Do you belong to a co-op? Share in the comments!