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There are so many benefits of a homeschool co-op, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your family.
I remember 10 years ago, finding a homeschool co-op was really difficult.
Things are changing so much and very quickly for homeschoolers. I am seeing Co-ops pop up almost everywhere.
There’s something special about living life with a like-minded community that you can’t get anywhere else.
What is a Homeschool Co-op?
A Homeschool Cooperative is a group of moms who all agree to work together to achieve a common goal.
Each homeschool parent is usually required to teach a class, take turns cleaning up and/or organizing the school year.
It usually runs one or two days a week with multiple classes and activities for families to choose to participate in.
Everyone shares the work load and that’s how the co-op stays operating smoothly.
The group of families can then enjoy all the benefits of a homeschool co-op.
The Benefits of a Homeschool Co-op
Support for moms
This is one of the first things I noticed after joining a Co-op. Different moms in all their walks of life working together to give their kids a great education.
One mom might be going through a rough season and can get support and encouragement from a different mom.
Let’s face it, you can’t be on top of your game every single day. Us moms need each other.
At our Co-op I found a group of loving moms who shared their best ideas, experiences, time with the other families.
There’s nothing more helpful than a seasoned mom talking to a younger mom about how everything will be ok and not sweat the small stuff.
We all have those days where we need a hug, prayer, or advice.
Plus, you may have a smart idea to share with other moms about how to solve a problem they are having.
Socialization
Ah yes…socialization. How could your kids ever learn to talk to other humans without it!
Obviously I’m joking since I get asked about “socialization” of my kids all the time.
Seriously though, a Co-op can build like long friendships for your children.
Sometimes homeschoolers really connect with other homeschoolers in a special way.
Most Co-ops have holiday parties and even Prom’s that your children would love.
Even though my socialization was a joke…my kids to love that aspect of a Co-op.
Rounding out their education
A homeschool Co-op is going to have classes available that are out of your wheelhouse.
Let’s take painting for example. I can’t paint in any way, but at the Co-op, my kids can take a painting class from someone who knows what they are doing.
There are so many classes that I personally don’t have expertise in but others do.
It gives your children a chance to learn different skills from other adults…other than you.
I certainly can’t teach Spanish as well as someone who speaks it fluently.
I also don’t know much about robotics.
My kids are learning these skills and more while they are at the Co-op and it gives them an experience I can’t provide at home.
A chance to show off your skills
As a homeschool co-op parent, you will be able to offer your skills to other homeschoolers.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or have a degree to help other kids.
Part of what makes the Co-op run smoothly is that every parent teaches a class.
For example…I’m teaching preschool science this coming year. Yes I will get the lessons out of a curriculum.
If you have good English skills, Math expertise, sewing skills, cooking skills, Microsoft Excel skills, whatever it may be, you can use those skills to help others at your local Co-op.
Activities
All of the homeschool Co-op’s I know have multiple activities throughout the year.
Many hold holiday parties, field trips and even dances for their kids.
It gives your child a way to have fun, celebrate and make memories with their friends.
Especially if you have older children, it gives them an opportunity to go to Prom if they desire and walk at a local graduation.
Our Co-op like many others, has a year book made every year so the kids can see pictures of their friends and projects they did together.
Homeschool Co-op Time
Being an introvert parent over here, my favorite part about the co-op is that it’s only once a week.
There are a few that meet twice a week but many are only meeting once.
This gives us lots of time to just be homeschoolers and get involved in other things.
Once a week seems like the perfect amount of time for me. It gives us time to just have extra time.
I don’t know about you but I schedule downtime in our life. I need time when there is nothing to do.
It gives us space to read a good book, go to the library or park, explore outside, whatever we want because it’s free time.
I absolutely think kids need free time and time to get bored. It turns on their imagination and they begin to entertain themselves instead of following a tight schedule.
Downtime is so important.
Types of Homeschool Co-ops
When looking for a local Co-op in your city, you may have quite a few choices.
Some Co-ops are focused on particular skills but most have a variety of classes.
There are Co-ops that are very academic with high level math and science classes including tests.
There are Co-ops that are laid back with more life skills classes such as sewing, painting, and music.
The majority of homeschool Co-ops I have looked at do both elective classes and math/science type classes.
You get to choose what classes your kids will take and what areas could benefit them.
I do know a few families that are involved in multiple Co-ops. You have the freedom to do whatever is best for your family.
Let me know in the comments below what benefits of a homeschool Co-op your family enjoys or what questions you have.
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