Homeschool Co-op: What, Why, How?

I have created and organised my own local homeschooling co-op after not having any luck finding the kind of ‘community’ I want and need as we start our homeschooling journey. We’ve been blessed to have the interest, help and support of 18 families now. Our co-operative is all about having a flexible, ongoing group which enriches our homeschooling experience by learning from and with one another.

What is a homeschool co-op?

A homeschool co-op is a group of families that home educate working together for a common goal. Parents are able share in the education of their children.

Homeschool co-ops typically involve parent participation. Parents teach classes, share ‘expertise’, facilitate activities, organise venues and ideas, help care for children, clean up and a variety of other tasks. Sometimes the co-ops go on field trips together, organise sporting events and/or share materials.

What are the benefits of forming or joining a co-op?

• Group learning – Children learn to work as a team, share, and collaborate.
• Sharing ideas – Both the parents and children can share their ideas and expertise.
• Sharing resources – Similarly, parents and children can share materials, books, toys, etc.
• Shared expenses – You can often get group discounts to museums, activities, exhibitions, etc. Also, some co-ops organise group purchases of materials for discounted prices.
• Support – Both for the parents and the children. Sometimes home educating can be lonely, having the support of a co-op, forming friendships and helping each other through the positive and negative aspects of homeschooling is so beneficial.
• Socialisation – Homeschooling co-operatives are yet another way that children can spend time with (and learn with and from) adults and children of all ages.
• Experiences and lessons that are easier to teach and learn as a group.
• It’s fun! The classes, play-dates, field trips, etc are exciting, enjoyable and perfect memory-making opportunities.

Top 10 tips for starting your own homeschool co-op:

1. Use social media – to find like-minded parents, to join local groups and to find interest.
2. Create a Facebook group – Facebook groups are a free, user-friendly way to organise homeschool co-ops. You can chat, organise events, share photos, write and share documents, and you can make it all secret if needed.
3. Utilise Google docs – Google documents are yet another free resource which are brilliant for planning classes, field trips, events and ideas. The calendar templates available are perfect for recording and preparation.
4. Share resources – find out what resources families have and are willing to share.
5. Share expertise – parents often have unexpected talents that are great for group activities (i.e. sports knowledge, craft skills, etc)
6. Be clear about desired outcomes.
7. Ensure that people know that the co-op is are shared responsibility and effort.
8. Create a masterlist of ideas. See my Ultimate List of Homeschool Co-op Ideas here!
9. Consider hiring a community centre room or hall (if you have a need for space).
10. Use the local free resources, activities and areas (libraries, art galleries, museums, parks, nature centres, botanical gardens, bush walks, etc)