Choosing Your Homeschool Co-op Format

I have felt the leading of God, prayed and waited for answers, and everything is a go. I am set to start full throttle come September 2024 with a functioning homeschool co-op at my church. Our lead pastor and board of directors have excitedly approved to provide the space for the co-op to meet. It is amazing! I have learned to trust God through this process, and I know all the pieces will come together. But I am also a detail-oriented gal, so my mind starts racing. I instinctively start thinking: what’s next?

While waiting for the final meeting with our pastors to see if we had the go ahead, I researched how to start a co-op. It was a very informative yet overwhelming search. There are so many variations on how to run a homeschool co-op.  It all comes down to the needs of the members. In my case, I am the only one thus far. I have ideas for my family’s needs, but I want to be as inclusive as possible for interested families.

So, how am I to proceed? In speaking with my pastor, we decided that I should establish the foundation for my family and then start spreading the word. Once families become interested, I can solidify a more concrete format for the co-op.

In my research, I learned that a traditional homeschool co-op is a place for families to come and teach core subjects as well as foster interests and hobbies. Parents can use their strengths and take turns teaching to those strengths. However, while parents may be more involved in their children’s education, it is increasingly common for certified teachers to do some heavy lifting through online classes. If our community has more families enrolled in online academies, then I have decided to use our co-op to facilitate socialization and provide a space for our children to explore the arts, music, and Christianity.

Jamie Erickson noted in her book Homeschool Bravely that it is not about homeschooling but about homeschooling. After much prayer, exploration and personal reflection, I know that I want this co-op to support families who might have doubts about continuing to educate their children at home. As parents, we want the best for our children. As Christ-centered parents, we want our children to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and develop godly character. We want them to freely love others and have character marked by compassion, kindness, and courage.

Lately, I have been feeling alone in this walk of life. My sister-in-law recently messaged me to say that my family is always loved in her household. When she texted that encouraging message, it hit me like a wave: I want this homeschool co-op to be a gathering place of family. While it will provide academic support and a character-building environment for students, I pray it will be a place for all family members to know that they are loved and they are wanted.

If you are struggling to find your format, pray to the Father and ask Him to reveal the values and goals for the specific co-op you are starting. Ask Him to show you how you can improve the co-op. In the end, the details will align and your co-op will come together. I am less stressed about how and what will be taught now that I know how I want it to feel. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Our God will provide you with what your soul needs and what those souls around you will need. Trust in Him completely, as scary as that may seem to those who like control, who like details, and who love to plan (like me). As you learn to trust Him, He will show you the way and give a peace that cannot be explained.