What is a cooperative?
When families decide to separate from the private or public education system, they often look to other homeschooling families for support and community. Many families find this in cooperatives – all day programs where parents volunteer in a wide range of capacities to create a complete day of group classes.
Cooperatives typically have structure and rules around volunteering to make sure that the workload is as equitable as possible. They are also typically less expensive than paid teacher programs as they are volunteer run and parents must remain in the building. You’ve heard the term “there’s no free lunch?” Similarly, in the homeschool world, there is (sadly) no free childcare. So if a program is inexpensive, you can typically expect to help out, and if a program is expensive, you can typically expect to drop off.
The beauty of this type of program is that if you have expertise in one area and another parent has expertise in another, you can teach in your area and the other parent can teach in theirs. It’s a great way to share experience and lighten everyone’s load! This is especially true as kids age up into the middle school and high school years where teaching can get a little more challenging.
Grace Collaborative runs three cooperatives all geared toward families in different life stages.
Sprouts
New to the homeschool world with preschool aged children? Sprouts is just for you! Sprouts is a 2 hour cooperative geared toward families with preschoolers, but runs up through kindergarten. Enjoy stories, crafts and gym time with us! To learn more or apply to join click here.
Littles
Ready for a half morning program and have kids in early elementary or preschool? Littles is for you! It’s a full morning cooperative geared toward families with students in 3rd grade and under who would like a gentle introduction to the cooperative experience. Learn more about Littles or apply to join by clicking here.
Branches
Do you have older elementary, middle school or high school students (and their younger siblings)? Branches is for everyone! It’s a full day cooperative (with half day options for everyone and drop off options for 6th through 12th grade). We have families with high schoolers, infants and everything in between. We do try to save our preschool/early elementary spots for families with siblings who are in 4th grade and up so that families can attend together. Branches meets on Thursdays in two buildings – one for 5th grade and under and a separate building for 6th-12th grade.
To learn more or apply to join, click here.
FAQ: I want to participate in a cooperative but I have a baby. What do I do with my baby?
You’re in luck! Homeschool mamas love having babies so you’re in good company! All of our programs have nursery, or you’re welcome to keep your baby with you if you prefer (just be conscious of signing up to aide in younger classes if you have a baby with you).