Why Should Your Family Join a Homeschool Co-op?

Posted by Amy Bayliss | 0 comments

I remember questioning whether or not our family should join a local Homeschool Co-op. I just didn’t know if I could justify the cost and hassle of participating. What I found out was that I couldn’t afford not to. The benefits far exceeded my expectations and have opened my children up to a whole new world of opportunities. The cost was also less than what I was paying per year for certain extra-curricular activities that could now be done through co-op.

For example, Jacob would go to art day camp every year which only lasted for 5 days and cost us $75. Yes, that is $75 for 9 classes over a five day period. In co-op he attends art classes every Tuesday, August through May, and since it is $120 per family and we have three sons that means that it only cost us $40 for Jacob to attend. Included in that price are additional classes that he takes to edify or improve his talents and skills. He has learned more in the first semester at co-op art class than he ever did at the day camp.

Here are more reasons to consider joining a homeschool co-op in your area:

1. Your child can receive specialized training or teaching from other moms in areas that you are weak in.
   I don’t know about you but I simply can not teach my children every subject that they want to learn about or that I think they should exposed to. If we are honest here, I do not want to teach everything that I want them to learn. The good thing for me and them is that there are other moms in my area who just love teaching those subjects. Art, cooking, creative writing, foreign languages, sign language, K’nex bridge building, and all of those other great classes are readily available at most local homeschool co-ops. Each co-op is different but most also offer a nursery, well rounded kindergarten classes and speech classes.
2. The kids can participate in classes that offer them a chance in the spotlight at the end of the semester.
   One of the bigger “complaints” I hear from parents is that their children won’t get to do the things like the other kids in school if they are brought home to be educated. This just isn’t true. Co-ops put on massive productions for dramatic arts, song, dance, gymnastics, band, martial arts and more! We just attended a wonderful rendition of The Pilgrim’s Progress at our homeschool co-op. It was a brilliant performance worthy of a standing ovation. Our next event will be a display of art, design, book reports, and creative writing skills. This is such a great pat on the back for the kids and such a proud moment for the parents.
3. Homeschool Co-ops offer friendship and support for parents and their children.
   I like to speak to other adults on occasion. Especially other adults who can sympathize with my day to day life since they experience some of the same things. They offer great advice and encouragement. It is good for the soul to be around other women who can lift you up. I also find it helpful for the kids to be able to develop additional friendships.
4. Co-ops offer children the opportunity to be subject to additional authority figures and the chance to learn alongside other children of all ages in a semi-classroom environment.
   Since our children may enter college at some point then it is a good idea to at least let them experience what a classroom is like and the etiquette involved in attending. In my experience, it has also given my “I want to go to real school” kid the chance to get his wish once a week and satisfied him so much that he no longer wishes for that. All of our children look forward to co-op once a week and I feel better knowing that we get to choose what classes they take and when.
5. You get more for your money at a homeschool co-op.
   My three children take four classes a semester. That is a total of 12 student texts, teacher guides, and extra supplies that I am not required to buy to teach them these subjects at home. Some co-ops may be an exception but most of the ones we reviewed did not require an additional fee.

In the end we discovered that co-op was not a nuisance at all but instead a high quality addition to our already excellent educational choice. Homeschool co-ops are the icing on the cake for homeschooling families! It gave us everything that we could not provide at home yet… gave us the luxury of being able to have those things and continue to educate our kids at home. Try a co-op near you!

To find homeschool co-ops available in your area you can check out: Homeschool Legal Defense Association Local Groups and Services and HomeschoolWorld.com

Amy Bayliss is a 4th year homeschooling mom to three boys. She enjoys writing about the eclectic teachings that bring a glimmer of curiosity to the eyes of her sons. In addition to being the co-owner of Heart of the Matter, she writes for Internet Cafe Devotions. Be sure to visit her blog, In Pursuit of Proverbs 31 and her family’s homeschool blog: Integrity Academy.