Your Guide to Scheduling at Cultivate Homeschool Co-op

Homeschooling is a rewarding journey for families, but can sometimes feel isolating. Joining a co-op is a great way to connect with other families! Your children benefit from the enriching activities lead by other passionate parents and teachers, while maintaining all the advantages of homeschooling. You are still leading your children in the required topics, and you still have the joy of cultivating a love of learning and hard work in your own homes. The co-op doesn't take the place of your instruction - but we can come alongside you and support you in the process!

Once you've decided to join Cultivate Homeschool Co-op, how do you choose which courses to select?

Understanding the Co-op Structure

Before diving into scheduling specifics, it’s essential to understand the structure of Cultivate Homeschool Co-op. Our co-op is designed to provide a supportive community where families can share resources, knowledge, and experiences. Here are some key components of our co-op structure:

• Class Offerings: We provide a variety of classes tailored to different age groups and subjects. This allows families to choose what best fits their children's interests and educational needs.

• Flexible Scheduling: Our co-op recognizes that each family has unique schedules. You can join us for the entire school year, or choose which 4-week sessions work for you. You can even pop in for a group field trip between sessions, which vary by event.

• Community Events: In addition to regular classes, we host community events that promote social interaction and learning outside the traditional classroom setting.

  
  

Understanding these elements will help you navigate the scheduling process more effectively.

Setting Your Priorities

The first step in creating an effective schedule is to identify your family's priorities. Consider the following questions:

• What subjects match your children's interest?

• Are there subjects that you feel less confident teaching? For example - do you cringe when you think about teaching your children about art, or about breaking out the science experiments?

• Are there specific areas that your student could benefit from additional support - such as learning to read, creative writing, high school math, or ACT prep?

  
  

By answering these questions, you can create a clearer picture of what your co-op schedule should look like.

Choosing Your Courses

Once you have established your priorities, it’s time to choose your courses! Here are some steps to guide you:

1. Choose Sessions: Decide which 4-week sessions you would like to attend, or if you want to sign up for all 6 sessions throughout the school year. 

   
   

2. Pay: You pay for the sessions you want, for the number of students you have. There is a discount for multiple students, as well as if you pay for all 6 sessions for the year.

   
   

3. Choose Your Courses: Enroll in the courses best suited to each student. Remember - 2 courses per session, with one social hour!

   
   

4. Parent Volunteer Options: Choose where YOU, the homeschooling parent, want to volunteer for two of the hours. Remember - you also have a free hour! (But stay on-site: we're not set up as a drop-off program.)

   
   

Sample Weekly Schedule Options

Our schedule is meant to offer simple options to support your family in its homeschool journey.

Common Scheduling Questions

Even with the best planning, challenges can arise. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• What if a homeschool student or parent is sick?

  If there is a contagious sickness in your house, please stay home! Take time to rest and recover (and avoid sharing germs with others!)

  If a parent is ill, and you aren't concerned about the rest of the family being contagious, another homeschool parent / grandparent / guardian may bring the student. They would take your place wherever you would have volunteered, and stay while the students are there. Please let a Cultivate Homeschool leader know if this happens.

  
  

• What if a student changes their minds about the course they chose after it begins? We ask that, once the course begins, students stick with their chosen course. We want to respect the teachers preparing their supplies and materials, as well as the other students. Each course is only 4 weeks, with a 1-hour class each week. If the student doesn't like the class, they can choose something else the next time!
  

  
  

• Unexpected Changes: Life is unpredictable. If something comes up, don’t hesitate to speak to our Cultivate Homeschool leaders! We want to support you and your family in whatever way we can.

  Message your instructor, or email us at CultivateHomeschoolCo@gmail.com

Conclusion

Scheduling at Cultivate Homeschool Co-op is about finding a balance that works for your family. By understanding the co-op structure, setting priorities, and choosing courses that best fit your needs, you can create an effective schedule that supports your child’s education and your family’s lifestyle.

Actual schedule options will be posted here on our website, and shared on our Facebook page, as they become available.

Happy scheduling!