Episode 33: To Co-op or Not to Co-op?
In this episode of The Relatable Homeschoolers, we are talking all about whether to co-op or not to co-op!
First, it’s important that we look at the different types of co-ops (cooperatives) available to homeschoolers.
The main type of co-op that homeschoolers think of when they hear the words “homeschool co-op” are parent-led and parent-taught. In these co-ops, a group of homeschooling families come together, and the parents (usually the moms, but sometimes also dads) figure out what they would be good at teaching and what the needs of their students are. Most of these meet at a church or other site that allows the homeschool group to use all of part of the building for a nominal fee or donation.
There are other types of co-ops that have more of an academic bent and are usually run by a nonprofit with paid teachers. These are generally called “tutorials.” They have become more widespread as the homeschooling population in the US continues to grow.
A homeschool co-op may or may not be for you. In this episode, you will hear about the different types of co-ops that Harmony and Heather have been a part of, but you will also hear why Annie has chosen not to be involved in a co-op (availability and proximity can be key factors).
How we choose to educate our children is our choice, and your unique choice should be the right choice for you, not for someone else. We share our history, what we have liked and not liked, to help give you an understanding of what co-ops can offer, but ultimately, the decision to explore a co-op or not is up to you and dependent on your own family’s needs.
If you’d like to hear more about what each of our individual homeschools looks like this year, you can check out Episode 31: Welcome Back and Season 4 Preview, where we chat about all that we are doing in our homeschools for this school year.
And as always, be sure to listen to the very end where we share what is currently bringing us joy in our homeschools!
In this episode, we’re talking about:
- Heather’s co-op experience (1:05)
- Why Annie has never joined a co-op (7:53)
- Cost considerations (12:33)
- Other alternatives to a co-op (14:42)
- What’s bringing us joy right now (16:41)
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