FAQs

What is a Co-Op?

Our co-op is a group of homeschooling and unschooling families that work together, meeting weekly for educational enrichment classes. Classes are usually grouped by age or developmental stage, and sometimes can be mixed ages. Each semester, the class opportunities are as unique as the families who create them. Our families are interested in providing classes for academics, social time, the arts, activities, crafts, service work, and group projects. Our classes are planned, organized and developed by parents and are based on the interests of the children and parents. These classes are used by families to enrich and enhance the main educational subjects parents are teaching at home with their children.

What are the eligibility requirements for this co-op?

Families must have at least one child who is at least five years old by September 30th. Full participation is required. A parent must be able to remain on location for the duration of the co-op day. Parents will alternate between assigned volunteer positions if they are not teaching, or may have free periods to participate in teacher guidance & coaching, parent workshops and support groups.

Is a Co-Op right for my family and my child?

A co-op is an excellent fit for many families, and while we strive to create a welcoming, inclusive community, we realize co-ops are not the best fit for every person.

Our co-op may not be right for you if:

you have a very busy schedule already and adding another class or activity to your weekly routine will be stressful
your child is not interested in participating in a classroom-style learning environment
you do not have the time to volunteer or be an active member of the co-op once per week
your child has unresolved behavior issues that fall outside what is considered typical for their stage of development
your child is not ready for or interested in a 'school' type of experience
your school-aged child is not ready to be separated from you or is still relies on you to help with their emotional regulation
you are currently meeting all of your child's social, enrichment and academic needs at home

Our co-op may be a good fit if:

you support a program that models and teaches values such as tolerance, acceptance, compassion, critical thinking, resilience and discernment
you have the time, enthusiasm and commitment to make this co-op successful
your child is excited about going to 'school' or does well in a classroom environment
your child is ready for group experiences
you want your child to be exposed to other teaching styles and adult mentors
you feel there are gaps in your child's education or experience
your child has interest in subjects or classes that you feel unenthusiastic about or unqualified to teach
you want to meet other homeschooling families and find support with other parents
your child is ready to expand their social circle
you value diversity in education and want your child exposed to more than just what you teach at home
your child needs more movement in their weekly routine
you enjoy the idea of pooling resources and sharing expenses
you want to belong to a supportive community instead of winging it all on your own

When and where does the co-op meet?

We meet weekly on Wednesdays from September - May for the school year. Classes run from 9:30am-1:30pm with an hour-long play time afterwards, either outdoors or in the gym facilities.

How much does the co-op cost?

Annual Enrollment Fee: $35 Per Family + $15 Per Child
Co-Op Classes: $100 Per Year, Per Family(Sep-May School Year)
Class Materials: $0-$75, will vary per class
Field Trips: Paid per field trip, fees will vary

More Info:

Everyone who joins the Co-Op pays an annual enrollment fee of $35 per family, plus $15 per child, whether they are a student, attend field trips and events only (no classes), or being dropped off in the childcare rooms (Infant & Toddler Nursery through Pre-K). The annual enrollment fee covers co-op insurance for up to two adult volunteers in each family and each child they enroll, student ID cards and activity ID cards. It also gives families access to group events and field trips through the Co-Op year, even if they don't enroll in classes.

The annual student fee to participate in Co-Op classes is $100 per family. Families can split the annual fee into two payments of $50 per semester. The first payment is due at enrollment, or at least 30 days prior to the next semester start date. Teachers are usually volunteer parents and are not paid for their time. Parents pay additional fees for class materials as needed. Some classes have no materials fee, and some do. All class fees will be listed in the Class Catalogue before you sign up. Financial costs are kept at a minimum because the real cost for every member is their commitment, time, and effort to make this co-operative organization run effectively.

How do I apply for membership?

Click Co-Op Application to apply. A $35 per family +15 per child non-refundable enrollment fee is required and due at the time you submit your application.

Choose your level of membership by selecting Field Trips & Events Only or Full Membership which includes classes, events and field trips. If your child won't be participating in Co-Op classes, joining the co-op for Field Trips & Events Only is an excellent option that shares the benefits of group discounts and organized events with local homeschooling families.

Enrollment Process- What to Expect:

Once you've submitted your application for enrollment and paid the required fees, the board will review your request for membership.

If you are eligible, and if we have space for the ages you need, we will contact you for an in-person interview with you and your family at our facility. From there the board will make a final determination and notify you within three business days if you have been accepted into the Co-Op. Reasons you may be denied membership include not having students that meet the age requirements of our Co-Op, not having enough students of your child's age to make a full class, having a criminal history that makes you a higher-than-average risk to children or families, having unfavorable references, not willing to teach or volunteer in the Co-Op, or unable to regularly attend classes on Co-Op days.

If you are not eligible to join our co-op, are denied for any reason, or have disclosed criminal history on your application that disqualifies you in any way, you will receive a full and prompt refund of any fees paid to date.

Are my fees refundable if I change my mind?

No. The Co-Op works best when we can plan ahead for classes, materials and field trips. This works best when we have a stable budget and can pay for resources in advance and in bulk at a discount. Enrollment fees are non-refundable and are not pro-rated. Co-Op Dues for classes are not refundable. We do not advise enrolling in our Co-Op if you anticipate moving outside the Magic Valley or South Central Idaho area within the school year you are interested in unless you are satisfied forfeiting any unused co-op dues or enrollment fees. While we understand moving can't always be avoided or anticipated, consider your unused dues a donation to the Co-Op that will ensure we can maintain our planned programming for the year.

Can I drop off my children for classes?

No. Co-Ops depend on every family to put in their share of the work to maintain a successful program. Co-Ops have no paid staff, and require parents to remain during classes. Parents share and rotate roles like teaching, set-up, assisting, cleaning up, supervising younger children, administration, and other vital jobs.

Can I enroll students that are not my children in the case that I am homeschooling or babysitting children from other families?

No. Parents (or legal guardians or homeschooling grandparents) are only allowed to enroll their own children for co-op.

Does the co-op have programs for children who are not of school age yet?

No. We have a nursery for infants through preschool for parents who need childcare while they teach, assist in classes or volunteer during their co-op day. Members must have at least one child in Kindergarten or above to join the co-op. Space is limited and teaching parents have priority for childcare slots on days they teach.

Is this a religious organization?

No. We are a secular co-op, meaning we do not promote, teach or advocate for any religion or doctrine. As a diverse group of families from many religious and political backgrounds, some of our families hold religious views, and some do not. We share the values of diversity, inclusiveness, respect for one another, and promote an informed world view.

Do I have to teach?

Our co-op is committed to being a truly cooperative endeavor. It is therefore expected that there will be parental involvement from each family participating in the co-op. Not only in teaching/assisting where needed, but also in attending the co-op sessions regularly. Parents are expected to teach at least one class per month. If you don't feel quite ready to teach, that's OK! Through group parent classes and teacher coaching , we will offer guidance and support for all parents who are teaching for the first time, and you'll never be left on your own. The best way to learn and be comfortable teaching is by rolling up your sleeves and doing it! As our co-op grows the frequency may extend minimum teaching rotations to every other month or once per quarter.

Can a parent stay with their young children all day?

Parents with infants up to six months will remain with the parent while they teach or assist in the Co-Op day. Parents with older babies that are mobile, toddlers and preschool ages will have access to parent-supervised nursery during class days when there is available space. Infants four months and younger may not be left in the Nursery. We encourage families to make arrangements for younger children whenever possible.

Parents with nursery aged children are usually assigned some time in the nursery, but in most cases they rotate around in other classrooms as well without their younger children in order to fairly share the workload, and give every parent an opportunity to learn new skills and work with different ages. Babies 4 months and younger, and up to about 6 months depending on the parent's preference, are expected to stay with their parent and not left in the nursery.

If a child has excessive separation anxiety or a parent is not comfortable leaving their child in the co-op nursery or preschool, the family should plan to arrange childcare elsewhere, or wait to join co-op until this is no longer an issue.

Does the co-op accommodate special needs children?

We welcome children of all abilities. Not all locations we meet at will be accessible to those with mobility challenges. We are happy to offer reasonable accommodations in the classroom when it is within our ability to do so. Please discuss your child's needs with the co-op board before you enroll if you have any questions or concerns.

For field trips and events, all children of all abilities are welcome based on their ability to participate in the activity. Parents must make this determination for themselves.

For families attending co-op classes during the school year: The co-op is staffed by parent volunteers. Generally they are not trained or equipped to teach students with special needs or developmental delays in a classroom environment. Therefore, students with more challenging or limiting diagnosed special needs who are unable to participate in classes independently with their peers or who need additional care, attention or supervision than can be reasonably provided in a classroom environment by volunteer parents must be accompanied by a properly trained adult (18+) when attending classes in order to participate in our co-op. It is the parent's responsibility to provide the trained adult at their expense. Ideally the trained adult would be a second parent, grandparent, or close relative, however a professional therapist or therapy coach would also be welcome. Keep in mind helpers in the classroom may be subject to background checks.

Special needs children who can participate relatively independently in the classroom do not usually require a 1:1 helper unless the parent feels it is necessary.

If you are unsure whether your child should have an additional helper, speak with your child's doctor or therapist.

Generally, if you can answer yes to any of the following criteria, your child likely requires a 1:1 helper in the co-op classes.

If your child has marked developmental delays in speech, language, adaptive motor, and/or cognitive development.
If your child’s behavior significantly interferes with his or her learning or the learning of others.
If your child has limited proficiency in English.
If your child is blind or visually impaired.
If your child has communication needs.
If your child is deaf or hard of hearing.

What kinds of classes does the co-op offer?

Our co-op parents bring their talents to the group and offer an array of educational and enrichment classes, from history, science, math, English, and foreign languages to art, music, dance, cooking... and much more. See the Class Schedules page for more information.

What does a typical co-op day look like?

We have three sets of classes per Co-Op day that are each 40-50 minutes long. We usually start the day with a circle time or community style meeting where we might sing songs, engage in story telling, have some movement, games, get our wiggles out, do some yoga and meditate. This time is also used to make announcements for the whole Co-Op. Students split up into their classes and participate with parent teachers and class helpers to learn about topics they've signed up for and shown interest in. At the end of the day we leave our classes and have another opportunity for all the children to play together, either outside when the weather permits or indoors in the gymnasium, eat lunch or play a game or sport. Families bring their own sack lunch most co-op days, however sometimes we may have a cooked meal in our kitchen by parent or student volunteers.

Are there other activities outside of class days?

Yes. Volunteers plan a variety of field trips throughout the year. We also conduct special events such as a parent skills coaching, support groups, teaching workshops for parents, student talent show, class performance days, field day, and dance parties for middle school and high school students.

We also have occasional parents' nights out!

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