ASK HSF! ARCHIVES

Dear Homeschool Frederick,

I'm new to homeschooling and am not sure how to get involved with co-ops. Can anyone join or do you have to be invited? Do you have to know someone in the co-op? How do I know which one is right for my family? Do I have to join at the beginning of the school year?

HSF Reader

Co-ops are a great way to meet other people and share homeschool experiences with others. Frederick County has many co-ops to choose from to fit your family. Most, if not all, co-ops will let you join mid-year, although you may need to wait until the next class session starts.

You don't need to know someone or be invited to join a co-op, but should contact a few that sound compatible with your interests and contact them. Let them know you're interested in joining. They will likely invite you and your children to come spend a day with them.

There's no obligation to join a co-op based on this visit, but it will give you a feel for the ages of the children in the group and the style of the co-op. Some may be more focused on academic enrichment classes, while others are more relaxed social networks.

See our co-op page here at Homeschool Frederick. Find one that feels right to you and your kids and give it a try!

Sincerely,

Beth
HSF! Editor