There are many advantages to homeschool co-ops. One is
socializing our kids with other homeschool kids. Many long-term relationships come out of meeting often with your buddies. Classroom etiquette and participation is yet another skill that homeschool children get exposed to in co-op classes. Group games and activities are also much easier to pull off in a classroom setting. Utilizing the different talents of homeschool moms is a wonderful plus for co-ops. Some moms are awesome in science and just love to pull off science experiments, while others enjoy teaching creative writing, cooking classes, or art. Saving money on professional instructors by pooling resources as a group is another advantage to cooperative classes. Professional art, drama and language classes often mark big savings this way. However, I believe the biggest advantage of being involved in a successful co-op is the abundance of encouragement and support for the homeschool mom. We homeschool moms are all in this together, so support and new ideas from our peers just comes naturally in a cooperative setting.   


Now with every great thing, there are some draw backs.  Co-op classes can take away available time your family may need to actually have school as well as maintain your household. Constantly leaving your home for even a
great thing can be draining in homeschool life. Homeschool parents may also have to prepare and teach a course to participate in a co-op. This takes valuable time directly from your family, so be careful what you agree to teach.  Consider co-teaching with someone to split up the
work. Another drawback to homeschool co-ops is the additional commitment on your family.  A lot of preparation goes into managing a co-op, so a family's commitment to actively participate is very important.  Reporting on time and consistently is very important and should not be taken lightly. If your family is already overcommitted, save co-op for another school year. Interviewing and finding the right
co-op that has available space can also be time consuming, so start early.

The advantages and disadvantages of homeschool co-ops must be weighed before even beginning the search for that great co-op.  Please weigh all of them as you prayerfully consider what God has in store for your family. It's OK if joining a cooperative is not good for this season of your homeschool life. However, if you are unsure, try one out and see if you find the support and encouragement your family needs. You could always start a little informal one with a few families and let the blessings begin. Just remember, co-ops can be as demanding or as casual as you make them.


About the author: Tina Jacobi, homeschool mom of 3, has been homeschooling for 7 years. She is the group leader for the Training for Life in Christ (TLC) Homeschoolers which offers many services to the Christian homeschool community including cooperative classes. Visit her website at www.tlchomeschool.com