Co-ops 101: Extended Learning
Whether situated in a private home, library, church, park, or other creative setting, co-ops do not replace parent-led teaching of home-taught core subjects.
Choosing the right co-op for your family might be based on various factors including location, class size, schedule, cost, and subject matter (academic, physical education, or enrichment classes). The following regional cooperatives -- in alphabetical order -- offer fall, spring, and year-long programs to enrich your child's learning adventures.
Classical Conversations
Classical Conversations is a growing national classical education program for grades K-12, with chapters in the Frederick area. It recognizes three stages of learning: 1) Grammar stage--memorizing facts; 2) Dialectic stage--discovering how facts relate; and 3) Rhetoric stage--applying facts. It includes three programs: Foundations for grades K-6, Essentials for grades 3-6; and Challenge for grades 7-12. The Challenge level fulfills high school credits in the state of Maryland. Each community meets once a week, is led by trained parent-tutors who model the classical tools of learning, and equips parents through regular Parent Practicums. For more info: www.ClassicalConversations.com or see one mom's experience here.
The Baltimore Homeschool Community Center
A diverse and vibrant community of students, parents, teachers, and friends who are changing the face of homeschooling. The Baltimore Homeschool Community Center is not affiliated with any one homeschool group, but open to members of all homeschool groups. We also offer after school, weekend, and BCPS days off activities and classes. Visit online.
Christiana Homeschool Academy (CHA)
CHA is a board directed, ecumenical tutorial service for homeschoolers. Based in Westminster, Maryland, we provide instruction using a classical/leadership approach to education from a Christian world view, with an emphasis on classical literature, excellent writing skills and public speaking. CHA meets two days per week. We provide the "Best of Both Worlds" of homeschooling and private school education. What does God have in store for your high school scholars and leaders? Currently, we have space available in our high school program, especially the 10th grade. To find out more about us, visit our website, or call or email Catherine Milstead at 410-781-7566.
Circle of Life Cooperative Preschool
CLC, at 4880 Elmer Derr Road in Frederick, provides a child-centered & parent-involved preschool program based on the foundation of the Unitarian Universalist Seven Principles. The curriculum utilizes a holistic approach to learning and development designed to meet the needs of the child. Call 301-473-7680 or visit online.
Classical Conversations
Classical Conversations is a growing national classical education program for grades K-12, with chapters in the Frederick area. It recognizes three stages of learning: 1) Grammar stage--memorizing facts; 2) Dialectic stage--discovering how facts relate; and 3) Rhetoric stage--applying facts. It includes three programs: Foundations for grades K-6, Essentials for grades 3-6; and Challenge for grades 7-12. The Challenge level fulfills high school credits in the state of Maryland. Each community meets once a week, is led by trained parent-tutors who model the classical tools of learning, and equips parents through regular Parent Practicums. For more info: www.ClassicalConversations.com or see one mom's experience here.
Columbia Homeschool Community
An inclusive and diverse homeschool support group whose mission is to provide homeschool enrichment, socialization and support, welcomes homeschoolers from throughout Maryland to join our support group and enjoy our co-op classes, field trips, monthly family events, and more. We are an active and friendly group, offering over 50 field trips, trimester classes, and lots of fun and socialization. Join us! Website
Educating Our Own (EOO)
An inclusive co-op that runs for 10 consecutive Monday sessions at the First Church of God in Westminster MD. Students in grades Pre-k through High School will have the opportunity to select up to four 50-minute class periods. For additional details please see our website.
Frederick Homeschool Debate
This weekly co-op is designed to equip and empower high school/mature middle school students and their families to become involved and effective in our community. Using Frederick County/City and Maryland state government, this course will satisfy at least 1 elective credit of debate, a ½ credit for civics, a ½ credit for economics, and a ½ credit for logic. Contact Susan Crowson at 901-292-4672 (TN cell). Website
Freedom HIll Cooperative
FreedomHill Cooperative, founded in March 2007, is an unconventional educational cooperative now located in New Market, MD close to both Montgomery and Frederick counties. FreedomHill Cooperative’s program is closely modeled after Sudbury Valley School in Framingham, Mass. Built solidly on Sudbury’s model of democratic education, FreedomHill’s primary goal is for students to develop the ability to think expansively about themselves and their place in the world. Contact: Elaine Wooton for more information. Website
HARC (Homeschool Academic Resource Cooperative)
Mission: To provide quality, fun-filled academic classes to children in the homeschooling community. We want adults and children to feel welcome, and to feel free to ask questions and learn without prejudice, in a relaxed group setting. We wish to provide encouragement and fellowship as well as educational support. We meet in Frederick off of Opossumtown Pike on Mondays from 9:45AM-1:05PM and offer nursery through high school with 3 classes and a lunch/recess period. Contact: Christine Colburn at 301-682-7077 for more information.
Holy Family Apostolate
A Catholic-based, one-day a week, tutorial program for 1st grade through high school. A Kindergarten/pre-school group and a nursery are available for younger siblings. Classes are held on Wednesday’s at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mt. Airy. Classes are offered in Writing, Science, and History, with a lunch period followed by recess in the Gym. HFA relies on its members to teach or assist with classes. Our elementary level classes are flexible and not heavily structured. Middle school classes gradually increase in structure and homework expectations. High school classes have the most structure and may be counted for high school credit if desired. Website
Homeschoolers About Town
Located in Mount Airy, we are an all inclusive group of homeschoolers that have come together to support one another on our individual homeschooling journeys. We are striving to create a close knit community of homeschool families in Mount Airy, MD and the surrounding areas. Website
Homeschooling by Grace Co-op
A First Class Homeschool Ministry meets at Grace Community Church in Frederick, MD; Christian-based, parent-involved co-op for students of all ages (infants to grade 12). In addition to the co-op, we have other activities and field trips. For more information, please visit online, contact Jen Reckley for membership info at 301-293-8960 or Susan Greeves, co-op coordinator.
HOPE Homeschool Families
A Christian homeschool support group offering summer Park Days, monthly parent meetings, and weekly co-ops in Walkersville. Grades K-12 are welcome to participate in our parent involved co-op meeting on Wednesday mornings. Some classes this session will include MD State History, P.E., Art, Cooking, Apologia Physical Science & IEW Speech. Fall enrollment now open. Please visit our website for details. Or, email Susan Garcia for information.
Horizons Homeschool Co-op
A dynamic, inclusive co-op, welcoming members from all faiths, races and educational styles. The co-op meets in Gaithersburg, (Montgomery County) Maryland. Horizons is organized and operated by homeschool parents. We meet every Thursday for fun, creative activities and classes for preschool through high school ages. For more information, please contact Danyelle Robinson.
Leap Co-op
Leap is a Christian Homeschool Co-op that meets in Derwood, Maryland at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church for children Pre-Kindergarten through High School where parents teach one class a semester. We are committed to our core values as stated on our website.
Monocacy Home Educators Co-op (MHEC)
Monocacy Home Educators is a secular and inclusive homeschool co-op that meets every Wednesday for 2 semesters per year (Fall and Spring). Each semester consists of 2 six week sessions, with a one week break in between the 2 sessions. The co-op meets at a church just North of Frederick on Old Frederick Road. Co-op begins at 9:45 a.m. with two classes (2 choices for each age group) before lunch and 2 classes after lunch. Contact Lisa Duckworth.
MDHSA Co-op
A non-profit, private organization that services homeschool families in the tri-state area. The co-op meets north of Waynesboro, PA ten weeks in the fall and again 10 weeks in the spring. MDHSA also sponsors a secondary level co-op that meets for 30 weeks from September through May. Participants must be MDHSA members.
Mother Seton TORCH of Montgomery
A group of about 100 Catholic families providing for their children's education at home. Our goal is to support the spiritual, moral, educational and social needs of Catholic homeschooling families. We host social activities, field trips, clubs, sports clinics and much more with the aim of promoting wholesome friendship and growth in virtue among our children. Contact our current co-leaders through our website. Website
Potomac Home Learning Circle
We are an activities-based, secular homeschool group based in Washington County and will be starting a learning co-op in Fall 2010 in addition to our other activities. Visit our website for more information.
Potomac Valley Homeschool Cooperative
Open to families with school-aged children in grades K-12. For the younger siblings we have both a pre-K class and a nursery. While a confession of faith is not a requirement for membership, most, if not all, of the families involved are professed Christians. Our group meets at Faith Baptist Church on Jefferson Pike in Knoxville, MD every other Thursday, August through May, from 9am-12pm (followed by lunch, fellowship, and gym). Contact Monica Paire at 301-293-1918.
Rhubarb Jam Co-op
A non-profit organization that meets in Braddock Heights, 3 miles west of Frederick City. This safe, inclusive, secular, and cooperative community invites persons of all ages involved in home education to interact in an atmosphere of respect and tolerance. Visit online for more information.
Sacred Heart Tutorials
A Catholic homeschooling cooperative that meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at St. Joseph's Church in Taneytown. We hold classes for 6th through 12th grade. Most of our classes follow a Mother of Divine Grace syllabus, and all our classes are compatible with Mother of Divine Grace as well as many other curriculums. You may sign up for individual classes or a package. For more information contact Karen McGrath at 410-756-5545.
Silver Spring Homeschoolers
This group is designed to form a community of homeschoolers for the Silver Spring area. There are many ways to homeschool, and parents must choose whatever works best for their children.The groups goal is to create a local collaboratively network of homeschooling families. Sharing skills and interests, resource sharing, announcements, and forming classes welcome on this groups page. Members do not need to be from Silver Spring to join, all are welcome. Website
TORCHFred
Started in 1994 to help support the efforts of Catholic parents as primary educators and teach their children at home. Faithful to the Catholic Magisterium, we promote homeschooling as an educational opportunity. We strive to support each other in our ongoing spiritual formation, deepening of our relationship with Jesus Christ, and increasing knowledge of the Catholic faith. TORCHFred is local chapter of TORCH (Traditions of Roman Catholic Homes), a national homeschool association. Enrollment is open to homeschooling families in and around Frederick and Carroll Counties, Maryland. Yahoo group
Training for Life in Christ Co-op (TLC)
The TLC Homeschoolers are a MACHE group based out of Frederick, Maryland. We offer spiritual and emotional support to homeschooling families while promoting strong academics. We offer support meetings, co-op classes, academic events, exciting field trips, and annual testing. It is our desire to minister to homeschool families without being a burden. For more information, please see "Why is Most Important," visit online or email Tina Jacobi.
Overlook Your Co-op?
We strive to include all cooperatives in our area but sometimes we miss one! Contact Homeschool Frederick! with information about your co-op. Please included co-op name, areas served, 1-2 line description to help readers know if they may be a good match with your group, and contact info (website, email or phone).