What is Helping Hands Homeschool Co-op?
We are a co-operative of Christian homeschooling families who meet together for 10 to 12 weeks each semester to share the task of teaching our children. We currently have about 80 families each semester. Our day is divided into three periods of classes, beginning at 12:45 and ending at 4:00 on Monday afternoons. We currently meet at Temple Bible Church, and we are eternally grateful for this gracious gift.
Who may participate in the Co-op?
Any family:
-whose eldest child is at least 5 years old by September 1st of that school year
-who agrees to contribute to the operation of the co-op by earning two points per semester
-who is a believer in Christ and can sign a basic statement of Christian faith
Tell me about the “point system”.
In order to ensure that the Co-op operates efficiently and that the tasks are distributed equitably, we use a “point system”. Essentially, it states that each member family must earn two points per semester. Points may be earned by teaching a class, serving in the nursery or preschool areas for all three periods, arriving early to set up, and staying late to clean up. We would love to give you the job you request, and will if possible. Of course, the jobs are assigned on a “first come, first served” basis until all of our needs are met.
Do you charge tuition per class?
No! Your family will pay a registration fee of $50 per semester to cover administrative costs and, if applicable, a class fee which will be paid to the teacher for supplies only.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships may be available with board approval. Please e-mail us for a scholarship form.
May I drop my children off at Co-op and then pick them up when classes are over?
We require that parents remain at the church, participating in the operation of the Co-op. As well as earning your two points, you will be asked to help in some way during the Co-op day itself. Some will be classroom helpers, some will be hall monitors, and others will be helping in other ways.
What is a “For Credit” class?
At Helping Hands Co-op we offer two types of classes—traditional, supplemental classes and “For Credit” classes.
Our “traditional” classes are tried and true, educational, and interesting. Class topics are varied, and range from hobbies to academics. Students do not receive a grade, but are expected to participate in class and complete assignments, if given. What classes are offered this semester?
The “For Credit” classes are designed to be structured and academic, and yet remain “tuition-free.” A homework policy is a part of the class, with the expectation of completed outside class work. Students receive a grade at the end of each semester and are exposed to a more traditional classroom setting. The “For Credit” classes are a tool for homeschool families to use to meet educational requirements established by the state.
Apologia Science and Saxon Math are common curriculum taught by our Co-op, but often other “For Credit” classes are offered as well. Please view the catalog for detailed information concerning all our classes.
Please view our catalog for a detailed description of all classes offered this semester.
Sounds great! How do I register?
Registration for the Fall 2010 semester will open on April 11. At that time, we will post a link on our Classes and Registration page. When you register for co-op classes, you are committing your child to be in those classes. We can accept class changes into available classes up until our registration deadline. On this date, we cut checks to your children’s teachers so they can purchase materials in advance to make the class outstanding for all their students. Because of this, we will not refund any class fees after this date. If you determine that a specific class will not work for your child after the registration deadline, you may be able to move them into another class, provided there is room and you pay the fee for that class directly to the teacher. There is an additional $10 administrative fee per class for any changes made after July 31.
If you see a class in the catalog, but that class is not available on the online registration, the class is filled or cancelled. You will need to make another selection.