Homeschool co-ops allow flexibility in education and create a thriving community of united homeschoolers as they strive to live out God’s command of teaching our children the way they should live.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Is being involved in a homeschool co-op beneficial? Many homeschooling families say so! My family and I have been a part of a homeschool co-op for a number of years. Throughout my time as a homeschooled student, I have felt that it has helped me and my family in a number of ways.
NOTE: Article written by Levi Keeler, an OCEANetwork intern. Read more about him at the end of this post!
Benefits of Education
Different co-ops run things a little differently.
- Some co-ops have a classroom setting where your child takes several classes that a parent volunteers to teach. The diversity of classes are helpful and they allow flexibility in your child’s education.
- Other co-ops focus on socialization and are simply striving to help local homeschoolers meet each other and develop those relationships.
Many co-ops also include educational field trips or other social activities that will benefit your child. One of the greatest benefits of a homeschool co-op is that you can find a group whose beliefs align with your family’s beliefs.
Benefits of Community
Homeschooling is not meant to be done alone. A co-op gives you an opportunity to be united with other like-minded individuals. The community in homeschool co-ops has several benefits:
- It gives opportunities for socialization and relationship building among homeschoolers, both children and adults.
- It strengthens your confidence and renews your excitement in home education.
I know from experience that involvement in co-ops develops friendships. Some of the people I met at co-ops I have been friends with for a decade!
Benefits of Involvement
Get involved in a local homeschool support group or co-op! Volunteer to teach a class. We all have certain skills or knowledge that others would benefit from. Whether it’s that college degree that you set aside in order to homeschool your kids, or a cooking class, don’t keep it to yourself! Pass it on to the next generation. Do not just stand on the sidelines looking in. You can:
- encourage and build other homeschoolers up
- share your experiences with others
- learn from more experienced homeschoolers
- work together to help this new generation receive the education it needs.
But what if there isn’t a local co-op that fits your needs? Then maybe it’s time to start one! Communicate with other homeschoolers and find a time and place to meet. It might start with a playdate at your house, or a bible study at church. You will end up blessing your family, and others as well.
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This article is written by Levi Keeler, an OCEANetwork intern. He a junior who has been homeschooled his entire life and likes being able to shape his education around his interests. He enjoys playing music (piano, guitar, and drums), reading, and studying church history and Biblical languages. In a couple of years, Levi hopes to attend college to earn a Masters in Divinity and become a pastor.