What do you all think of Co-op's?

[Kate in VA]

We have not participated in one before and I was wondering what your experience has been.....

Do you like the idea of one day a week is Co-op day? Do the moms take turns "teaching"?

I found out about co-op that is run at a church close by. the prices are good but their is a teacher that teaches not another mom..... However they ask for help from the moms. Does this sound okay? They offer 2 Art classes, music, gym, and Spanish......

We already have a homeschool group that we participate with but that is an event here and an event there type thing.... I wanted something more with the same kids for my daughter to see more of on a regular basis to make lasting friendships...... Has this been your experience?

Thank you all!
Kate

[strider]

My kids are presently involved in a once-a-week co-op that is fabulous. The moms do NOT help. Not all the teachers have a teaching degree, but ALL the teachers are really good. The administrators have high standards and are organized, so we have been very happy.

I have had involvement with another co-op that is not as good. My biggest beef was that it is very poorly organized. That factor alone has brought us close to quitting more than once. This one was done by moms, and some of them taught very, very well. Others haven't been as great, but still not bad.

I would say to go observe a time or two to get a feel for how it works. If it is organized and the teachers are well-prepared and actively teaching then it could really be a good thing.

[Donovans4]

and classes are taught by professional teachers. Parents are required to help in a small way, they must either be a room volunteer (2nd adult in a classroom) for a 16 week session or be part of the set up /clean up crews. The co-op could not function without these parental responsibilities, for one thing, the insurance policy the co-op carries requires two adults in any room where there are children.

I would second the suggestion to go and observe the co-op in action. That will give you an idea of whether or not it is a good fit for your family.

LauraD in MN

[Peek a Boo]

I've liked most of them. I've had more issues w/ judgments passed and policies implemented than I have w/ the actual classes :-)

On it's face, the co-op sounds ok. Is it a religious co-op? will they ask you to sign a statement of faith? Is there a dress code? Is there a policy page? Do you have to agree to a whole year or can you limit your involvement.

A paid teacher *tends* to be more accountable than a volunteer mom, but our volunteer moms at my co-op are great :-) You need to be ready to FLEX bigtime, extend lots of grace, and assume that disagreements are more wrong perceptions that need to be worked out. If you have concerns and bottle them up, your co-op experience will suck. If you have concerns and the co-op blows you off, Leave ASAP.

i've run into more disagreements and problems w/ my guys wearing Harry Potter shirts than I have w/ any actual classes my kids took or I taught, lol. It'll be the little things that make or break it.

good luck!

[GVA]

We've been in several, and are now in a larger one with paid teachers (homeschool moms, but all had to apply and be hired) and a small monthly history group with three other families who share responsibilities. Both of those have been great. Those in charge are great, but they also demand a lot of those who participate in any capacity. Some have left because of that.

In the past though we did two different volunteer ones that were fairly large, and the quality is so-so. That was OK when my children were younger, but I've got one in the logic stage now and things like this have to pack some academic punch in order for me to give up the time. In one of them I was a teacher's aid where I was always madly helping her figure out what to do 15 minutes before class and then making copies during class with the hope that I would get them to her on time. Never again!

[Adrianne]

Hi Kate,

Some co-ops are very relaxed and are for social or "fun" education. Others are more academically minded.

My family has always belonged to mom organized co-ops. These co-ops basically exist because of the involvement of the families that belong. In order for success, everyone needs to participate in some small way.

Our co-op is very relaxed and not structured. We go for fun and to see our friends. ( I like teaching children) Over the years we have become like a family. But again, everyone is encouraged to participate, not just drop off the kids. Our cost is also very low ($25 per year). The classes we offer are based on the what the moms or dads want or can teach.

The other type of co-op is more structured and is usually highly organized. I do not have much experience with these but have heard that they work well on a high school level. They also tend to cost more money but this is due to the higher educational quality of classes.

If you are looking for structure and a meaningful educational experience, then a more structured co-op is for you.

On the other hand, like in my case, if you are looking for a more relaxed, "just a place to go and have fun" kind of a situation, then I suggest a more relax atmosphere. I would encourage you to visit the co-op and maybe attend some of their open activities. In the summer, we have picnics and park days that we encourage new families to attend and check us out.

Finding the right group of people for your family is the key to a great co-op!

Good luck!

Adrianne

[Laura K (NC)]

We've been involved in a few co-ops, and I've decided my boys are too old for them at 11, 12, and 14. If there were paid teachers we might have more success, but with volunteers there is very little accountability on the part of the teachers or the students. I've taught too many classes where the kids don't bring in their books (Latina Christiana), didn't finish assignments (music history), or just plain didn't show up because the parent didn't feel like coming.

I wouldn't choose a co-op taught by volunteers to enhance my kids' education. I would do it as little more than playgroup, and that would be (in fact, is) my expectation. They are lovely people and good friends, but we won't be participating again after this year... my kids are too old for adult-scheduled playgroups.

[Beth in Central TX]

I tried our local co-op one year with DS#1. It was fine, but I'm not planning on doing it again until our boys are older. I can teach most of the lower classes offered, therefore, it was just really overpriced social time for my son who really doesn't care to be all that social. I'm waiting until they are in 8th grade and up. Our co-op offers some very cool courses then: drafting, public speaking, mock trial, theatre, etc.

[angela in ohio]

I think a co-op taught by professionals, or even moms with talent in an area, would be great. We were in one that was just whatever the moms wanted to offer, and it was never worth our while.

[frogpond1]

have teachers who are enthusiastic and believe strongly in what they are teaching, and they must mesh with your own educational philosophy. That said, they can be extremely motivating for children, and fill gaps you may not feel confident in teaching. I think the middle school age child needs a high degree of accountability and quality control measures and a co-op can really help you as a parent reach higher than you might just at home. That said, I wouldn't trade our two day co-op for anything. My children would miss out on so much without their group of friends around them working hard together.

[WTMindy]

go and check it out and see if it fits your needs. Every co-op is totally different and you should be able to get a vibe when you see it. Evaluate what you will gain and what you will give up by joining a co-op.

We are in a public school co-op and have been for 6 years now. It is great because I get to teach there (paid as a ps teacher) and the kids love their classes. Every year, though, I evaluate. Are we gaining enough to outweigh what we are giving up. So far the answer is still yes, but we'll see as the kids get into middle school.

Mindy

[mcconnellboys]

I think that sounds like a good coop, filling in some of the areas that often get neglected at home or are just better/more fun done in a group setting. As long as the teachers do a good job and others seem pleased, it sounds as if it would be good to try out,

Regena

[6packofun]

Those in charge are great, but they also demand a lot of those who participate in any capacity. Some have left because of that.


Would you share what sort of demands they made? Was this a co-op where the moms taught? I'm curious because I'd like to start a once a week co-op for middle school and high school aged kids but wonder what is too much or too little to expect. Thanks! :D

[Laura Corin]

Our homeschool group recently turned into a co-op. We decided not to join because:

- I'm already running Hobbes' cub scout den and didn't want to volunteer any more
- Science was one of the subjects being taught and I had a fair idea that I would disagree with the slant
- we really like chilling out on Friday afternoon, rather than going off and being organised

Best wishes

Laura

[Rachel]

I've started co-ops, I've participated in them, and I've ended them.

Overall, I don't like them. I LOVE the concept of them.......but I have found that over the past 11 years few of them last long.

I think smaller is better

I think REALLY knowing the other parents and agreeing with discipline, religion, child raising, etc... is VITALLY important to success

I think "KEEP IT SIMPLE" should be every co-ops mantra

I will never do another one.......for us the benefit has never outweighed the hassle.

[Kate in VA]

it so good to hear about others experiences, both good and bad! I just got the rest of the info and it sounds like it is being run very professionally.... the expectations of the parents are stated very clearly.... and i think (if i can make sure i can get the car each week) we will give it a try....

Thanks again for all the input!
kate:D

[Josie]

We have done some co-ops. Mostly I didn't like them. I can teach everything they can and I don't have to deal with all the personalities. Right now, the DC can take or leave them. I think the only reason I would consider a co-op again is if we come to a situation where we need to meet up with a few more families for our social network.