13 benefits of homeschool co-ops

This is a throwback to 2009 when first posted and is still a great list of benefits to homeschool co-ops!

Heart of the Matter had a great article written by Katie Kubesh on the benefits of homeschooling with co-ops.  She surveyed several co-ops members and here is what they received by being in a homeschool co-op:

1. Kids enjoy the variety of resources and materials provided
2. Parents do not have to do as much research and footwork on their own; they are able to share with other co-op parents
3. Co-ops gives homeschooling families the opportunity to bond with other families in their city or state
4. Co-ops keep homeschooling families on schedule
5. Co-ops keep homeschooling families accountable for their studies
6. The extracurricular activities are fun for both the parents and kids, including football games, craft parties, theme parties, field trips, etc.
7. People who belong to co-ops sponsored by their church appreciate the opportunity to share their faith and bond with other parish families and the pastors, who sometimes participate also
8. Co-ops that offer classes or unit studies give students the opportunity to learn a broader range of topics and/or to learn a subject their own parents may not be comfortable teaching, for example higher level mathematics, music, or foreign languages
9. Students are exposed to different types of teachers
10. Students are held accountable by someone other than their parents
11. Parents provide each other with support and encouragement
12. Students have the opportunity to interact with kids of all ages, not just their grade or age level
13. People who belong to co-ops have a wide selection of experiences. Some belong to large co-ops that include over 200 families. Larger co-ops are able to teach many classes (one offers 80 different classes from preschool through high school with subjects ranging from science, math, history, art, music, foreign languages, drama, and public speaking) and sponsor many field trips and other activities. Some larger co-ops even offer courses that students earn college credits for.

Isn’t that a great list?  I especially like # 9, 10 & 11  because those are the main benefits I received from my homeschool co-op.

Katie goes on to explain the benefits or large and small co-ops.  Sometimes small co-ops grow into large co-ops and the leaders find themselves managing larger groups of people, in a larger space and handling more money.

My book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out can also help a homeschool co-op leader run a successful co-op, whether small, medium or large, without burning out!

Carol Topp, CPA