I'm home schooling my daughter and i heard that i should be in a co-op.?

Question

i live in san antonio texas in the castle hills area. do i need or have to be in a co-op? if i do need to be in a co-op, what is the best one and how do i go about signing up?

Answer 1

Co-ops are in no way required and in fact can be a detriment in some ways the first year - take away time to get in a groove, etc.

You can check out hslda.org for your state listings and then sometimes if you contact them they will have local ones, you can also do a google search for TX and see what pops up in your area.

Answer 2

It isn't that you should be in a co-op; you certainly don't have to be.

A lot of American homeschoolers seem to like the idea of joing a co-op because it can be a source of support and information and will often provide you and your daughter with a source of additional classes, group activities, trips out etc.

There is no compulsion to join a co-op though; you are entitled to go it alone if that is what works best for your family.

Answer 3

Coops are optional for any home school family.

Coops are classes that a group of parents have decided to teach together, and share their time and talent with each other.

If you'd like to participate in these you will have to contact your local home school support group leader, and see if she/he can direct you to the contact person(s).

If they offer classes, or activities you and your children are interested in, join, if not pass on it, or look for another.

If all else fails you can start one your self.

The choice is yours.

For plenty of home school information, and how to start, or look for specifics go to; http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/

Answer 4

You do not have to be in a co-op but they offer some really positive things for you and your child. You can be as involved as you wish or just have an email link where you can go for advice or to buy/sell curriculums. The co-op classes are great for meeting other homeschoolers in the area, going on field trips and allowing your child to be with other children their age with a common lifestyle.

Answer 5

You don't need to be in a co-op unless you want to be.  Co-ops can be great places for kids to socialize and learn teamwork, but so can scouts, sports teams, boys and girls clubs, and even just playing with other kids in the neighborhood.  Co-ops can offer classes that you might not want to teach on your own, but they can also limit your choices.  The decision is personal for you and your daughter to decide.  In my opinion the best kind of co-op is the low key kind, where classes are offered but the teacher doesn't collect homework or get upset if you miss a day.  Where your kids can have free play time and learn a little too, and where parents can meet other homeschooling parents.  I think once a week is the maximum I would want to do for a co-op.

Answer 6

You don't have to be in a co-op but I loved our co-op when we used to go but they are often very expensive.

Answer 7

No, you do not have to be in a co-op. Texas is totally open--you do what you want. The person who said that probably meant "It's a really good for your child's education/lot of fun/etc.," and not you legally should.

While they seem to be very popular in the US, I have yet to know of a co-op where I live in Canada. We do just fine without them!

Answer 8

Texas has pretty liberal homeschooling laws. I homeschooled both kids in Texas and never once had to do anything other than notify the school district of my intent to homeschool.

co-ops are good for sharing resources and stuff, but not required.

Answer 9

Texas is a very easy state to homeschool in.  You do not have to join a co-op, but if you want to, you can.  The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is the place to find out the legal requirements/options for homeschooling in your state.  The link is below:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?St...

If you want to join a co-op, contact a local homeschool support group; they will have co-op information.

Answer 10

You don't have to be in a co-op.  They do offer some good classes but its not necessary.   I am not sure what there is in the Castle Hills area. I use to live more toward Schertz/Cibolo and we went to SHINE for a semester.  Once you find one you like they should have a website or at least a contact number.

http://www.homeedsa.com/Support%20Groups...

Hope that helps.

Answer 11

There is no requirement that you be part of a co-op. It is helpful (to you) to be involved in a homeschooling group. Some do offer co-op classes, but wether or not you should participate in those classes depends upon the needs of both you and your daughter.