WACO AREA HOMESCHOOL GROUPS/ CO-OPS
GWCHE
Greater Waco Christian Home Educators is a volunteer, Christian homeschool support group in Waco, Texas. We are dedicated to helping families who have chosen to educate their children at home by providing various opportunities for local homeschooling families. Please take a look at our site to learn more about our organization. We hope that your homeschooling family will be able to join us! If you have any questions please email us at gwcheboard@gwche.org.
The following co-ops can help you customize your child’s education, but are not sponsored by GWCHE.
Brazos Valley Co-op
A Christian organization that meets each Friday, September thru April, and offers affordable academic and enrichment classes for homeschoolers K – 12 such as art, PE, the sciences, theater, choir, writing, guitar, ukulele, dance, Legos, Magic School Bus science, Dr. Seuss, Shakespeare, computer science, Shark Tank, and much, much more! BVC is unique in that you may leave your child at co-op during the day and enjoy some time on your own. We have an 23 year tradition of excellence in walking alongside local homeschoolers. Email committee@brazosvalleyco-op.com with questions. https://www.brazosvalleyco-op.com/
F3 Co-op (Faith, Family and Friends)
Faith-Family-Friends (F3) is a low budget co-op based on the Biblical idea that the body of Christ should bless one another with the gifts and talents that God has given us and encourage each other in the calling of homeschooling. F3 is a true volunteer co-op that has been serving the community for over 10 years. We believe in sharing the skills and blessings that we have been given to bless the body of Christ. Our parent/parents must stay at the co-op either teaching or helping in some way. Our first class for all age groups is Science…mostly Apologia. We have two class periods after lunch. We take children from birth to 12th grade (must be 18 or younger as of Sept 1). Our mission is to cover classes that our students need and that are developmentally appropriate for our kids. There is a one time building use fee per family for the year. Each class also has a small fee for the year to cover supplies used for the classes. Please take a look at our website [www.f3waco.net] and join our Facebook page: “F3 Waco Co-op”.
Email us @ f3wacotx@gmail.com for more information.
One Day Academy (Waco)
One Day Academy is a high quality academic resource for Christian home school families. We are committed to providing excellent, degreed teachers and high-quality curriculum to students in a Christian setting with the convenience of our one-day-per week class structure for a fraction of the cost of private school. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Gonzalez at bellfalls@gmail.com or (254) 426-6280.
For more information on One Day Academy and a complete list of class offerings
please visit www.onedayacademy.com/waco-temple.
MC2- Waco Homeschool Co-op
We are a Christian, parent-led co-op. We tend to focus on sciences and social studies, but also offer language arts, enrichment, etc. We do not have a set schedule of courses that we offer, but instead, continuously look at the children we have currently enrolled and what they need at that particular time. For example, one semester we might have a lot of elementary students needing history and the next semester, we might have some high schoolers who need literature and composition.
Because we are parent-led, the parents meet to decide courses, toward the end of each semester. Parents are also responsible for teaching at least two classes. Parents take care of cleaning and caring for the location that we use. We currently meet on Fridays from 8:55 am to 11:50 am. We have an optional brown bag lunch together afterward. We offer three classes, 50 minutes each.
At the moment, we have students that range in age from 2 to 13. We do not have high schoolers or infants right now, but both are always welcome. We honor families and do our best to accommodate families as much as possible. Registration is $50 per family per semester, plus supply costs for each class, which vary depending on the classes.
We meet at Elm Mott Church of Christ, located at 301 Old Dallas Road, Elm Mott TX.
Contact: vee-butterfly@hotmail.com
Alpha & Omega Co-op
We are a group of Christian homeschooling families in the Waco area, joining together to encourage, enrich and educate our children together through weekly parent lead cooperative classes in Robinson or China Spring. Contact them through their website. https://www.alphaomegahscwaco.org/
SHINE Co-op in Gatesville
SHINE Christian Homeschool Co-op is organized to provide supplemental educational support and group activities for children. It is intended to complement the home educator’s curriculum with elective classes as well as core classes to enhance our children’s studies in a Christian environment. SHINE Christian Homeschool Co-op is not meant to be the sole source of your child’s education. They meet Thursdays 9:30am-3:00pm. http://www.shinechristiancoop.com/
Classical Conversations offers three academic programs:
https://classicalconversations.com/
Foundations (K4-6th) offers one morning a week practicing memory work in 7 subject areas, doing science and fine arts projects, and presenting to classmates. This year’s history memory work will cover medieval to new-world history. Parents attend.
Essentials (4th-6th) offers an afternoon of engaging English grammar studies, writing lessons using IEW, and mental math games and drills. Parents attend.
Challenges A, B, I, II, III, and IV (7th and up) utilize academically challenging books and assignments to lead students through a classical Christian education. Each program includes up to twelve students with a tutor who leads students in one full day a week of conversations, presentations, debates, science labs, problem solving, and essay writing using The Lost Tools of Writing. Six subject areas are covered in each program as students hone their dialectic and rhetorical skills with a goal to become mature Christian leaders. Parents may drop off.
Waco West Campus (Monday)
Availability in Foundations, Essentials, Challenge A (at least 12 years old by October), and Challenge B. Contact Reem Hoff for Foundations and Essentials at reem_hoff@yahoo.com, Lin Carter for Challenge A at mom2exec@yahoo.com, and Emily Lacasse for Challenge B at melacasse@gmail.com.
Waco Northwest Campus (Tuesday)
Availability in Foundations and Essentials. Contact Elisabeth Gouldman at elisabethgouldman@gmail.com.
Waco Central (Monday)
Becky Trimble, Director. Limited availability in F and E, contact Becky at rebeccamtrimble@gmail.com; Availability in following Challenge programs: Ch B (at least 13 years old), contact Tressa Strickland at tstrickland@classicalconversations.com; Ch I (at least 14 yrs old), contact Isma Fourie at ismafourie01@gmail.com; Ch II (at least 15 yrs old), contact Maria Taylor at mariataylor@grandecom.net; Ch III and Ch IV (at least 16 yrs old), contact Beth Porter at mrsbethporter@gmail.com and Susannah Salmans at susannahsalmans@gmail.com, respectively.
WACO AREA ACTIVITIES/ SPORTS
The following groups are not sponsored by GWCHE.
Waco Homeschool Chess Club
The Waco Homeschool Chess Club is a place for homeschooled students in the Waco area to come together and enjoy the world’s greatest game. We have players of all skill levels and ages, from beginners to tournament players. We are currently meeting the 1st & 3rd Thursday nights from 7:15-8:45pm at Crestivew Church of Christ Community Center. Contact Dan & Deborah Shafer for more details: wacohomeschoolchess@yahoo.com
Chess Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/348075025855326
Contact Form: https://forms.gle/VV2S4qLgBE497QGSA
Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol is America’s premier public service organization for carrying out emergency services and disaster relief missions nationwide. As the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP’s vigilant citizen volunteers are there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster, and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 56,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy, and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.
Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character. As cadets participate in these four elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers, and scientists first explored their careers through CAP.
If you’re between 12 and 18 years of age and dreaming about a career in aviation, space, or the military, CAP’s Cadet Program is for you.
Waco Composite Squadron is the local Civil Air Patrol unit.
Contact Person: Capt Alvin Goodman
Email: archie.goodman@txwg.cap.gov
Squadron meeting location: 7601 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX
Meeting day and time: Mondays at 7:00 pm
Squadron Website: facebook.com/wacocivilairpatrol
“Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.”
Trail Life
Trail Life USA is a Church-Based, Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy.
Trail Life USA (for boys) Troop 3567 meets 1st and 3rd Sundays at 1:30 pm at The Bridge Church, 380 Compton Rd off Hwy 6 on the way to Valley Mills. For more information contact Donna: aggiemomdonna@yahoo.com. First fall meeting Sept 3. Back to school event for each troop Sept 9, Saturday. Preregistration for supplies required.
American Heritage Girls
American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered character and leadership development program for girls 5 to 18 years of age.
American Heritage Girls Troop 3567 meets 1st and 3rd Sundays at 1:30 pm at The Bridge Church, 380 Compton Rd off Hwy 6 on the way to Valley Mills. For more information contact Donna: aggiemomdonna@yahoo.com. First fall meeting Sept 3. Back to school event for each troop Sept 9, Saturday. Preregistration for supplies required.
Baylor TIP
The Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development launched the Baylor Talent Identification Program (TIP) in 2021. Baylor TIP offers above-grade-level assessments for students in Grades 4 and 5 and Grades 7 and 8.
Mission
To identify exceptional talent in STEM and the humanities and provide world-class learning opportunities commensurate with students’ exceptional potential.
Goals
- Provide transformative learning opportunities to precollegiate students in the areas of STEM and the humanities.
- Identify and recruit diverse students from Texas and surrounding areas with the ability, interest, and motivation to achieve at exceptional levels.
- Prepare precollegiate students for exceptional achievement by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment in a caring environment.
Baylor Talent Identification Program (TIP)
Texas Wind Athletics
Texas Wind Athletics provides an opportunity for Homeschool students to participate in competitive sports in the greater Waco area with a focus on Christian principles. If you are a homeschool student or attend a school that does not offer a particular sport, you may be eligible to participate in any of our 7 Jr. High, Jr. Varsity, or Varsity boys and girls sports.
Founded in 2013, Texas Wind Athletics strives to be the premier Christ-centered athletic organization for homeschooled athletes in Central Texas.
Website https://www.txwindathletics.net/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/texaswindathletics/
Waco Christian Academy Athletics
We offer sports for 6th-12th grade! We have Football, Cheer, Volleyball, softball, baseball, soccer!
Waco Christian Academy's athletic program is a unique opportunity for homeschool students to engage in competitive sports while receiving championship-quality coaching both on and off the field. With a commitment to excellence, the academy provides a supportive environment that fosters skill development, teamwork, and character growth. For the fall of 2023, Waco Christian Academy offers a range of exciting sports including Six-man football, Volleyball, and Cheer. Homeschool students can join these teams and experience the thrill of competing at a high level, while also benefiting from a well-rounded education that combines academics, athletics, and personal development.
Fill out this WCA SPORTS INTEREST FORM if you are interested in WCA sports.
WEBSITE https://wca254.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/wacochristianacademy
Hill County Wolves (Whitney, TX)
We are a Christian sports organization for Homeschool kids and private school kids that do not have the option to play sports. Admin@Hillcountywolves.org
Website http://www.hillcountywolves.org/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/Hill-County-Wolves-100087426781031/
CenTex Sports Association
At CenTex Sports Association, we are here to change the game for Central Texas athletes. This Waco-based athletic association considers it our aim to not only build better athletes, but to also help build better humans through our multi-faceted training, with an emphasis on sportsmanship and character-building.
Centex Bearcats
CENTEX Bearcats, a pioneering initiative founded in 2023, aims to cater to the growing number of homeschoolers seeking competitive athletics. Centex Bearcats offers, 6man football, volleyball, basketball, and track for 6th-12th grade athletes. Email: info@centexbearcats.com
https://leagues.teamlinkt.com/centexbearcats
Waco Liberty Volleyball
Waco Liberty Volleyball is a JV & Varsity homeschool volleyball program in Waco, TX. We strive to have a competitive volleyball program that focuses on developing servant leaders as we put Christ first in all that we do.
Liberty Volleyball will be hosting Open Gym nights occasionally on Saturday nights from 7:00-8:30 p.m. @The Waco Athletic Center. See our Facebook page for event dates. We will play volleyball & hang out. $5/entry fee. Invite your friends! 5th grade & up are welcome to play.
https://www.facebook.com/Waco-Liberty-Volleyball-101687758900168
Heart of Texas Jaguars Volleyball
We are a unique volleyball organization striving to develop athletes who desire to compete at a high level. Our aim is to prepare the heart first by creating a team based mentality through humility, service, and selflessness. The “heart” of Texas Jags volleyball is to develop the whole athlete by building a positive mindset and leading by example.
Our schedule will mirror a traditional public school season. We will play non district games along with “district games” and end the season with an exceptional experience at the state tournament! Our coaches believe in team bonding, intense training, and putting forth our best effort in all that we undertake.
All of our coaching staff have collegiate volleyball experience. They have ongoing connections to help place athletes on college team rosters at all divisions. They also have led multiple teams to the UIL and TAPPS State Championships.
The Heart of Texas Jaguars are comprised of homeschool, private school, and charter school girls residing around the Waco, Belton, Killeen, and surrounding areas. All girls entering grades 6 -12 are eligible to play with the Jags.
For more information call 254-300-1323, email hotjagsvb@gmail.com, or visit our Facebook page.
Skate Waco (Bellmead) Homeschool Skate
Fridays 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
$5.00 includes Skate Rental
$5.00 Adult Spectator includes Drink. No outside Food or Beverages allowed inside please.
https://www.skatewaco.com/skate-country/skate-times?rq=homeschool
Young Marines
The Young Marines, a national youth organization, provides a program for boys and girls age eight through high school, focused on leadership, citizenship through community service, self-discipline, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The organization upholds the Marine Corps’ core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment as well as the Young Marines’ core values of Leadership, Discipline and Teamwork.
Individual units are led by dedicated adult volunteers. The Young Marines’ commitment and work to develop the next generation of leaders continues as it strives to meet its vision to be the best led and managed nonprofit in America and the nation’s premier youth development program.
Local Unit Activities
Upon joining a local Young Marines unit, recruits undergo a 26-hour orientation program, sometimes spread out over several weekly meetings and sometimes over the course of a weekend. Youth members learn general subjects such as history, customs and courtesies, close order drill, physical fitness, and military rank structure.
After graduating from Young Marines Recruit Training, Young Marines learn even more new skills, earn rank, wear the Young Marines uniform and work toward ribbon awards. Young Marines earn ribbons for achievement in areas such as leadership, community service, swimming, academic excellence, first aid, and drug resistance education.
Information about joining can be found at the following sites:
Heart of Texas Young Marines: https://youngmarines.org/unit/heartoftexas/ContactJoin
Central Texas Young Marines: https://youngmarines.org/unit/centraltexas/ContactJoin
More resources can be found on our Resource Fair Vendor List
WACO AREA RESOURCES UPDATES
If you would like to update or add to this list of Waco area homeschool resources, please email us at gwcheboard@gwche.org.