FAQs

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Our co-op was founded by a small group of homeschooling moms who desired a place where children could learn, build friendships, and experience community together. What began as a shared vision among a handful of families has grown into the thriving community we enjoy today.

President Lindsey Churchill and Vice President Elizabeth Rockwell, along with the founding board members, helped establish the co-op and continue to serve as volunteer leaders. Like every family in our community, they are homeschooling parents who devote countless hours behind the scenes, not for compensation or recognition, but because they believe in the mission and value of this community. The Board of Directors is entrusted with preserving the original purpose, values, and long-term health of the organization while thoughtfully guiding it as our community grows. While traditions and programs may evolve over time, our commitment remains the same: to provide a welcoming community where families can connect, serve, and support one another.

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HSA Co-op Philosophy and Mission

Our co-op is unique from many other “homeschool co-ops”, in that our main focus and goal is to offer support for the homeschooling family. We believe when families feel encouraged and supported within a community, they are more equipped to provide their own children’s education. Our underlying philosophy and aim is to create a supportive, local homeschooling community.

Our classes are focused on enrichment. Our main focus for our children is community and exploring new topics. We believe that the interaction between families of all stages and walks of homeschooling is beneficial for everyone.

The participation of all parents is essential to the success of the Co-op. The vast majority of our teachers are volunteers from within our families, and each parent is required to help in some way during our weekly meeting. Parents are required to stay during co-op hours .

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Here is how it works:

1. You, as a parent, must volunteer your time by teaching or assisting a class or by serving in some other way as needed. The amount of help required will depend upon how many families participate. The topic and most of planning will already be done (except for preschool/k & high school at this point) - you will be responsible for implementing it and assuring that the appropriate supplies are available for the lesson.
2. Non-refundable fees are due at the start of each month. Fees covers building costs, insurance fees, basic supplies, and other miscellaneous costs. Class fees are non-refundable, even if your family is absent.
3. The benefit of a co-op is that your children will be in terrific, enriching classes and the workload is shared among us all. Commitment to participating each week is necessary to have high quality classes and learning for our children. One parent must be on the premises the entire time his/her child(ren) are participating in the co-op (unless other arrangements have been made with the board). The co-op is not a “drop off” activity.

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Registration Process and Class Enrollment

Registration occurs once per year in July. Notices of registration dates and specific information for registration will be posted to the HSA website.

Registration priority is given to families in the following order:

1. Co-op Board Members
2. Lead Core Teachers
3. Returning Co-op Families
4. Wait Listed New Families

Children’s ages for classes are based on the child’s age as of September 1. Classes are based on age and are clearly marked at registration. Exceptions will be considered by the board.

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We believe in:

• Grace over assumptions.
• Solutions over complaints.
• Collaboration over division.
• Respectful communication.
• Community over entitlement.
• Supporting one another through life's unexpected moments.
• Giving one another the benefit of the doubt.
• Keeping our focus where it belongs, on our children.

At the end of the day, this co-op exists because a group of moms wanted their children to have friendships, experiences, and community. Every class, event, field trip, and opportunity is possible because parents choose to serve and work together. We may not always do things perfectly, but we strive to do them with love, integrity, humility, and a shared commitment to our families. Thank you for partnering with us, respecting our operational boundaries, and helping preserve the spirit of cooperation that makes our community so special.

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We are a secular group and not affiliated with any religion/church. Members of all faiths are welcome. 

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No. Our co-op is based upon the idea that we all work as a team, support each other, and contribute to the group. Our aim is to build strong relationships between families to support each other in our homeschooling. Therefore, a “drop-off” activity/co-op does not support our mission. With that in mind, an adult responsible for every child must be on the premises the entire time and we NEVER assume any legal responsibility for your child. If you need to leave for an emergency or any other reason, you must take your children with you.

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You are responsible for the care of/behavior of your children. We ask that your younger children do not disrupt or disturb ongoing classes.

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Our underlying philosophy and aim is to create a supportive, local homeschooling community.

We believe that the interaction between families of all stages and walks of homeschooling is beneficial for everyone. Our ultimate goal is to create a community - it is expected that you will join us for the full year if you register. There are no refunds for tuition paid but if you find that we are not a good fit, you are not required to pay for the remaining months. 

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Every homeschool co-op has its own culture and purpose. Families join because they appreciate the unique environment that has been intentionally built over many years. The board has a responsibility not only to manage day-to-day operations, but also to protect the mission and character of the community that families have come to know and love. While we welcome ideas and constructive feedback, not every suggestion or request will align with that mission. Sometimes stewardship means saying "yes" to new opportunities, and sometimes it means preserving the traditions and values that made our co-op special in the first place.

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Absolutely! Some of our best ideas have come from parents.

We welcome suggestions, feedback, and volunteers willing to help bring ideas to life. Thoughtful input is always appreciated and considered. However, because the Board of Directors has a responsibility to the entire organization, not every suggestion can or will be implemented Our goal is collaboration not consensus on every issue.
 

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Jump in! Co-ops thrive when families contribute their gifts, ideas, and time. If you see a need and are willing to help, we would love to work alongside you. Many of our favorite traditions, clubs, events, and opportunities have come from parents who simply said, "I'd love to help make that happen." As a cooperative community, we believe shared ownership of the experience comes through service, participation, and partnership, not simply expectations placed on a few volunteers.

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As a private nonprofit corporation, legal authority rests with the Board of Directors. This allows the co-op to operate consistently, fulfill its legal responsibilities, and remain true to its founding mission. Our goal is to listen to families and foster collaboration, while recognizing that final decisions must rest with those entrusted with the legal responsibility of governing the organization. no

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Because we aren't one. We are a volunteer-led homeschool co-op founded by families, for families. We are not a paid institution, and we do not have administrators, customer service departments, elected representatives, or committees that govern the organization. We are parents serving parents, and our success depends on mutual respect, grace, and a willingness to work together.
 

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Homeschool co-ops are built on people, not perfection. Teachers become sick. Families have emergencies. Volunteers step in. Schedules shift. Life happens. Our goal isn't to run like a large institution with layers of paid staff. Our goal is to build a thriving community where families support one another and where children can learn and grow together.

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Our co-op is operated by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of homeschooling parents. We are organized as a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and are governed according to our bylaws and applicable laws. No board member receives compensation. We are moms with families, homes, work, and homeschooling responsibilities who volunteer our time because we believe deeply in creating a community for our children and yours.

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No. While every family is an important part of our community, the co-op is not a membership organization with voting rights. The Board of Directors is responsible for governance, legal compliance, finances, policies, and protecting the mission and long-term health of the organization.

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 No. Our board is self-governing in accordance with our bylaws. Board vacancies are filled by the existing board through a nomination and approval process. This structure provides continuity, stability, and protects the original mission and values upon which the co-op was founded.

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Board meetings are private working meetings. They often involve confidential matters such as finances, insurance, legal issues, contracts, personnel matters, and sensitive family concerns. To protect privacy and allow the board to fulfill its responsibilities effectively, formal board meetings are not open to the general community.Major updates and important announcements are shared with families whenever appropriate.

We will have two open meetings per year, in February and October, and will announce those board meetings in advance.

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Because we're volunteers. Like every family in our co-op, board members are homeschooling parents juggling children, work, appointments, meals, laundry, and life. We don't have paid administrators sitting behind desks ready to solve every issue in real time. When unexpected situations arise, we work together, communicate, and do our best. Sometimes answers take time, and sometimes solutions require the flexibility and grace that homeschooling communities are known for.

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As a nonprofit organization, all funds are used to support the operation and mission of the co-op.
Expenses include:

• Facility costs

• Insurance

• Curriculum and supplies

• Technology and administrative expenses

• Events and enrichment opportunities

No board member receives a salary or profits from the organization. We are committed to responsible stewardship and transparency.