Welcome to the website for Owatonna Area Christian Home Educators!
What is OACHE?
OACHE (pronounced "oh-SHAY") is a homeschooling support group and co-op for Christian families in the Owatonna, Minnesota area. We are a non-profit corporation registered in the state of Minnesota with a board of directors made of elected members of the group.
Why do we exist?
We exist to help homeschooling families raise children who love the Lord and love to learn by providing encouragement, information, and support for parents, as well as learning, social, and service opportunities for their children.
Who belongs to OACHE?
New homeschoolers, veterans, and in between....small families to large who use a variety of curricula and teaching styles....we are a varied group. One thing we do have in common, and require for membership, is an agreement to support and uphold our Statement of Faith (see link at left). We are unapologetically Christian. All classes, activities, and meeting topics will have our faith in Christ at their center, and we will seek to honor Him in all we do.
What else is required for membership?
Another requirement for OACHE membership is that you are homeschooling at least one of your children or have a preschooler whom you are planning to homeschool. All memberships are subject to approval by the board of directors. Annual membership costs $27.50 per family.
What do we mean by "homeschooling"?
OACHE considers the definition of homeschooling to be more than just "educating children at home". It is an educational lifestyle where the parents are the decision makers, not the state. While there are several online academies that offer public school at home, we do not consider those options to fit the definition of "homeschooling" as the parents are not the ultimate authorities. While you are welcome to come to a parent meeting to meet us and see what OACHE is all about, if you are schooling with an online academy, you will not find OACHE a good fit for your family.
(To read more about the difference between homeschooling and virtual public schooling, please see this article from the Home School Legal Defense Association, or check out this page from MN Association of Christian Home Educators.)
What do we offer?
Parent meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month, September - May, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Childcare will often be available so that both parents may attend. Meetings will offer time for announcements, support and encouragement, fellowship, fun, mentoring, and learning.
Co-op classes are offered for preschool - high school and meet once a week for 2 eight week sessions. One parent is required to be present in the building and volunteer for one hour minimum during class-time, while a mom's support time is offered for the opposite hour.
Owatonna Arts Center classes are offered each month.
Park Playdates, Family Fun Events, and Field trips to local sites as well as regular trips to the Children's Theater Company and the Minnesota Orchestra.
Annual Presentation Day and Recital where students have the opportunity to perform, study a topic of interest, or conduct a science project and present their accomplishments to others.
We encourage our members to share their gifts and ideas and be part of the planning process for these activities.
Where do we meet?
Parent meetings, classes, and many other activities take place at Bethel Church, 1611 Hemlock Ave., Owatonna. Click here for a map to Bethel.
How do I become a member of OACHE?
An OACHE membership costs $27.50 per year (September 1 - August 31). To apply for membership for the 2011-2012 academic year you may do so on this website if you click on "Request NEW Membership" to the left of this public homepage or for more information about OACHE, email us at oache@oache.net or come to one of our parent meetings to meet us in person.
Where can I get more information about homeschooling?
Two excellent sources of information for Christian homeschoolers are the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and the Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE). Other great sites are available on the internet; however, nothing can take the place of talking one-on-one to those of us who are "in the trenches". Come and see what OACHE is all about! We'd love to help you as you begin your homeschooling journey.
