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A Warm Welcome from Free Range Learning Cooperative

Welcome to Free Range Learning Cooperative, where our vibrant, secular homeschool community in Jacksonville thrives on openness and acceptance. We proudly embrace diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected regardless of race, religion (or lack thereof), gender, sexual orientation, educational philosophy, political views, and more. We kindly ask that political opinions and religious beliefs remain personal, fostering a harmonious and supportive environment for all.

We meet most Tuesdays on the west side of Jacksonville, where our days are filled with enriching activities and joyous interactions. Our year is divided into two semesters: Fall and Spring, each consisting of 10-12 weeks of classes. Additionally, the first Tuesday of each month features optional field trips and festive gatherings. Some classes span the entire year, while others are single-semester delights. Our day begins with member check-in at 9:45 a.m., followed by the first class session at 10:00 a.m. and concluding with the last class at 3:00 p.m. There are four engaging class sessions throughout the day, with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., where families often enjoy packed lunches together.

Our annual family community fee is $160, covering membership from July through June. This fee is non-refundable and non-prorated. Every family plays a vital role in our cooperative by volunteering for three positions. Volunteer roles include teacher, co-teacher, assistant, nursery worker, committee member, coordinator, and other essential contributions. Our cooperative spirit ensures that everyone pitches in to enhance our community and support our children's growth. The fees we charge are minimal and cover facility rental, website maintenance, liability insurance, and essential operating expenses. Each class has a $6 fee, with some classes requiring additional material fees or the purchase of supplies.

We welcome all educational philosophies, offering both structured and unstructured classes to cater to various learning styles. Nursery volunteers are available to care for infants, allowing parents to fulfill their volunteer roles. Parents are also welcome to spend time in the nursery with their younger children for play or rest.

Since our inception in 2012, we have flourished thanks to the incredible dedication of our families, volunteers, and the enriching classes we offer. If you wish to join our community, please request membership, and a member of our team will gladly reach out to answer any questions you may have.

We believe in a relaxed, child-centered approach to learning, avoiding the need for rigorous institutionalization. While we offer some traditionally structured classes, we understand that children learn at their own pace. Age ranges or grade levels are approximate and at the parents' discretion. It's the parents’ responsibility to ensure their child is a good fit for a class. We ask that you consider maturity levels as well as knowledge and physical development when placing your child in a class, respecting the other children in the group.

Thank you for considering joining our joyful and dynamic learning community!

Warm regards,

The Free Range Learning Cooperative Board of Directors