FAQs
Q: |
There are many ways to contribute to Branches. The simplest way is to sign up for "jobs." Once you are a member you can sign up for these jobs through the website. Class options are never the same, they always vary based on what parents volunteer to teach. This way we get some very creative classes! Required Job Credits:
Parent Job Examples:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A: |
Branches is a homeschool co-op community that offers academic and enrichment classes once a week to families in the metro Phoenix area. We also seek to create a close knit community where families feel they belong and are supported. We do this through a co-op (cooperative) model, where each family contributes in some way. |
Q: |
What is a homeschool co-op? |
A: |
A homeschool co-op (or cooperative) is a group of families that come together one day a week and pool their resources to offer classes, both academic and enrichment, to children of all ages. By joining with other homeschooling families, responsibilities can be divided up and shared amongst the group. Parents share expertise and resources with each other. Friendships are formed at the co-op and encouragement is readily available. |
Q: |
Why join a homeschool co-op? |
A: |
Growing at a tremendous rate, there is estimated to be 40,000 homeschooled children in Arizona. The need for homeschool community co-ops has never been higher. Isolation is one of the biggest problems for homeschool moms and their children. By creating Branches, we hope to connect homeschool families to a support system and a local church. |
Q: |
When and where does Branches meet? |
A: |
Branches meets on Tuesdays for two 14 week semesters throughout the year near I-17 and Bell Rd. Classes begin at 9am and end at 1:40pm. Students may take between two and five classes per semester. As we grow, our day will extend and students will be able to take up to six classes. |
Q: |
What type of classes does Branches offer? |
A: |
Classes vary each semester according to what parents sign up to teach. Here are some examples:
|
Q: |
Is it possible for me to leave campus if I have a doctor's appointment, special errand, or other unusual situation that comes up during my "free period?" |
A: |
Yes. As long as you have a parent-on-property, being another adult responsible for your children, you can leave campus during your free time if you have it. Keep in mind that this really should be the exception, not the rule. |
Q: |
What costs are involved with joining Branches? |
A: |
We charge a per-child Registration Fee structure: This amount helps to cover our fixed expenses including the website, insurance, and facilities fees. The classes for ages 7-18 range in price. Classes taught by our members will be low and simply cover the fees for materials, between $10-$100 per 14 week semester. Classes taught by outside teachers may be higher, depending on the amount the teacher charges. Mini Branches Fees per semester:
|
Q: |
Does my family need to stay all day? |
A: |
No, your family does not need to stay all day. However, staying all day will be much more fun! Lunch is a great time for the kids to meet and mingle - really adding to your co-op experience! |
Q: |
How do I contribute my talents to this co-op? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A: |
There are many ways to contribute to Branches. The simplest way is to sign up for "jobs." Once you are a member you can sign up for these jobs through the website. Required Job Credits:
Parent Job Examples:
|
Q: |
How do I sign up for classes and parent "jobs?" |
A: |
You sign up for classes for your children and parent jobs the same way. After you are a member you will be able to sign up for classes and jobs on the Class Registration page. |
Q: |
What is the refund policy? |
A: |
Because Branches is on a very tight budget (money comes in and goes out almost immediately) we cannot refund any classes after funds are released to teachers. Teachers buy supplies and order textbooks based on the number of children enrolled in their classes. Contracted teachers are paid for the entire semester the first day of class. |