Please email questions to mankatohomeschoolconnect@gmail.com. Untitled Header Image
 

FAQs



Q:

What exactly is Mankato Homeschool Connection (MHC)?

A:

MHC is a 501c3 nonprofit group that exists to encourage the Christian homeschool community in their walk with Christ and each other to better equip all to bring the light of Jesus into their homes and throughout all the world. MHC strives to do this through meeting once a week throughout much of the traditional school year for an afternoon of enrichment classes. Parents are essential to the process as they are the ones who teach the classes. There are a total of 18 weeks of enrichment classes plus 3 weeks in the fall where there are more laid back classes held at a local park. MHC has no paid employees, only volunteer parents. Interspersed throughout the year are also field trips, special events for families and parents such as Moms Night Out, holiday parties, and swimming, and many other activities. When you join MHC, you can expect to be given many opportunities to build a community of other homeschoolers. Beyond the main co-op day that is the core of MHC, how much or how little you participate in is up to you. 

Q:

Is this a Christian group?

A:

Yes!  All of our members must sign and agree to our Statement of Faith as part of the registration process.

Q:

What does it cost to join?

A:

We try to keep fees as low as possible for our families but need to cover our insurance, administrative costs, website access for each family, and weekly building rental. The fee for 2023-24 will be $225. Financial assistance is available by request for any families whose financial situation might prevent them from joining otherwise. 

Q:

How often do you meet?

A:

We meet on Thursdays throughout the school year starting in September and ending in May. We will have 3 park days to begin the school year in September followed by 3 different six week sessions of our actual co-op classes along with approximately 6 field trips throughout the year. 

Q:

Where do you meet?

A:

We currently meet for our co-op days in North Mankato. Our fall park days in September are held at a park in Mankato. 

Q:

What grade levels can participate?

A:

We have classes for Preschoolers through 12th grade. A nursery is also provided for the youngest family members. 

Q:

What classes do you have to offer?

A:

Rather than following a specific curriculum, we rely on the strengths of our members.  Our classes vary by grade, but we typically have Physical Education, Art, Science, and Social Studies classes that have included Botany, Slime Science, Molecular Gastronomy, Team Building, Cooking, Mind Benders, Story Time Tea, American Revolution, Geography, Oregon Trail, Anatomy, Junk Drawer Physics, Sewing, and many others. Parents are encouraged to teach classes in areas they are gifted in and we often have a great variety of options due to that. 

 

Q:

Can my high schooler earn credits by taking classes at co-op?

A:

At this time we do not offer any high school classes for credit.

 

Q:

What school supplies do I need to provide for my child(ren)?

A:

Children can bring a backpack with a peanut free snack and water bottle each day. All actual school supplies such as crayons, markers, pencils, etc will be provided by the co-op when they are needed. 

Q:

Can we just participate in the special events and field trips?

A:

Unfortunately no. We desire to build community with all of our members and our co-op day is central to that. All the other special events and field trips are extra opportunities for further building of those relationships for our members. 

Q:

What are my responsibilities as a parent?

A:

As a co-op, we rely on the participation of parents.  Each participating parent is required to teach and assist classes. While many people feel intimidated by the idea of teaching a class, these same parents often report that they ended up loving it.  We have found that every mom or dad has something to offer, and we've found that when every parent offers what they have, we become a much better organization! We also have fundraising opportunities through the year that we ask all families to be involved with whenever possible to help pay for other expenses not covered by the registration fee. Finally, there will be special activities and events that are offered that will need volunteers to help run. Please consider helping out in at least one of these through the year. 

Q:

Can I just drop off my child(ren) or have them attend with another family?

A:

No. This is a co-op that requires the participation of parents to be successful. A parent needs to be on-site with their children each co-op day.

Q:

Do I have to fundraise?

A:

While we encourage all families to participate in fundraising as many of the opportunities provide a chance to practice new skills or serve in new ways, we realize it is not always possible for everyone. There are different payment options for families that are able to help with fundraising and those that are not.  In the past, we have done things such as serving at Pizza Ranch, doing a read-a-thon, and selling t-shirts. In the event you are unable to fundraise at all, you would need to pay the full $225 fee.  If you participate in fundraising your fees will be at a reduced rate.

Q:

Can I visit Mankato Homeschool Connection to see if it is a good fit for my family?

A:

Yes. Once our fall session is underway, you may schedule a visit by emailing mankatohomeschoolconnect@gmail.com.  

Q:

When is the deadline to register for the 2023-24 school year?

A:

Registration for the 2023-24 school year is currently closed.  We do often open up registration for the second half of the year, so check back or email us at mankatohomeschoolconnect@gmail.com.

Q:

If I miss the registration deadline, can I register later in the year?

A:

If space allows, we will allow new families that missed the summer registration to register in October 2023 to begin attending co-op classes in January 2024. We cannot guarantee this option though as we may be at capacity already. 

 

Q:

My child reads at a higher/lower grade level. What grade should I put him/her in?

A:

Most of our classes do not have a strong emphasis on reading or writing, and teachers are very understanding of different ability levels.  As their parent, we understand you know your child best and trust you to decide what grade they would fit in with best considering both their academic ability and maturity level. We just ask that whatever grade level you register your child for, you keep them in that level throughout the year.