FAQs

ABOUT BRANCHES

What is Branches?
Branches is a homeschool co-op community that offers academic and enrichment classes once a week to families in the metro Phoenix area. Our goal is to cultivate a close-knit community where families feel they belong and are supported. Through a cooperative model where each family contributes, we create a space for shared learning, friendship, and growth.

What is a homeschool co-op?
A homeschool cooperative is a group of families who come together one day a week to share resources and responsibilities. Parents volunteer to teach or assist in classes, which are both academic and enrichment-based, for children of all ages. Costs are kept low through this shared approach. Co-ops offer support, friendships, and a vibrant learning environment for both children and parents.

Why join a homeschool co-op?
With an estimated 40,000 homeschoolers in Arizona, community is more important than ever. Many homeschooling families face isolation. A co-op like Branches provides essential support and connection, helping families thrive academically, spiritually, and relationally. Children make friends and parents are encouraged and strengthened in their journey. We believe that community is a key factor in long-term homeschool success.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

When and where does Branches Gilbert meet?
Branches Gilbert meets on Tuesdays near Gilbert Road and Guadalupe Road from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM for 14 weeks each semester. Although staying for the full day is not required, we highly encourage it for building relationships and enjoying the full co-op experience. Branches has other campuses around the valley that meet on different days.

CLASSES

What types of classes are offered?
Branches offers a variety of academic and enrichment classes, taught mostly by members of the co-op. These classes change each semester based on the interests and talents of our members. See the Class Registration link for the schedule.

Do you offer classes for young children?
Yes. We offer a Minis program for children under ages 0-6 years old.

What about classes for older kids ages 7 to 18?
Yes. We offer a wide variety of classes for school-aged children and teens. Most classes are fun, hands-on, and enrichment-focused. Examples include art, drama, science experiments, cooking, creative writing, history-themed activities, games, and more.

Because Branches is a cooperative, our class offerings are based on the ideas and interests of the parents in our community. If a parent has a fun idea for a class and is willing to teach or assist, we do our best to make that class available. Class options change each semester depending on the talents and creativity of our members.

How do I sign up for classes?
Once you become a member, you’ll sign up for both classes and parent jobs through our website. The class schedule and job descriptions will be posted in advance. Payments are made through PayPal.

COSTS AND PAYMENTS

What does it cost to join Branches?
Registration Fee per child per semester:

Ages 6 and up: 100 dollars
Ages 3 to 5: 50 dollars
Ages 0 to 2: No fee

In addition to registration fees, there are individual class fees that range from 20-100 dollars per class per fourteen week semester. Classes taught by co-op members are lower cost and usually just cover supplies. Classes taught by outside teachers may be more.

What is your refund policy?
Because Branches operates on a very tight budget and class supplies are purchased in advance, we cannot offer refunds after the first day of classes. Contracted teachers are paid for the full semester on day one.

Can I use ESA funds to pay for Branches classes?
Yes! Many families use ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) funds to pay for their Branches classes. You can either request reimbursement through ESA or use your ClassWallet debit card to pay directly.

Branches provides an ESA Attestation Form to help with documentation, and you can download invoice receipts anytime by logging into your Branches account.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Do I need to contribute to the co-op?
Yes. Branches Gilbert is a cooperative and relies on every parent’s participation. Each parent signs up for a job based on their availability, skills, or interests. These roles help keep our co-op running smoothly and foster connection among families.

How many parent job credits are required?

Families attending 1 class period need to earn 3 credits
Families attending 2 class periods need to earn 5 credits
Families attending 3 class periods need to earn 6 credits
Families attending 4 class periods need to earn 7 credits
Families attending 5 class periods need to earn 8 credits

Examples of Parent Jobs and Credit Values

1 Credit Jobs

Party Helper: Assist with setup or cleanup for special events like holidays or class parties
Field Trip Planner: Help organize and coordinate outings for co-op families
Birthday Button Coordinator: Manage birthday celebrations by preparing and distributing birthday buttons
Teen Event Host: Plan and host social events specifically for the teen group

2 Credit Jobs

Class Helper: Assist a teacher with younger students, help with transitions, or manage materials
Floater: Be available to fill in for absences, help redirect students, or assist where needed
Snack Bar Helper: Support snack bar operations during co-op hours
Security: Help monitor campus safety and assist with general supervision

3 Credit Jobs

Teacher of a 1-hour class: Prepare and teach one weekly class for the semester
Blessing Table Coordinator: Organize and manage the Blessing Table and take and drop off left-over donations at the end of the day.

5 Credit Jobs

Teacher of a 2-hour mini-Branches class: Lead a longer afternoon minis class.
Yearbook Leader: Organize and compile the annual co-op yearbook

8 Credit Jobs

Teacher of a 3-hour class: Plan and teach a three hour morning mini-Branches class.
Registration Coordinator: Manage class registration, scheduling, and communication
Finance Director: Oversee budget, payments, and reimbursements
Facilities/Cleaning Leader: Organize and lead cleaning efforts and facility maintenance
Floater Coordinator: Manage and schedule floaters to support teachers and classes as needed

How do I sign up for parent jobs?
You sign up for parent jobs at the same time you register for classes. Job listings and descriptions will be available on the website prior to registration day.

Do I need a teaching background to teach a class?
Not at all. Many of our most impactful teachers are parents sharing something they love. If you have a skill, hobby, or subject you're passionate about, you are welcome to propose a class.

Do I need to be a Christian to teach at Branches Gilbert?
Yes. All teachers are required to complete an evangelical teacher application as part of the process to teach with us. This helps ensure that our classes are taught from a Biblical worldview in line with our mission and Statement of Faith.

Is there an additional mandatory parent job besides the credits?
Yes. In addition to the parent job credits required based on the number of classes your family attends, every family is also expected to sign up for either an early setup shift or a late cleanup shift on co-op days. This helps keep our space organized and running smoothly and fosters community as families work together.

STAYING ON CAMPUS

Does my family need to stay all day?
No, your family does not have to stay all day. You can sign up for a morning class, an afternoon class, or just one class. However, staying all day allows more time for kids to form friendships and for parents to build community.

Can I leave campus if I have an appointment or errand?
Yes, occasionally. If you have a free period and need to step away due to an emergency, you may do so if a trusted friend on campus agrees to be responsible for your children. This should be the exception, not the norm, as time on campus is the heart of building strong community.