Branches Surprise is a Christ-centered homeschool co-op community, that offers academic and enrichment classes, sports activities and clubs. We meet on Wednesdays near the Loop 303 and Grand Ave. We 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. For more information, please see our FAQs page.

STATEMENT OF MISSION

Our mission is to build a Christ-centered co-op community, with a grace-filled culture, that equips, supports, and encourages homeschooling families and proclaims Christ’s leadership over all aspects of our lives. We desire to bring together homeschooling families who love God and want to share the knowledge of Jesus Christ with the next generation, by providing academic and enrichment classes, sports activities, and clubs from a Christian worldview, as well as opportunities for mentoring and friendships. Our teachers love God and communicate Biblical teaching and Christian values to our students.  

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind. For purposes of doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our governing board is Branches’ final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person to reflect His image as either male or female; but that each person is by nature a sinner, and alienated from God.

We believe that salvation and reconciliation come only from God, by grace; that God in love gave His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sin, thereby purchasing the redemption of those who believe in Him.

We believe that marriage is prescribed by God as a sacred, covenant relationship between one man and one woman, symbolizing the union of Christ and His church, and all forms of sexual activity outside of marriage is sin.

We believe that every Christian, through the power of Jesus Christ, is called to live a life set apart that will bear fruit to the glory of God, and sinful behavior, or even advocacy of sinful behavior, dishonors God and should not be encouraged.

We believe that God loves every person and therefore we need to treat others with the compassion, love, kindness, and dignity that He shows us.

STATEMENT OF EDUCATION

We believe that it is the parents’ role and responsibility to educate their children individually on topics of a sensitive nature, including:

• Political Views

• Doctrinal Views

• Sexuality Views

• Dietary Views

Out of respect for each family’s decision on when and how to teach these matters to their children, all teachers, volunteers, parents, and students are discouraged from discussing these topics with other children at Branches unless in a clearly defined class.

GUIDELINES & STANDARDS

Branches is a cooperative homeschool program. As such, the success of our community depends on the active participation and commitment of every member family. The following guidelines are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and productive environment for all involved.

Cooperative Participation

All member families are required to contribute by signing up for the appropriate number of volunteer job credits. Each family must hold at least one on-campus job. These responsibilities are essential to the smooth operation of our program.

Branches is not a drop-off program. A responsible adult must remain on campus and be available to care for their children at all times. In the case of illness or an emergency, another approved parent may supervise your child(ren); however, under normal circumstances, parents are expected to stay on site throughout the day. Here at Branches Surprise a Temporary Guardianship Form must be completed and approved by Leadership before you leave campus.You may use one Temporary Guardianship per Semester. 

Each Branches location has its own specific requirements for volunteer roles. Here at Branches Surprise families who are on campus (whether enrolled in a class or not) for 3 or less class periods need to earn 6 parent credits.Families who are on campus (whether enrolled in a class or not) for 4 or more class periods need to earn 8 parent credits. Parents earn credits by teaching or helping. You can sign up to teach by submitting a class proposal or you can sign up to help during the class registration process. 

All volunteering adults must:

• Complete a background check through the designated provider,
• Read and agree to the Statements of Mission, Faith, and Education, the Guidelines & Standards, and the Code of Culture, and
• Read and agree to the Waiver and Release Form

Parent Jobs & Floaters 

Parent jobs must be covered during all assigned times. If coverage is needed, please coordinate with the floater coordinator on your campus. 

• A floater may be used up to four times per semester. 
• If a parent needs more than four absences, they are responsible for finding their own replacement—someone who has passed the Branches background check, agreed to the required policies, and is approved to serve.

Floaters are required to report in and respond to the floater coordinator (via text or in person) for each hour they are scheduled. 

• Floaters who miss more than four times per semester must also find their own replacement as described above. 

Attendance & Classroom Expectations 

• Class fees and student registration fees must be paid by the stated deadlines. Families who fail to pay (or make approved arrangements) by the due date may have their membership suspended. Past Due Balances must be cleared before registering for a new semester. Payment plans may not extend past the semester’s midpoint. 
• Parent teachers, assistants, and floaters are expected to arrive on time, remain for the full class period, and fulfill their assigned responsibilities. 
• Students must also be on time and stay for the duration of their classes. If a student needs to leave early, they must first obtain permission from the teacher. 
• Parents are responsible for supervising their children when they are not in class. At Branches Surprise this means they must be sitting with their parent in the Fellowship Hall unless it is during one of the lunch hours. 

Teaching at Branches 

To teach a class, volunteering member-teachers must submit a teacher application form. In keeping with our mission and Christian identity, all teachers must affirm in writing that: 

• They support the mission of Branches, 
• Their personal beliefs align with the Statement of Faith, and 
• They will conduct themselves in accordance with the Guidelines & Standards and Code of Culture.

Health & Safety Policies 

• Branches is a nut-free campus. Please do not bring or consume any nut-containing products on campus. 
• Branches does not enforce a formal dress code; however, all clothing should be appropriate for a family-friendly environment. Private areas must be fully covered at all times. 
• Biting or aggressive behavior in the classroom will not be tolerated. If a student has a history of such behavior, they must be accompanied by a one-on-one aide, to be provided by the parent.

Community Conduct 

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate dismissal from the program: 

• Cheating, stealing, bullying, use of illegal drugs, profanity, or obscenity 
• Conduct that violates Biblical standards of sexual morality 
• Personal appearance or behavior that is inconsistent with one’s biological sex
• Behavior that dishonors God or contradicts the mission and values of Branches
• Disrespect toward leadership or repeated disobedience to group policies 

Branches is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. The following actions are also strictly prohibited: 

• Discrimination or harassment based on race (including hair texture or style), color, sex, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law 
• Threats of violence or statements suggesting harm, whether in person, at Branches events, or on group communication platforms (official or unofficial) 

Sexual Harassment Policy 

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination and is strictly prohibited by federal, state, and local laws. In accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, sexual harassment includes but is not limited to: 

• Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors 
• Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects an individual's participation in Branches, creates a hostile environment, or is used as a condition of involvement

SICKNESS POLICY 

It is the responsibility of each member family to remain mindful of illness within their household and to adhere to the Branches sickness policy during class days, special events, field trips, and other gatherings. 

If any family member has experienced any of the following symptoms within the past 48 hours, please keep that individual at home: 

• Fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher 
• New, persistent cough accompanied by sore throat, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
• Cold-like symptoms, including sore throat, congestion, runny nose, or sneezing
• Vomiting or diarrhea 

Students exhibiting visible symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, fever above 100°F, shortness of breath, or vomiting on class days will be escorted to the check-in table, where parents will be contacted for pick-up. 

The goal of this policy is not to penalize those who are ill but to safeguard the health of our entire community, enabling us to continue meeting safely in person. We recognize that some symptoms—such as elevated temperature due to teething, vomiting caused by heat exposure, or persistent cough from seasonal allergies—may not indicate contagious illness. We trust families to use their best judgment, combining these guidelines with their personal knowledge, to determine when it is appropriate to stay home.

If a member family does not follow these guidelines, they may not be able to return to Branches the following semester.

The purpose of the Branches Code of Culture is to promote a thriving environment where families feel safe and happy, and are empowered in their homeschooling journey. All parents and children are encouraged to:

B – Blessing 

• Be a blessing by having a grace-filled attitude. 
• Be a blessing by treating others with kindness, compassion, dignity, and respect.

R – Responsible 

• Be responsible by working hard in volunteer jobs and classes.
• Be responsible by keeping the campus and outdoor areas clean.

A – Adaptable

• Be adaptable by having a positive attitude no matter the situation.
• Be adaptable by jumping in to help where needed.

N – Noble

• Be noble by introducing yourself to someone and making a new friend.
• Be noble by having a servant’s heart.

C – Considerate

• Be considerate by actively listening to your teachers and parent helpers.
• Be considerate by showing up to your jobs and classes on time.

H – Helpful

• Be helpful by remembering your items when you leave.
• Be helpful by looking for ways to solve problems.

E – Encouraging

• Be encouraging by vocalizing the good in those around you.
• Be encouraging by lifting up each other in times of need.

S – Safe

• Be safe by thinking before you act.
• Be safe by being aware of your surroundings.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Conflict is a normal part of any healthy community. Learning to work through issues between each other will make our community stronger.

Branches uses the Matthew 18 Biblical model for conflict resolution. A Christian who has a conflict with another Christian is called to address the matter with the other person personally. When matters are handled privately, misunderstanding can be addressed, and there is great potential for the other person to respond positively. In addition, a private meeting helps to avoid the problem of gossip that can occur when a matter is taken to others instead of the person involved.

Student to Student Conflicts - Go directly to the person you are upset with and share your problem or concern with grace and love. Both parties should have an open dialogue and be willing to hear each other out. If needed, parents should help the students work through their issue.

Parent to Student Conflicts - Parents should go directly to the parent of the student they are having a conflict with and share the problem or concern with grace and love. Parent of student should be open and willing to hear other parent out and have an open dialogue to work through issues. The parent of the student can then allow the other parent to talk directly to the student if they feel comfortable. If not, the parent of the student can explain the problem or concern to their child. Student should be willing to have an open dialogue to work through issues.
NOTE - This is not related to parent teachers guiding students in classes with normal classroom rules and discipline.

Student to Parent Conflicts - If a student feels comfortable, they can go directly to the parent and share their problem or concern with grace and love. Parent should be willing to hear the student out and have open dialogue to work through issues. Student's parent should get involved if either party feels like it is necessary.

Parent to Parent Conflicts - Go directly to the person you are upset with and share your problem or concern with grace and love. Both parties should have an open dialogue and be willing to hear each other out and work through issues.

If the conflict at this point is still unresolved, the parents should go to the Campus Director, who will help mediate the conflict.