What ages are allowed to participate in Raising Arrows?

You must have one child that is 1st Grade or older to join. We offer classes for babies through 12th grade!

What level of participation is expected of parents?

One parent must stay and participate during our co-op day. This is not a drop-off, but rather a community we are building. The participating parent will either teach, assist, or fill a service position 3 out of 4 hours of classes. Our goal is that each parent will get one hour "off" each day- to either rest, have some alone time, or fellowship with other parents who are off that same hour. 

Parents are also expected to participate in chapel with their child(ren).

Is it required to be a Christian family in order to participate in Raising Arrows?

Our co-op requires a strict agreement with our Statement of Faith and Beliefs, which requires not just a belief in the Old Testament, or attending church, but having a life-changing faith in Jesus Christ, and for both parents (if there are 2 parents in the household) to be Christians who seek to live their lives in according with all of God's Word and principles. 

Our hope and prayer for each family is that they have a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ, as we believe that salvation comes only through Jesus. He is our only true Hope, Joy, Forgiveness, and Strength. 

How do I join Raising Arrows?

We have an extensive application process. Don't be alarmed- this vetting process is part of what makes this community so special! We want to make sure that our families are all on the "same page" about the things that matter most. Of course this starts with our Christian faith, but also includes Biblically conservative values (ie we are pro-life, believe that marriage is between one man and one woman, etc, and we are liberty lovers!). 

To apply, be sure to follow ALL the steps at the link below. Your application will not be approved until you complete each step:

Apply here: https://www.homeschool-life.com/3243/signup

How much are the fees, and how much do classes cost?

We have an annual $30 registration fee, which covers our "per family" use of this website, our background checks, our badges for parents and children, etc.

We also have a semester fee for both fall and spring semesters. For our Seymour and Maryville locations, the semester fee is $50. For our Lenoir City location, the semester fee is $25. The semester fee covers our insurance policy, facility rental for the churches where we meet, and general supplies needed to operate the co-op.

Class fees are paid directly to the teachers of each class, and the fee is set by the teacher. Class fees range from FREE to $65 depending on the class. Our priority is that this is an affordable co-op, and that fees are set to cover just the cost of the materials to run the class, and a buffer for unexpected expenses.

It is a core value of our co-op that we make classes as affordable as possible. We want to support homeschool families as best we can, understanding that most are single income families, and that prices for everything are high these days. We believe we can provide quality homeschool classes for our community without high costs.

Note: The classes that are on the higher end of that class fee range are taught by "outside teachers." These are professionals in our community who do NOT have children who attend Raising Arrows, but the teachers have a passion for teaching homeschool students. These classes cost more because the class fee helps to cover the teacher's time in commuting and teaching our students, as they do not have the benefit of the co-op blessing their own children. For example, we have a former homeschool mom who teaches our Debate and Public Speaking classes. Her kids are grown, but she loves to teach for Raising Arrows!

Do you offer events for families outside of co-op day?

Yes! We are huge on community. We offer:

• Monthly Mom's Nights Out
• Teen events (games nights, lake days, spring formal, park days, etc)
• Park play dates (often with teen led worship in the park!)
• Field trips (museums, pumpkin patches, farms, educational outings)
• After co-op seasonal events (gingerbread making, Resurrection Day celebration, Muffin Monday, etc)
• Concerts & sporting events

What is is the co-op dress code?

We desire our co-op to follow God’s call to modesty in appearance (1 Timothy 2:9-10), and in doing so, create a safe place for everyone to learn without distraction and temptation. These guidelines (for both parents and students alike) will give a measurable way to keep our clothing in check.  We want to dress for the comfort of others, rather than the comfort of ourselves.

• Make sure that private areas are covered completely and please avoid tight clothing that might accentuate those areas.

• Shirt and dress necklines, tank top straps, shorts length, and dress/skirt length should be modest

• If a shirt or dress is a thin material, please wear a slip or a T-shirt.

• Shirts need to be long enough to cover the midsection, both front and back, even when hands are raised.

• Modesty is the key!

What are your behavior expectations at co-op?

As Christians we want to walk in the light and honor Jesus in all we do!  Below are five core values that we use to remind each other how to walk in a manner worthy of the calling!  Teachers, hall monitors, helpers and any parent at Raising Arrows are encouraged to use the core values to remind the students of what’s right.  

Each finger on our hand represents one of these 5 core values. We welcome you to practice them at home with your children, and in class with your students!

1. Do Unto Others- “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

2. Be Orderly- “But all things should be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40

3. Honor Authority- “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1

4. Consider Others-”Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

5. Walk in the Fruits- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22