FAQs



About Labyrinth

Q:

What is the history of Labyrinth?

A:

Founded in 2004, Labyrinth was created to foster a sense of community among homeschool families on the Eastside by offering classes, organizing events, and providing a space for homeschoolers to connect. Our group is made up of families united by the common goal of educating our children while meeting their unique needs and aspirations. Labyrinth is an all-volunteer organization, with board members and families contributing their time and talents to create the strong and vibrant community we are today. Through cooperative effort, we offer classes and a welcoming community for all members.

New Families and Registration

Q:

How can I find out more about Labyrinth?  

A:

Our website is the best place to start for general information about the co-op, including the class schedule, descriptions, contact details, and more. To learn more, reach out to our Prospective Family Coordinator to schedule an on-site tour, answer any questions, and discuss Labyrinth with you. We hope you'll feel comfortable and excited about joining our co-op, and about our class offerings before you register and submit payment.

Q:

How do I join?

A:

Please email our Prospective Family Coordinator at info@labyrinthcoop.org.

Q:

How do I enroll in classes?

A:

To join the co-op, you’ll first need an invitation link from our Prospective Family Coordinator. Please note that there may be a waitlist. Once you become a member, you can add classes by going to the 'Class info' dropdown > '2024-2025 classes.' On the class matrix, you can select a class and the child you would like to enroll.

Tuition is due at the time of enrollment and covers both the first (or current) 4-week session and the final session of the year. If you join in the middle of a session, your tuition will be prorated from the day you enroll. Since you prepay for the last session when enrolling, there is no tuition payment during our final session in May.

For each family member, you’ll see a dropdown menu of classes. Be sure to select the correct child when enrolling. Tuition is non-refundable once paid and covers both the current and final session. Adults should only enroll in classes they plan to attend themselves.

Some classes may have one-time supply fees, which will be arranged and paid directly to the teacher.

Q:

How do I drop a class?

A:

If you need to drop a class, please email the Labyrinth Board at directors@labyrinthcoop.org and they will unenroll your student.

You can drop a class at any time during a 4-week session, but tuition is non-refundable for missed classes. If you want to drop a class before the next session's tuition is due, be sure to drop it before making your payment. The tuition for the dropped class will be automatically removed from your bill.

If you drop a class mid-year, you will not be reimbursed, as the cost will be applied as a drop fee for that class.

Any time you add a new class or re-enroll in a previously dropped class, you will be required to pay for both the current session's tuition and the final session's tuition

General Policies

Q:

Can I drop my child off while they attend Labyrinth?

A:

No. A parent or guardian must remain on site at all times.

Q:

What do parents/siblings do while students are in class?

A:

There are a variety of spaces where families gather to study, chat, eat, work, and play including a large seated area in the sanctuary, a community room in the lower level, and a playground outside. Gathering in the common spaces is a great way to meet families and get support. Students must be with a parent or guardian when not in class. 

Q:

Can children play outside?

A:

Yes! Children may use the playground or sit outside, but need to be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Q:

Where can we eat lunch while at Co-op?

A:

Lunch time is from 12-12:30 pm. Food may be eaten in the community room on the lower level, outside, or in the gym. Food is not allowed in any classroom. This helps to protect our kids with severe food allergies. Please only water or drinks with non-spill lids in the sanctuary.
 

Q:

Is there a Lost & Found?

A:

Yes. It is located near the Information Desk. Periodically items remaining in the Lost & Found will be donated after a considerable amount of time. These donations will be announced beforehand in the weekly email.

Q:

How is information sent to members?

A:

A weekly email is sent by the Labyrinth Board. If you have information to include, please email the board. We also have a closed Facebook group for Labyrinth families. 

Q:

Can I sell my products and services at Labyrinth?

A:

No. This is against our contract with Pine Lake Covenant Church. If you have non-Labyrinth information about activities that would be of interest to other homeschoolers, you may bring printed flyers to the information desk and obtain permission from a Board Member to place them out for distribution. You can also post a link on Facebook. We do not allow dissemination of political flyers. 
 

Q:

How are weather closures handled?

A:

Labyrinth follows the guidance of the Issaquah School District in determining closures. If the Issaquah School District is closed, Labyrinth will be as well. If a decision to close is made, an email will be sent to all families. It is good to check your email prior to leaving for Labyrinth on winter mornings.

Q:

Can I attend classes with my student?

A:

Yes! We welcome parents in the classroom. Please observe quietly. However, siblings are not allowed in classes unless they are a registered attendent in that class. Infants are allowed with the parent as long as they are not disruptive to the class.

Q:

My child has special needs. Can Labyrinth work for us?

A:

We welcome all families and all learners. Please use the class descriptions to find courses that would be appropriate for your child, and talk to the teachers to see how to work together to make your child successful at Labyrinth. We strive to meet the needs of all students, but please recognize that some children will require more one-on-one support than our teachers can provide. Open, frequent communication will help both the teacher and parent decide if the class is a good fit for both parties.

Q:

What can I do if my child has trouble in a class?

A:

Start by communicating with the teacher. Our teachers are anxious to work with families and students to help them address their education needs. A phone call, email, or conference is often helpful. Ask the teacher when might be the best time to talk about your student.

Job Assignments

Q:

Do I need to have a job?

A:

Yes, Labyrinth is a cooperative, which means it requires participation, suport, and assistance from all members. Each Labyrinth family is assigned at two co-op jobs, which the family's designated adult is responsible for each week. In the event of an absence, you will need to find a backup for your job assignments.

Q:

How and when do I note my job preferences?

A:

Jobs are typically assigned in late summer. Use the tab on the sidebar of your welcome screen to indicate job preferences. In addition to selecting your preferred jobs, you can record other information such as having an infant with you, any physical limitations you have, or time constraints. Remember to save your preferences before leaving the screen.

If your schedule changes or you cannot do your assigned job on an ongoing basis, please contact the Jobs Coordinator
(jobs@labyrinthcoop.org) as soon as possible. As per our job policy, you will be required to continue to work your job until a replacement can be found.

Payment and Website Questions

Q:

Can Labyrinth bill a public school alternative program?

A:

No. We cannot provide this service. Printing out your invoice should provide you with the appropriate information to send to the alternative program.

Q:

I paid the annual co-op fee and tuition, but my plans changed. Can I get a refund?

A:

No. Payments are non-refundable. Our strict no refund policy protects our rental space and also our teachers who commit to the classes, purchase supplies, and spend their summers preparing. 

Q:

We are planning a long trip, can we stop paying for Labyrinth while we are gone?

A:

A formal leave of absence is not permitted due to our waiting list of families eager to join the co-op. If a current family withdraws from all classes, they will become inactive, and a family from the waiting list will be admitted in their place. Families wishing to rejoin Labyrinth can contact us to be placed on the waiting list and will be readmitted as space allows. Many teachers require students to be present for continuity in class. However, if you obtain permission from your teachers to miss classes, continue paying tuition, and arrange complete coverage for your co-op responsibilities, you may request an exception from the board for a leave of absence. While these requests are rare, they can sometimes be granted.

Planning Classes for Next Year

Q:

I would love to teach a class at Labyrinth. What do I need to know?

A:

Teacher interviews and class proposals take place in later winter. Anyone interested in teaching or talking about the possibilities should email directors@labyrinthcoop.org. Input from families helps determine what classes end up on the schedule. 

Q:

I have a great idea to improve the co-op, who do I tell?

A:

Come find one of the Board Members, or shoot us an email (directors@labyrinthcoop.org). We are always happy to hear a great idea and tap into the talents and skills of our co-op members.
 

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