Understanding the Difference Between CLC and Other Homeschool Groups

Unlike many other homeschool groups, CLC functions as a partnership. Participation is not passive—it requires active involvement. By joining, you are agreeing to:

Share the workload fairly with other members.

Invest your time and energy in the group’s collective success.

Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive community.

We foster deep community connections, and our students want to see the same familiar faces each week. As a small group of homeschooling families, we rely on one another. Our goal is to create a caring, supportive, and affirming space where everyone feels they belong.

Membership Expectations

1. Participation and Punctuality

Being present and active is 95% of the expectation. We cannot run a co-op without our families.

• Families are expected to arrive on time and participate fully in the activities they’ve committed to. This includes ensuring children attend the classes they’re enrolled in and following through on field trips and events you’ve signed up for.
  
  

• If your plans change and you’re unable to attend a scheduled class day, field trip, or event, please notify leadership as soon as possible so we can adjust accordingly.

Families who routinely arrive late or skip class days without notice risk their membership being terminated. 

2. Field Trip Participation

CLC offers field trips as a valuable extension of our community learning experience. Due to the additional costs and coordination involved, families agree to follow the terms outlined in our Field Trip Policy, particularly regarding attendance commitments and timely notice of any cancellations.

Participation in field trips is a membership benefit, and responsible communication ensures these opportunities remain accessible and affordable for all.

3. Community Commitment

CLC thrives because our families contribute their time, energy, and care to creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for all.

• Returning Families:
  
  

  • Most returning families serve as teachers.
    
    

  • Those who do not teach are expected to actively assist in at least two classrooms weekly.
    
    

• New Families:
  
  

  • New members will participate in our Anchoring Hour each week to learn how our community operates and to begin building meaningful connections.
    
    

  • New families will also assist in at least one classroom each week.
    
    

• Other community roles may be available on a limited basis and are assigned based on the needs of the group.
  
  

4. Operational Responsibilities

In addition to the Community Commitment, each location shares the essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps CLC running smoothly.

• These roles include things like set-up, tear-down, hall monitoring, and other operational tasks.
  
  

• Assignments are divided to ensure the workload is shared.
  
  

Between your Community Commitment and Operational Responsibilities, families should plan to contribute approximately 3–5 hours per week to support the community.

5. Collaboration, Communication, and Decision-Making

We know that many of our families are navigating challenging life seasons. This community exists to offer connection, not overwhelm. We hope that we can all help each other in every season of life.

• More than anything, we ask that you communicate, communicate, communicate. If something comes up—reach out. If you’re struggling—reach out. We’re here to work through it together, but we can’t accommodate what we don’t know about.
  
  

• As a member-led organization, we rely on your participation in decision-making processes. Families are expected to engage in discussions about the future of CLC and attend the Annual Members’ Meeting at the end of the school year to help shape the year ahead.
  
  

6. Code of Conduct

All members are required to uphold the standards outlined in the CLC Code of Conduct as a condition of membership. This includes:

• Treating all members—children and adults—with dignity and respect.
  
  

• Supporting and affirming LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent members.
  
  

• Engaging in constructive, solution-focused communication.
  
  

• Contributing to a safe, welcoming environment for all.
  
  

The full Code of Conduct is provided during onboarding, and families are expected to review and abide by it at all times. Violations of the Code may result in immediate review of membership status and possible removal from the community.

7. Shared Values and Accountability

CLC is rooted in trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to building an inclusive space where all children and families thrive.

When concerns arise—whether interpersonal, behavioral, or procedural—we encourage members to address them directly and respectfully, seeking solutions that reflect our shared values. Leadership is available to support these conversations when needed.

Families who consistently struggle to uphold community expectations or who are unwilling to engage in open, respectful dialogue may be asked to reflect on whether CLC is the right fit. In some cases, families may not be invited to renew their membership for the following year.