FAQs

Q:	What is CHAT?
A:	CHAT stands for "Christian Homeschoolers Assembling Together." It is a faith-centered, parent-led, homeschool co-op for Christian families in the Bartow County and surrounding areas.

How much does CHAT cost?

It depends. Each family pays an $85 family registration fee, which covers the entire year. If your family joins for only the fall or spring semester, your registration fee is not prorated.

Each family also pays $60 EACH SEMESTER, which is a utility fee (it goes toward paying our church host for the use of their facilities).

Each class also has its own fees, which are decided on by each individual instructor. Those fees are used for supplies for the class.

Do I have to volunteer or is this a drop-off program?

CHAT is parent-led, not a drop-off program. We all have something to give. Each parent will teach something that will enrich our children's education. Each parent will be expected to work 2 hours teaching and helping in classes each week. These classes range in age from nursery to high school. Parents may be called on to help the remaining time to fill in absences. Parents are also required to sign up to help with at least 2 events/activities throughout the year.

It is the policy of CHAT that one parent MUST be in attendance during co-op hours. That parent will be asked to teach/assist during CHAT and must remain on campus. We understand that there are times when a parent cannot attend co-op. In such cases, arrangements MUST be made with another co-op member to be responsible for the children that will be attending without their parent.

Can I enroll my kids in one or two classes only?

No! CHAT is designed to be a three-hour, three-class program. In order to function in an orderly manner, children must enroll in a class all three hours. If your child does not wish to enroll in the full program, we ask that you please make other arrangements for her/him away from co-op, and contact the appropriate Grade Level Coordinator as to your decision.

What does a typical CHAT day look like?

We meet once per week on Mondays for approximately 4 hours.

Assembly: 10:15am-10:30am

1st Hour: 10:35am-11:30am

Lunch (each person brings their own): 11:30am-11:55am

2nd Hour: 12pm-12:55pm

3rd Hour: 1pm-1:55pm

Q:	What if my family needs to be absent?
A:	It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure to contact our Classroom Coordinator (who will provide you with a list of available subs), and then the parent must contact a sub for each class (2) that they assist/teach in. Failure to notify the Classroom Coordinator of your absence twice will result in your family's dismissal from the program without a refund.

Q:	Can I get a refund after registration?
A:	Refunds are not available after our mandatory in-person registration/orientation. We try to make CHAT as affordable as possible and so that leaves us unable to administer refunds. Please make sure your family is willing to commit to CHAT!

Does CHAT have co-op classes only?

No! While we have amazing co-op classes. we offer so many more amazing experiences! We have field trips, Mom Night Outs, parties (Back to CHAT Bash, Fall Gathering, Christmas Craft Fair, Valentine's Fair, End of CHAT Bash), high school formal, K-5 and high school graduation, middle school and high school socials, chess club, musical theater, book share, a talent show, International Fair, Science Fair, and MORE.

Q:	Do I need to be a certain denomination to join CHAT?
A:	No. As long as you agree with and live by our Statement of Faith, we have families of varying Christian faiths.

Q:	What grades does the co-op serve?
A:	Our co-op currently serves nursery through high school, depending on family interest and available teachers.

Q:	What safety policies do you follow?
A:	We conduct background checks on all adult teachers and assistants and follow child protection and emergency protocols.

Q:	Do I need to purchase curriculum?
A:	Some classes require students to bring or purchase curriculum or supplies. This will be listed in the course descriptions.

What behavior is expected from students?

While we know kids are not perfect (and we don’t expect them to be) we do expect respectful and appropriate behavior. CHAT is committed to maintaining a Christ-centered, safe, and encouraging environment for all students. Minor issues are typically addressed by the classroom teacher, but repeated or serious behavior concerns will be brought to the attention of the co-op leadership and the student’s parent(s). We believe in working together with families to guide and support our students.