What is the difference between the co-op track and the Upper Level track of Learning Station?

See this comparision chart.

What is Learning Station's statement of faith?

If you wish to join co-op (co-op track), you will be asked to affirm your aggrement with LEFC's statement of faith.  You can find this online with scripture references at http://www.lefc.net/about-us/who-we-are and click on EFCA Statement of Faith.    

What is the educational philosophy of Learning Station?

WE DESIRE OUR CHILDREN:

To develop godly character.

To be fully equipped for life.  (To do God’s work in this world.)  We want our children to be able to make good judgments, solve problems, and to make creative contributions to this world.

To love learning and to be motivated to keep learning all their lives.  We want to raise independent learners – learning as a process, not a product.

To have opportunities to interact in a group and to function under other adult leadership.

To have the opportunity to create, evaluate, experiment, make choices, and take risks.  Whenever possible, we would like the children (not the parents) to do most of the work.

Children are expected to:

            Respect God

            Respect Authority

            Respect Others

            Respect Property

The Learning Station is established to support families who have chosen to home educate their children.  Home education is an individual choice before God and not a mark of greater spirituality.  

How is the LS “governed”?

The LS is led by a steering committee made up of approximately six to eight of the parents in the co-op, each having different areas of responsibilities.  We operate under the oversight of the LEFC although they are not directly involved in our decision-making process.

What are my responsibilities as a co-op parent? (Please note that this does not apply to Upper Level Track only families.)

Learning Station is a cooperative. Our success depends on contributions of each and every member’s time and unique talents.  We strive to match members’ roles with their own interests, giftings and preferences. We also try to divide the labor so that no one is over-burden. 

In order for co op to be successful, each member is expected to contribute by teaching/helping in three classes and one extracurricular or the approximate equivalent, recognizing that some assignments require more of a time commitment than others.

As a co-op parent, would I be required to teach every week?  (Please note that this applies only to co-op track families and not Upper Level Only Track families.)

In each class to which you are assigned, you are working with at least one other teacher.  The two of you would then work out a teaching model that best suits both of you.  Over the ten week semester, you might teach five sessions, and the other teacher would teach five sessions.  Another option is that one of you would be the main teacher for all ten weeks, and the other person would be the assistant.   You will be expect to be present each week and to make youreself available to help out where needed.

What are my responsibilities if my child(ren) are only taking ULA classes?   

If your student is only taking ULA classes, then you are likely a part of Learning Station through the Upper Level Track.  See this comparison chart to understand the differences.  

Am I permitted to go “off campus” to do other things during the time I am not teaching on Wednesday morning?

All elementary co-op parents are asked to remain on campus from 9-12 even when they are not teaching, so that they are available to substitute if needed, or if their children need something.  There is more flexibility for parents of middle/high schoolers in this area depending on when they are teaching.

Would I need to anticipate staying later than 12 noon on Wednesdays if I am not involved in any afternoon classes?

Be very careful about scheduling appointments/errands immediately after co-op on Wednesdays.  If your children are involved in the elementary drama productions, they may be asked to stay late on a regular basis.  Also, if we have to implement our inclement weather policy, co-op then runs on a delayed schedule.  There is also occasional other optional activities which will run later than noon.

When does The LS meet?

Elementary (PreK-6^th) & Middle/High School ULB Courses (i.e. Co-op)

These groups meet for regularly scheduled classes on Wednesday morning from 9AM-12Noon.  We have two 10 week semesters.  The fall semester begins on the second Wednesday after Labor Day.  The spring semester (usually) begins on the last week in January. 

Middle/High School (7^th-12^th)-ULA Courses (For specific info on these classes, please see www.upperlevelclasses.com.)

Classes for high school students begin at 9:20 and run through 5:00 on Wednesday.  Classes will run for 15 week semesters with some of the science courses running for an additional four weeks.  The ULA courses,

while more expensive than the co-op, operate differently in that, as a parent, you have limited responsibility since the classes are taught by paid teachers.  High school level classes such as foreign languages, sciences, math, art, social studies, etc. are offered.

Elementary & Middle/High School

In addition to the above, there is an optional safety day at the beginning of the fall semester and an optional track and field day held at the end of our spring semester.  

Where does The LS meet?

Typically we meet on Wednesday at The Lancaster Evangelical Free Church (LEFC), 419 Pierson Road, Lititz, PA 17543.   However, we must move locations for the 2018-18 school year while LEFC undergoes renovations,.  Dove Westgage Church and Grace Point Church of the Nazerene have graciously agreed to host our co-op.   The infants through 6th graders will meet at Dove Westgate (1755 W. Main Street, Ephrata, PA  17522) while the 7th through 12th graders will meet at Grace Point, 110 Durlach Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522.    The two location are less than 3/4 mile apart.

What are the expenses associated with joining the LS?

To become a co-op track member, the following registration fees are required.

Annual Registration Fee** (includes CHALC membership, see note below)

                $120 per family w/1 child in co-op
                $130 per family w/2 children in co-op
                $140 per family w/3 children in co-op
                $150 per family w/4 or more children in co-op
                 

(**Registration fees include $25 per year for CHALC (Coalition of Homeschoolers Across Lancaster County)membership; however you will be able to get a $15 refund on this through CHALC if you are already a member of another support group, for example, LHE.  Refund forms will appear in Scrawls Magazine for you to submit.)            

  There may be additional expenses associated with a particular class.  For example, some of the high school classes require the purchase of a textbook. Theater Arts may have additional expenses for scripts and costumes.  Elementary students may occasionally be asked to have various supplies.  If you choose to participate in some other things we provide, there are, of course, the appropriate fees connected with these activities.

In addition, if your student wishes to take Upper Level classes taught by an independent contractor (ULA classes), you would be responsible for the tuition for that class.  Upper Level classes (ULB) taught by co-op members are included in the registration fee (up to 5 classes per UL student).

Upper Level Track families should look at the UL regisration to determine cost.

What are the ages for which you offer classes?

We cover all ages from infant-12^th grade.  Classes are broken down as follows:  Infants, 2’s & 3’s, Pre-K/K, 1^st/2^nd grade, 3^rd/4^th grade and 5^th/6^th. grade,    7^th-12^th  choose classes from the Upper Level options.  ULB classes are included in co-op track membership.  ULA classes are taught by independent contractors who charge a fee for their services.   

May I register for only a half year of co-op?

Your commitment to co-op should be seen as a year-long commitment.  Some high school students who register for classes at local colleges will find that this schedule will sometimes conflict with co-op.  Even if the student is unable to attend co-op for both semesters, their parent is still obligated to fulfill their teaching responsibilities for the entire year. While there will be exceptions made for unexpected hardships, dropping out mid-year should be the rare exception. Because we are a co-op and all have our roles to fill it creates extreme difficulties when someone isn't there to fulfill their responsibilities.  

Besides Wednesday mornings, would there be other times that I need to reserve time for co-op?

Every year there is one mandatory meeting that we request a parent to attend--our annual fall start-up meeting. 

When a person first joins The Learning Station, they will be asked to attend one other one-time meeting.  This involves meeting with the co-op chairman for a tour and orientation to co-op. 

What classes are offered at the co-op?

Elementary classes vary.  Our member's interests and talents dictate the subjects and topics taught. You may get an idea of the types of classes we offer by looking at this year's class grid.  Below are links to the elementary class grids.  

2017-18 Elementary Classes

Our elementary classes are designed to supplement your home curriculum--not replace it. Therefore, most of the work will be done in class.  Our Upper Level classes include "for credit" and "enrichment" options. (The schedule of Jr./Sr. high classes (ULA & ULB) will be posted on our home page.)

Can you accomodate children with special needs?

The Learning Station wants to reach out to all families and their students.  However, The Learning Station knows that it is not equipped to meet every individual need of every student and every family.  Any student or family situation that requires attention and services to be provided that are beyond the abilities of the teachers and the classes will need to be taken care of in a different educational environment. 

Ok, I'm ready to join.  What do I do?

Contact us at LearningStationCoop@gmail.com  with any questions or to request a co-op application.  If co-op is in session, please consider scheduling a tour.     We will notify you after the Steering Committee has reviewed your application.  The application is first accepted and then we look to see when we can admit based on class size and children in your family.   Applications for the upcoming year are due by July 31.