Frequently Asked Questions Exit View All
What is a Co-op?
Co-op is short for cooperative. We are a group of parents who work together to help expand educational experiences for our children. We work hard to organize and administrate this co-op and share this experience with the homeschool community (in the Pitt County area) at large.
Being part of a co-op means that we work together to make it happen. Each family serves our co-op in some capacity - some teach, some administrate, some serve as parent monitors, some clean bathrooms/windows, some volunteer to assist teachers with whatever they need, etc. It is mandated that everyone chip in to make this work for our children.
Do I have to be a Christian to join Grace Life Co-op?
No, you do not have to be a Christian to join Grace Life. We allow people from other religions to be a part of our group. But, each member should understand that we will operate our co-op according to Biblical values only, and there's a high likelihood that God/Scripture/Biblical values will be presented during classes and in the general atmosphere of our day.
What is the cost to join Grace Life Co-op?
There is a registration fee of $20 per family (to cover the cost of our website usage) and a $20 Director's Fee (to say "Thank You" for time spent by our Director in managing our co-op daily allowing its smooth operation). Additionally, we ask that your family purchase a $5 Wal-Mart gift card to help with the purchase of cleaning supplies throughout the year.
We also ask that each family make a $50 tithe donation per year to our host church (given directly to the church). This is to say "Thank You" for allowing us to utilize their facilities weekly from August through April each year without charging our co-op a dime.
That brings the total for joining our co-op to $95 per year for your whole family.
Individual class costs and supply fees vary depending on the level of class and type of class offered. Once your application is approved, you will have access to each class description and the fees charged by those teachers.
What age/grade levels can attend this co-op?
Grace Life Co-op desires to offer classes for preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school-aged kids. The classes we offer are determined by the parents who step forward to teach these classes and class offerings vary from year to year.
(For example, if no one steps forward to teach preschool classes, we will not have any preschool classes to offer.)
Do I have to be a homeschooler to join your co-op?
Yes, this is a co-op for homeschooling families. If your children are young and you haven't officially opened your homeschool yet, that's okay. Just make sure to do your official paperwork with the state when your oldest is turning seven years old.
Does Grace Life Co-op run on a weekly schedule all year?
Grace Life Co-op meets one day per week (Mondays) at our host church. We take breaks through the semesters to allow for family vacations and holidays. (Once you have joined the co-op, you'll be able to see the full schedule.) Our typical year consists of 29 Mondays.
Is co-op a "school?"
No, co-op is not a school. Co-op meets weekly at our host church for classes and enrichment. Co-op is NOT responsible for your child's education and does NOT keep a report card or transcript for your child. The administration of your child's education is your responsibility.
I pulled my child out of public school recently, and they had an IEP/504 plan. Can this be accommodated in your co-op?
Since our co-op is not a school, we are not equipped to handle any behavioral or educational disabilities. Our co-op classes are in a more traditional classroom environment, even if the approach may not be traditional. We are parents, not trained professionals, and your child(ren) must be able to function in a traditional classroom environment.
If you are considering joining our co-op, please think honestly about your child and decide whether Grace Life Co-op is a good choice for them.
Does my child have to take all the classes offered for his/her age group?
No, your child(ren) may choose classes individually, according to what they need/want. For example, if your child(ren) wish(es) to take the two afternoon classes offered for their age/grade level, you may bring them to campus at the start of the third period class.
Class enrollment is limited to the particular age or grade level the teacher has designated for their class offering.
Do you run background checks on your teachers?
Yes. Every teacher/approved substitute has a background check on file with this co-op. This is done to ensure the safety of the students and families who participate in Grace Life Co-op.