When I first started homeschooling, I heard the words Homeschool Co-op and I did not know what it was or what it meant so I did a little research.
A Homeschool Co-op is were a group of homeschool families get together once or twice a week and work together to meet a common goal. Homeschool Co-op are based around academics, arts and crafts, activities, community projects, or social time. These co-ops are taught and lead by parents. A Homeschool co-op is also referred to as a Homeschool Cooperative.
Just because most Homeschool co-ops are generally laid out in the same format it does not mean that they are all the same. So you need to learn more about a homeschool co-op before you just sign up for one.
Are there Homeschool Co-ops in Mississippi?
Yes, there are lots of great Homeschool co-ops in the Mississippi area. Here is a list of some and a brief description. I’m sure I missed a bunch, but I wanted to give you a general list to start from. Some on this list are parent lead homeschool co-ops and some are director lead.
Classical Homeschool Ministry of South Mississippi is located in Pass Christian, MS and meets at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. It is a free co-op and parents are required to participate.
Excelsior Classical Christian Community is located in Tupelo, MS. There is a yearly minimal fee per family. It is teacher led using the classical style.
Jackson Classical is located in Brandon, MS. Their program meets two day a week. It is director led and a tuition is required.
Magnolia State Home Educators Association is located in Jackson County and member are from all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is parent led and has a yearly application fee.
Mississippi Classical Conversations has several locations in Mississippi. Click on the link about to find one near you. It is director led and there is a tuition fee.
Mississippi Delta Christian Home Educators is located in Yazoo County but includes Humphreys County, Sharkey County, Issaquena County, Holmes County, Sunflower County, Washington County, and also parts of Madison County and Warren County. It is parent led.
ReACHE – Reservoir Area Christian Home Educators
ReACHE, Reservoir Area Christian Home Educators is located in Central Mississippi. It is parent led and there is yearly fee.
The Friday Program is located in Jackson, MS. It is director led and meets one day a week.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is director led and there are fees.
The Village School of Mississippi is located in Ridgeland, MS. It is director led and there are fees.
What is the difference between parent lead and director lead Homeschool Co-ops?
The difference between a parent lead and a director lead Homeschool Co-op is just as it sounds. Parent lead Homeschool Co-op is lead by parents, where a director lead Homeschool Co-op is lead by a director. Parent lead Homeschool Co-ops tend to be smaller and focuses more on the children and support for the parents. Jackson Classical defines a director lead Homeschool Co-op as: “an academic program that provides enrichment and academic courses for children and workshops and counseling for parents.” So before you join a Homeschool Co-op, this may be another question you want to ask.
What classes are taught in a Homeschool Co-op?
This is different in each Homeschool Co-op, and I would suggest that be one of the first questions you ask before joining a Co-op. Most Homeschool Co-ops are based around academics like Language Art, Science, History, or Math. Some focus on The Arts, like Literature, Drama, Dance and even voice. Others are just a time for homeschool families to get together and do arts and crafts, field trips, community projects, or fun social time like park or game days.
What are the benefits to a Homeschool Co-op?
Being apart of a Homeschool Co-op has many advantages. A few of those are as follows:
- Group Learning, some children do better in this type of setting
- Socializing, this may be the only time that some children get to hang out with other children their own age
- Sharing Expenses for materials or equipment, being able to share science lab equipment is a great benefit
- Being able to take a class that my be difficult to teach at home, for example Drama, music, foreign language and advance classes
Do I have to pay to be in a Homeschool Co-op?
Most Homeschool Co-ops are not entirely free. Most will have a membership fee or classroom fee, but they are not really expensive. Since most Homeschool Co-ops are parent lead the fees will differ between groups.
