Co-op is not a school, even though we do have periods and homework for gr. 7-12. At co-op, the primary teacher is always the child's parent, not the co-op teacher. Also, we do not administer tests nor assign grades. Our weekly classes are spent on discussions, debates, simulations, re-enactments, experiments, educational games and hands-on activities that enrich studies at home. Since co-op meets only once a week, the majority of coursework is completed at home, so really only the parent knows the full extent of her child's knowledge in a subject. It stands to reason that the parent, then, would be the one to assign grades.

Only high school classes and a few junior high classes actually have homework. All kindergarten and elementary classes are enrichment only. We do not want elementary students and their parents stressing over homework in addition to regular studies at home. Co-op should not interfere or restrict family time. Plus, only the parents know how their child learns, and that child should be free to learn that way without pressure to conform to the majority. As a result, the responsibility for homework is placed on teenagers, who are earning high school credits and should be learning how to manage their time anyway. Nevertheless, because some families use a different curriculum at home, we try to be reasonable regarding homework even for high schoolers.

We do not want co-op to be a source of illness for any family. A standing rule is to stay home if you or your children are sick or even just recovering from an illness. We have a substitutes list and a list of illnesses, and we expect members to be symptom-free for 24 hours before they return to co-op. Otherwise, we send you home! As a result, we do have a lot of absences, but we much prefer filling in for an absent parent than catching a cold from a sick child or teacher.

Co-op is not a drop-off service, so we do not have children running around without supervision. If your child is at co-op, then you must be, too. As a Christian co-op, we lovingly correct and encourage our children and try to channel their energies into positive directions. Plus, we intentionally keep classes small to prevent a "crowd-control" situation. Except for PE, classes are limited to 12 students, although the number usually ranges between 4 and 10, and each class has two or three team teachers.

Many hands make light work! You do not have to teach, but all parents commit to helping in a class. Everyone gets one break period in the four-period day, and usually two. Additionally, all classes have two and sometimes three teachers, what we call "team" teaching, so preparing lessons and teaching each week does not fall on just one person. Furthermore, instruction is limited to lessons and activities during class time, so teachers do not have to correct homework or prepare and grade tests. Additionally, we have years of previous lesson plans that team teachers can “tweak” and reuse.

We aim to keep co-op affordable. Just like most other co-ops, our teachers are parents with a degree, special knowledge or passion for the subjects they teach. However, unlike many other local co-ops, no one at co-op gets paid; all our expert teachers are volunteers. Class fees, which range from $2 to $20 for the entire 14 weeks, pay for materials only. Because many of us homeschool on a budget, we diligently search for the cheapest copier in town and research the Internet for the lowest prices on books and dissection kits, so we can pass those savings on to our members.

A group cannot function efficiently without some organization. Written guidelines help everyone understand expectations, prepare us for certain situations in advance, ensure our safety, and help us manage the use of the facilities that the Lord has provided. We try to provide structure while at the same time maintain flexibility. As a result, our co-op runs very smoothly; indeed, many of our members who previously participated in other co-ops have stated that our co-op runs more efficiently than any others they have attended.

Personality conflicts and misunderstandings are inevitable in a group environment, but we aim to manage them by proactive means. We have written procedures which help everyone understand expectations. Also, we limit membership by keeping classes small. In addition, we advocate extending grace to fellow members and addressing misunderstandings early on so that minor misunderstandings will not escalate into major conflicts.

We have access to a certain number of classrooms, which limits the number of classes we can offer at each period. Additionally, we want the classes to stay small, so we limit their size to 12 students, sometimes less depending on the subject. As a result, our membership floats around 60 families each semester. This provides a pool for teachers as well as helpers, and yet we can easily remember each other's names! Additionally, a small co-op reduces the chances for many of the common co-op problems listed here, such as conflicts, disorganization, and discipline.