Often an outgrowth of a homeschool support group, a homeschool cooperative (or “co-op”) is a unique type of local connection for home educating families. Usually, these co-ops are led by parents who volunteer as administrators, teachers, and helpers. The overall goal of a homeschool co-op is to provide a group learning environment for students who could benefit from regular socialization or who might enjoy specific coursework that’s ideal for groups, such as physical education.

An example of a homeschool co-op group in Indiana is Greenwood Home Educators. This Christian cooperative organizes its coursework around semester-long unit studies. The group meets twice a month during the school year at a local church. Dues for the co-op cover the coursework and field trips, but parents are still required to help volunteer for specific committees and activities that keep the co-op running smoothly.