The Flip-side of Co-ops

I was speaking one day to a group of homeschoolers. During the Q&A time, one mother said to me, "Do I have to use co-ops for high school or is it possible to do it myself?" I was surprised. Of course you don't "have to" use co-ops. Co-ops can sometimes serve a purpose in home education. A lot has been written about the plus side of co-op classes so I probably don't need to reiterate these, but you might want to consider the "flip-side" of co-ops when you are planning your classes next year.

• The commute time: It takes time driving back and forth
  
• Time away from home: You will have less time doing your home-based homeschool activities
  
• Less time for fun: There is less time for extra-curricular and other fun activities
• Homework: You have to finish homework that the co-op assigns, which may lead to extra fussing with your kids to complete the work
  
• Germs: In any classroom environment, germs are rampant
• Expense: Homeschooling can be expensive, and adding the cost of co-ops can be rough

These are just a few things that people in co-ops have shared with me. Parents always know what is best for their children but I wanted you to have the benefit of others experience. If high school co-ops are in your future, you might plan to address these issues with your family.

Blessings,

Lee
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