We are a network of families united in our love for Christ and our calling to home educate our children.

• We are not a ‘school’. Foundations is designed to enhance rather than replace a family’s home education program. However, we do tend to offer classes that fit both the academic and extracurricular needs of our families.
• We are not a drop-off. A parent must remain on-site and be committed to serving our community. All classes are taught by volunteer parent-teachers.
• We do not judge differing philosophies of education, curriculum, support mechanisms, etc. held by individual families. We entrust these decisions to each family, providing support and guidance when requested.
• We purpose to encourage both short-term and long-term home educators.
• We are a cooperative and function best when everyone is committed to serving our community in some capacity. Each family should be motivated by love to serve the Co-op and each other diligently and cheerfully.
• We are not a church. While we do function as a ministry, we cannot replace the function of a local church. We strongly encourage all members to be plugged into a local body of their choice.
• We are unified. We are comprised of families from various denominations and backgrounds. We focus on common views rather than differences. We reject divisiveness and the subtle forms of disunity such as gossip and judgment.
• We are self-governing. Each family is expected to be self-governing. We do not desire to control or manage families.
• We are relationship-driven. We purpose to come alongside families with encouragement and love, and we will make every effort to live at peace with one another. We acknowledge that we all have limitations, weaknesses, and blind spots. We strive to build others up rather than tearing down.
• We are volunteer-led. Co-op leadership is a volunteer effort. We are motivated by faith to serve Christ and a love for His body. We are ever-growing, ever-striving, and we welcome insights, corrections, and suggestions, packaged in love and gentleness.
• We value safety. Our policies and rules are for the purpose of creating an environment of safety, respect, and order. We entrust each parent to cheerfully supervise their children accordingly.
• We are child-focused. We recognize our greatest ministry is through Word and deed to the children placed into our care. To the best of our ability, ALL decisions are made for the best interests of the children.

Philosophy of Education

There are many worthy theories and philosophies to assist in the calling of home education. Volunteer teachers are free to pool from their own experiences, theories, and curriculums, as long as the Lord is glorified in the classroom. Classroom content is subject to final approval by the board.

Responsibility

The shared responsibility of Foundations Homeschool Co-op is to provide a safe, fun, and interesting learning experience for all its members. The success of the Co-op is directly tied to the level by which the families are willing to serve. For this reason, part-time attendance and drop-offs are not allowed.

While we do not expect new families to participate heavily their first year, we do expect members to actively serve whenever they can see a need without being asked. We know that there are factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and sickness that affect every family’s ability to participate, and we want to be sensitive to each family’s unique needs. First-year members typically are not placed in lead positions for classes or other functions their first year, but this can be waived with Board approval.

Leadership in classes is a seasonal responsibility and will change from family to family throughout the various terms.

We want to be flexible and not so rigid that there is no time for socialization for the children or parents, but socialization is of secondary importance to Co-op responsibilities and needs.

Our teachers are parent-volunteers who sacrificially give of their valuable time. Families should give due respect to teachers by ensuring their children are prepared, punctual, and attentive. Likewise, teachers and classroom assistants should be aptly prepared to provide students with an excellent classroom experience. Teachers and students are expected to treat each other with mutual respect.