How to Run a Co-op

May 2021 Mission Trails, San Diego, CA

Homeschool co-ops are a game-changer for families looking to provide their children with socialization and diverse learning experiences. Many homeschool moms specialize in just one or two subjects, and co-ops help fill the gaps while building a supportive community. If you're an introvert or not a trained teacher, don't worry—you can still start a successful co-op!

We’ve been part of co-ops that have included Shakespeare, tea-time, writing, theater, math, public speaking via historical presentations, Spanish, art, etiquette, grammar, gameschooling, poetry, baking, and hiking. It’s always a mix of ages, and the moms typically end up having just as much fun as the kids! Schedule something, bring some snacks or ice-breakers, and model friendliness.

Find Your Focus

Start by thinking about what you loved learning in school, what you're knowledgeable about, or what excites you. If there’s a subject you’re interested in but don’t know much about, that’s okay! Your enthusiasm can make it a great experience for both you and the kids.

I studied English, French, and Special Education (behavior), but I have led the Shakespeare, poetry, theater, gameschooling, and tea-time etiquette parts of our groups.

Gather Families

Put out a call on Facebook, ask church friends, or reach out to neighbors. Chances are, other homeschool families are looking for the same kind of support and enrichment. Stay flexible and open to other ideas unless you already have a solid group, then be more specific and set firm boundaries to ensure commitment and inclusion.

Throughout elementary school, we found co-ops through church groups, but as kids get older, schedules fill up and become more particular. I turned to Facebook and was shocked at the response when I cross-posted, looking for kids to join our Shakespeare theater group. The week before our first meet-up, about 50% of those initially interested planned to come (mostly based on scheduling). As us moms introduced ourselves, we watched our kids awkwardly trying to find their place among the group of misfit toys. The younger ones went to the trampoline, and the older ones stood in little clumps making small talk.

Co-ops that are purely academic take much longer to feel relational, while a common goal (like a play, a game, or a project) forms friendships much quicker.

Choose a Time and Place

Pick a schedule that works best for your family. Hosting the co-op in your home is often the easiest option, but if that’s not feasible, look into community centers, churches, or libraries.

I have hosted in my home, in rotating homes, in parks, in churches, and we are currently in a community center. We have been able to do these all for free until recently—my children insisted on a stage with curtains for our current Shakespeare setup.

Set an Age Range

Your target age range will likely align with your own kids’ ages, but be open to full families joining. Homeschool moms and kids alike benefit from socializing with a variety of families.

When we started, my age range was “elementary,” but in recent years (as my children are now all in middle school), I have specified “age 8+, younger siblings welcome” since they need to be able to read, memorize lines, and speak in front of people.

Recruit Other Teachers

Once you’ve set the foundation, advertise what skills or subjects you can confidently teach and invite others to contribute in areas where they excel.

Moms can be the hardest part of this. Try to focus on their strengths and find each one a place to belong. You’ll be much more successful if you delegate and have someone—if not yourself—keep lists (e.g., needed supplies, who’s attending, who’s paid, who cleaned last, etc.). Ask for people to cover roles like snack mom, scheduling mom, teaching mom, game mom, clean-up mom, and observe and appreciate the hold-the-babies mom or council-the-other-moms mom.

Create Commitment

Homeschool moms tend to take on too many commitments, which can lead to inconsistent attendance. To encourage reliability, consider implementing a small buy-in fee—anywhere from $15 to $100—especially if you need to rent space or provide materials. This fosters accountability and investment in the group.

I’ve called homeschool moms “flaky overcomitters” for years—it’s true! We like our options and feeling the freedom to do whatever we want. However, when I finally started including a fee, attendance and stability dramatically improved.

If you’re an introverted mom with a lonely homeschooler, starting a co-op is easier than you think! With a little planning and outreach, you can build an enriching and supportive homeschool community for both you and your children.

Let me know about what experiences you’ve had!