FAQs
Co-op
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What is CHARIS Co-op? |
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On Wednesday mornings, CHARIS families come together to lead and participate in fun, hands-on learning enrichment classes for grades PreK–12, plus a family worship and devotional time. The two, 12-week sessions start in September and January. For the 2023-2024 school year, registration opens 7/1/23 to 8/5/23. The year will officially start on September 13th with a kick-off day at the park.
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Who can participate in CHARIS Co-op? |
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While participation in CHARIS Co-op is reserved for members only, we welcome new CHARIS members any time of the year. See our member registration section. |
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Once I join CHARIS, am I automatically enrolled in the co-op? |
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No. Joining co-op requires a separate registration and fee, plus a commitment to volunteer (many hands make light work). CHARIS is a completely separate entity from co-op. CHARIS is our main homeschool organization that provides a membership card, social opportunities, access to our Facebook group and website with forums filled with homeschool info, and a community of like-minded Christians to share our homeschool experiences with. Co-op, however, is an extension of that. CHARIS offers the opportunity for those interested, to sign up for a weekly co-op to attend at Village Bible Church in Sugar Grove. Co-op is not required to join CHARIS and participate in those activities. A CHARIS membership is required, however, to join the weekly co-op. If this is confusing in anyway, please do not hesistate to reach out to any member of out admin team for clarification. |
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Why are there two fees, membership and co-op? |
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Our general membership fees cover costs and events by which the entire CHARIS family will be served: website, accident insurance, whole-group events, etc. These fees cover an entire school year, from July 1 – June 30. If you sign up after December 1, fees will be prorated. The co-op fees cover costs only generated by meeting weekly for classes: facility rental fees, class supplies, co-op group events, etc. Co-op fees are collected for the entire program year that runs Sept - April. Payment arrangements are available upon request. |
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Where does the co-op meet? |
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We’ve been blessed to use the facilities at Village Bible Church in Sugar Grove (847 N. State Route 47) for years, and we’re thankful to resume in the fall of 2023. |
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Who teaches the classes? |
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CHARIS parents! Having parent teachers from within our group is one way we foster strong family relationships and friendships at co-op. CHARIS moms and dads are encouraged to create classes that reflect their skills, interests, or current school topics. |
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What sort of classes are offered? |
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Classes vary depending on what our parent-teacher volunteers offer and what needs are expressed by the group. Past classes touched upon art, science, history, literature, speech, economics, writing, photography, gym, government—and much more. Because these are enrichment classes, students will not be given homework. This may not apply to certain high school level classes. Schedules are posted on our website prior to each session’s registration. |
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Can I just drop off my children at the co-op? |
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Our co-op is dependent upon parent volunteers and is not designed for children to be dropped off. Because moms (and some dads) are present, it provides opportunity for friendships to develop and grow, especially if you stay to fellowship during the lunch time. |
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Are there classes for high school students? |
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As we value homeschooling through high school, we make an effort to provide worthwhile classes for our teens. |
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How do I register? |
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If you aren't yet a CHARIS member for 2023-2024, you can join on our home page. Once your membership form is submitted, you can send us a note with your request for the co op registration form! |
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What is the Cost? |
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CHARIS membership is $50. CHARIS Co-op is a separate fee descibed below. While this year (2023 - 24) will see an increase in fees per student, we are able to keep our fees low. The cost for 24 weeks is as follows: $50 per child for Nursery 6 months - age 3. $100 per student for Pre-school (ages 3/4) $200 per student grades K-5th (ages 5-11) $100 per student grades 6th-12th (ages 12-18) This cost covers the rental cost for the facility, class supplies, insurance and any fees. We also offer the convenience of an installment payment plan if this works better for your family. Under the payment plan, your total will be broken down into multiple monthly payments. We are still working out the kinks for payments and payment arrangements. Please be patient, we will keep eveyone updates when we know more. |
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What are discovery days? |
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Discover Days are a day of activities for kids outside of their normal classes. Activities will be pre-planned. Some possibilities for this year’s Discovery Days include: a team building day, a minute to win-it game day, serving others day, and a STEAM day. (Teaching teams will not need to plan a lesson on Discovery Days.) Volunteers will be required to serve one week each session during Discovery Days. (this includes CHARIS families who are only attending Discovery Days.) Volunteer assignments will be sent out prior to the first day of co-op. During your service week, you and at least one other volunteer will be helping to facilitate pre-planned activities for a group of kids. If it is not your week to serve, you will get to enjoy a potluck style brunch and fellowship with other volunteers.
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