How to Run a Co-op
May 2021 Mission Trails, San Diego, CA
Homeschool Co-Ops Change Everything
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!
What We've Done in Co-Op
We’ve been part of co-ops that have included:
Shakespeare
Tea-time & etiquette
Writing
Theater
Math
Public speaking (via historical presentations)
Spanish
Art
Grammar
Gameschooling
Poetry
Baking
Hiking
It’s always a mix of ages, and the moms typically end up having just as much fun as the kids. Just schedule something, bring snacks or ice-breakers, and model friendliness.
1. Find Your Focus
Start by thinking about what you:
Loved learning in school
Know a lot about
Are curious or excited to explore
If there's a topic you’re interested in but not an expert on, that’s okay—your enthusiasm can go a long way.
I studied English, French, and Special Education (behavior), but I’ve led the Shakespeare, poetry, theater, gameschooling, and etiquette parts of our groups.
2. Gather Families
Post in local homeschool Facebook groups
Ask church friends or neighbors
Be specific if you already have a vision—but stay open if you're just starting
Early on, we found co-ops through church. Later, as schedules got tighter, I turned to Facebook and was amazed by the response—though only about 50% of those initially interested actually came the first time.
Tip: Co-ops with a shared project (like a play or game) build relationships faster than purely academic ones.
3. Choose a Time and Place
Pick a schedule that works for your family first. Then consider:
Hosting at home
Rotating homes
Using parks, churches, or libraries
Renting a venue if needed
We've hosted in every one of these settings. We only recently started paying for a community center—because my kids insisted on curtains and a real stage for Shakespeare!
4. Set an Age Range
Start with your kids’ age range, but be clear about expectations:
Early on, we welcomed “elementary” ages. Now that my kids are middle schoolers, I say “age 8+, younger siblings welcome” so participants can read, memorize lines, and speak publicly.
5. Recruit Other Teachers
Once you’ve set the vision, invite others to contribute:
Highlight your strengths
Ask moms to share what they love or can teach
Assign simple roles:
Snack Mom
Teaching Mom
Game Mom
Scheduling Mom
Clean-Up Mom
Hold-the-Babies Mom
Encourager Mom
Honestly? Moms are the hardest part. But when everyone finds a role that fits, the whole group runs smoother.
6. Create Commitment
Homeschool moms are famously overcommitted—and sometimes flaky. A small fee helps:
$15–$100 depending on space and materials
Provides buy-in and encourages regular attendance
Helps cover supplies, venues, or your time
I’ve called homeschool moms “flaky overcommitters” for years (myself included!). Once I started including a fee, everything changed for the better.
You're More Ready Than You Think
If you’re an introverted mom with a lonely homeschooler, starting a co-op is more doable than you think. With a little planning and outreach, you can build an enriching, joyful homeschool community—for your kids and for yourself.
Thinking About Starting a Co-op, but Not Sure Where to Begin?
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Just gather a few families
Sketch out one simple idea
Start small and grow from there
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. And you’re not alone in building it.
👉 I’d love to support you along the way. Reach out anytime!
