CO-OP PROGRAM

The optional co-op program available to HCA students meets at New Hope Baptist Church. Directions are available here. Co-op classes meet from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Fridays. The co-op serves students in grades K-6 and meets for 24 weeks per year (divided into 4 six-week periods). Co-op classes focus primarily on history and science topics and engage students in fun, hands-on activities as well as provide them with field trip opportunities and guest speakers. The classes provide a supplement to what the parents are teaching at home and are not designed to serve as the primary curriculum for the student. No grades are given. Parents are expected to plan and teach 2 six-week periods along with a co-teacher, sub for 1 six-week period, and volunteer for 2 activities during the school year. Class kits and materials are provided. We also have a nursery and pre-K class available for those parents who need child care while they teach. In addition to co-op classes, children may be enrolled in enrichment classes, which meet from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Some enrichment classes are free while others may charge a fee. Classes include Choir, Drama, Spanish, Art, Physical Education, and more.

Registration Information

The co-op program is an optional program available to families who are enrolled in Heritage Christian Academy. There are additional fees for the co-op program; $90 co-op fee per family and whatever additional fees per the fee schedule and for optional enrichment classes (see the registration forms on the right side of this page for more information on additional fees). Registration for the following school year begins every March and continues until classes are full. Contact the office to register: busytrina@comcast.net or (615) 754-7946.

Registration

Registration Dates:

March 12: Registration for returning HCA co-op families at New Hope Baptist Church (NHBC) from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

March 19: Registration for returning HCA co-op famlies and returning HCA CRS (church-related school) families at NHBC from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

March 26: Registration for families enrolling in HCA for the first time at NHBC from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

If you are registering for the co-op program during the months of March or April, you will need to complete the following steps to register:

· Complete the following forms: the co-op application form, the co-op fee schedule form, statement of faith, and the co-op participation form. If your student was last enrolled in a public or private school, complete the request for records form.

· Notarize the co-op participation form on your own or bring the form with you when you register at NHBC. A notary will be present.

· If you have nursery age or pre-K children and need childcare while you teach, complete the nursery form or Eagle’s Nest (Pre-K) registration form, depending on your need, and complete a co-op participation form on each of these children and have each notarized.

· Check the enrichment class schedule to determine if there are additional classes that you are interested in enrolling your students in and what fees, if any, are involved.

· Bring payment for enrollment fees. See the fee schedule to determine amount. Bring payment for enrichment class fees, if any.

· Once forms and fees are received and your application is approved, you will automatically be enrolled in the student’s co-op class and enrichment class(es).

Late Registration

If you are registering for the co-op program during the months of May, June, or July, you will need to complete the following steps to register:

· Contact the office at busytrina@comcast.net to see if a class opening is available in your child’s grade.

· If it is confirmed that an opening is available, complete the following forms: the co-op application form, the co-op fee schedule form, statement of faith, and the co-op participation form. If your student was last enrolled in a public or private school, complete the request for records form.

· Notarize the co-op participation form.

· If you have nursery age or pre-K children and need child care while you teach, complete the nursery form or Eagle’s Nest (pre-K) registration form, depending on your need, and complete a co-op participation form on each of these children and have each notarized.

· Mail the co-op application form, the co-op fee schedule form, statement of faith, the co-op participation form (one for each child), and if applicable, request for records form, the nursery form and Eagle’s Nest (pre-K) registration form, along with enrollment fees. As the payment varies depending upon services requested, you must view the fee schedule. You may call the office at (615) 754-7946 to verify required payment.

· Once your enrollment forms and fees are received and your application is approved, you will automatically be enrolled in the student’s co-op class. You will then be contacted regarding teaching assignments, optional enrichment classes, sub position and volunteer positions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

· Do I have to be in the HCA church-related school to be in the co-op program?

Yes, our tutorial and co-op are services to our church-related school (CRS) students.

· As a parent, I have never taught a class before and am unsure about how to prepare.

HCA will provide a class kit full of helpful information regarding the class topic, including past syllabuses prepared by previous teaching parents. You will also have a co-teacher who can help in the planning process. We also have a class-planning day in April where veteran co-op teachers can assist if necessary. If you have ever participated in a church VBS program or the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, you will have an idea of how our classes work. The goal is for the students to have an enjoyable experience with other homeschool friends in a classroom setting while learning some useful information at the same time.

· How often do I have to sub and what am I expected to do as a sub?

Everyone is assigned 1 six-week period to sub. On average, you may be called 1 or 2 times during that six-week period. However, it is hard to predict how often you will be called, depending on illnesses prevalent in the area at any given time. You are expected to be available on Fridays for that six-week period, to communicate with the sub coordinator if contacted, and to come to the co-op administrative desk at 10:00 on Fridays to see if you are needed. You will be expected to assist the regular teacher in the class.

· I have just started to homeschool. Do you have any helps for new homeschool parents?

The co-op does offer a mentor program. If you mark on your co-op application that you would like a mentor, we will assign a veteran co-op parent to you who you can call throughout the school year with questions or concerns. We also have a mentor lunch in August where you can meet your mentor and meet other new and veteran homeschool parents.

· Are there additional activities available to students enrolled in the co-op?

Yes, we have a calendar full of activities for our co-op students. Most of them depend on parent volunteers, so please volunteer in areas you enjoy.

Contact Heritage Christian Academy at:

P.O. Box 1135, Mount Juliet, TN 37121 (e): busytrina@comcast.net (w): (615)754-7946