Co-ops 101: Extended Learning
Whether situated in a private home, library, church, park, or other creative setting, co-ops do not replace parent-led teaching of home-taught core subjects.
Choosing the right co-op for your family might be based on various factors including location, class size, schedule, cost, and subject matter (academic, physical education, or enrichment classes). The following regional cooperatives -- in alphabetical order -- offer fall, spring, and year-long programs to enrich your child's learning adventures.
Christiana Homeschool Academy (CHA)
CHA is a board directed, ecumenical tutorial service for homeschoolers. Based in Westminster, Maryland, we provide instruction using a classical/leadership approach to education from a Christian world view, with an emphasis on classical literature, excellent writing skills and public speaking. CHA meets two days per week. We provide the "Best of Both Worlds" of homeschooling and private school education. What does God have in store for your high school scholars and leaders? Currently, we have space available in our high school program, especially the 10th grade. To find out more about us, visit our website, or call or email Catherine Milstead at 410-781-7566.
Circle of Life Cooperative Preschool
CLC, at 4880 Elmer Derr Road in Frederick, provides a child-centered & parent-involved preschool program based on the foundation of the Unitarian Universalist Seven Principles. The curriculum utilizes a holistic approach to learning and development designed to meet the needs of the child. Call 301-473-7680 or visit online.
Classical Conversations
This local weekly tutorial follows a Christian classical approach to education. The Foundations Program for students (K4-6th) master the grammar of various subjects through memory work. A writing course, the Essentials of the English language, is available for 3rd through 6th graders. Our 7th through 12th grade program, known as the Challenge program, covers six subject areas dialectically and rhetorically. Contact Bunmi Morgan at 240-409-6587 | Website
Columbia Homeschool Community
An inclusive and diverse homeschool support group whose mission is to provide homeschool enrichment, socialization and support, welcomes homeschoolers from throughout Maryland to join our support group and enjoy our co-op classes, field trips, monthly family events, and more. We are an active and friendly group, offering over 50 field trips, trimester classes, and lots of fun and socialization. Join us! Website
Frederick Homeschool Debate
This weekly co-op is designed to equip and empower high school/mature middle school students and their families to become involved and effective in our community. Using Frederick County/City and Maryland state government, this year-long course will satisfy at least 1 elective credit of debate, a ½ credit for civics, a ½ credit for economics, and a ½ credit for logic. Held on Tuesdays from 2 to 4 pm starting September 8 for 12 weeks and for 17 weeks starting January 12. Contact Susan Crowson at 301-378-0823 or Gwen Grant at 301-662-1511. Website
Freedom HIll Cooperative
FreedomHill Cooperative, founded in March 2007, is an unconventional educational cooperative now located in New Market, MD close to both Montgomery and Frederick counties. FreedomHill Cooperative’s program is closely modeled after Sudbury Valley School in Framingham, Mass. Built solidly on Sudbury’s model of democratic education, FreedomHill’s primary goal is for students to develop the ability to think expansively about themselves and their place in the world. Contact: Elaine Wooton for more information. Website
HARC (Homeschool Academic Resource Cooperative)
Mission: To provide quality, fun-filled academic classes to children in the homeschooling community. We want adults and children to feel welcome, and to feel free to ask questions and learn without prejudice, in a relaxed group setting. We wish to provide encouragement and fellowship as well as educational support. We meet in Frederick off of Opossumtown Pike on Mondays from 9:45AM-1:05PM and offer nursery through high school with 3 classes and a lunch/recess period. Contact: Christine Colburn at 301-682-7077 for more information.
Holy Family Apostolate
A Catholic-based, one-day a week, tutorial program for 1st grade through high school. A Kindergarten/pre-school group and a nursery are available for younger siblings. Classes are held on Wednesday’s at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mt. Airy. Classes are offered in Writing, Science, and History, with a lunch period followed by recess in the Gym. HFA relies on its members to teach or assist with classes. Our elementary level classes are flexible and not heavily structured. Middle school classes gradually increase in structure and homework expectations. High school classes have the most structure and may be counted for high school credit if desired. Website
Homeschoolers About Town
Located in Mount Airy, we are an all inclusive group of homeschoolers that have come together to support one another on our individual homeschooling journeys. We are striving to create a close knit community of homeschool families in Mount Airy, MD and the surrounding areas. Website
Homeschooling by Grace Co-op
A First Class Homeschool Ministry meets at Grace Community Church in Frederick, MD; Christian-based, parent-involved co-op for students of all ages (infants to grade 12). In addition to the co-op, we have other activities and field trips. For more information, please visit online, contact Jen Reckley for membership info at 301-293-8960 or Susan Greeves, co-op coordinator.
HOPE Homeschool Families
A Christian homeschool support group offering summer Park Days, monthly parent meetings, and weekly co-ops in Walkersville. Grades K-12 are welcome to participate in our parent involved co-op meeting Wednesday mornings. Some classes this session include World Geography studies, P.E., Art, Math Games, Apologia Chemistry & American Government. Please visit our website for details. Or, email Susan Garcia for information.
Horizons Homeschool Co-op
A dynamic, inclusive co-op, welcoming members from all faiths, races and educational styles. The co-op meets in Gaithersburg, (Montgomery County) Maryland. Horizons is organized and operated by homeschool parents. We meet every Thursday for fun, creative activities and classes for preschool through high school ages. For more information, please contact Gretchen Miller.
Monocacy Home Educators Co-op (MHEC)
Monocacy Home Educators is a secular and inclusive homeschool co-op that meets every Wednesday for 2 semesters per year (Fall and Spring). Each semester consists of 2 six week sessions, with a one week break in between the 2 sessions. The co-op meets at a church just North of Frederick on Old Frederick Road. Co-op begins at 9:45 a.m. with two classes (2 choices for each age group) before lunch and 2 classes after lunch. Contact Lisa Duckworth.
MDHSA Co-op
A non-profit, private organization that services homeschool families in the tri-state area. The co-op meets north of Waynesboro, PA ten weeks in the fall and again 10 weeks in the spring. MDHSA also sponsors a secondary level co-op that meets for 30 weeks from September through May. Participants must be MDHSA members.
Potomac Home Learning Circle
We are an activities-based, secular homeschool group based in Washington County and will be starting a learning co-op in Fall 2010 in addition to our other activities. Visit our website for more information.
Potomac Valley Homeschool Cooperative
Established 14 years ago, and invites families with infants through high school to join. The group meets at Faith Baptist Church on Jefferson Pike in Knoxville, MD every other Thursday August through May from 9am-12pm (followed by lunch, fellowship, and gym). Contact Monica Paire at 301-293-1918.
Rhubarb Jam Co-op
A non-profit organization that meets in Braddock Heights, 3 miles west of Frederick City. This safe, inclusive, secular, and cooperative community invites persons of all ages involved in home education to interact in an atmosphere of respect and tolerance. Visit online for more information.
Sacred Heart Tutorials
A Catholic homeschooling cooperative that meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at St. Joseph's Church in Taneytown. We hold classes for 6th through 12th grade. Most of our classes follow a Mother of Divine Grace syllabus, and all our classes are compatible with Mother of Divine Grace as well as many other curriculums. You may sign up for individual classes or a package. For more information contact Karen McGrath at 410-756-5545.
Training for Life in Christ Co-op (TLC)
The TLC Homeschoolers are a MACHE group based out of Frederick, Maryland. We offer spiritual and emotional support to homeschooling families while promoting strong academics. We offer support meetings, co-op classes, academic events, exciting field trips, and annual testing. It is our desire to minister to homeschool families without being a burden. For more information, please see "Why is Most Important," visit online or email Tina Jacobi.
Overlook Your Co-op?
We strive to include all cooperatives in our area but sometimes we miss one! Contact Homeschool Frederick! with information about your co-op. Please included co-op name, areas served, 1-2 line description to help readers know if they may be a good match with your group, and contact info (website, email or phone).