Co-op to provide new options for home-school students

DALE CITY — Nearly 2,000 home-schooled students in Prince William County will soon have the opportunity to take classes with other students.

A new Woodbridge Homeschool Co-Op will begin meeting at Hillendale Baptist Church in Dale City this fall. The co-op will offer kindergarten through 12th grade homeschooled students the opportunity to take three classes per week with other students.

As a cooperative program, each family’s homeschooling parent is required to either teach or assist in classes, which helps keep costs down, according to co-op spokeswoman Kristina Kotlus.

The fees for insurance and other expenses will be shared among the participating families, making the cost per family $200 per year.

Classes may charge a supply fee for things like dissection kits, or art supplies. The goal of the co-op is for classes to be affordable for even larger families, and to provide socialization for students, said Kotlus.

The group is Christian-run and religious curriculum is welcome, but families of all backgrounds are welcome to participate and can choose classes that meet their families needs and doctrine.

Families that participate are expected to make attendance a priority, and to ensure homework is done weekly.

Those who are interested in joining the co-op may fill out an interest form.

There will be a limited number of students in the co-op during the first year. The co-op anticipates that the group will grow over time.

Classes will be held Monday mornings from September to May. Subjects will range from writing to history, and electives like art, music, or PE.

Additional questions may be directed to the board of directors at [email protected].

Hillendale Baptist Church is located at 13135 Hillendale Drive.