School, the way it should be.

At Valley Church, we have a dream of establishing a homeschool cooperative where parents will have control over the materials, skills, ideas, and values which will be taught. They can also determine when each parent will supervise the children, lightening the load on everyone because this is a cooperative effort among families. Please join us as we work to build a supportive community which will not only offer a better educational experience for children, but an enjoyable social network with other students .

Let's do this

Be Part of the Beginning

Are you looking for a place to join with other like-minded parents in forming a homeschool cooperative? If so, Valley Church may be what you’re looking for. We want to open our building, giving you a place to meet as you pursue a practical alternative to the mainstream learning process.

Our goal is to gather a team of interested parents who are willing to help us launch the homeschool co-op. Valley Church has already written a homeschool charter, which you may read at the bottom of this page. And we will help in establishing the curriculum. However, parents will be responsible for teaching the children and deciding on the number of days they wish to meet at our building.

Valley Church will not only open our doors to the co-op but have someone in our office to help on school days in case there are questions or needs. We will also offer a brief chapel service for students at the beginning of each school day.

Please come and help us as we launch this much-needed educational opportunity. Initial planning will take place at a meeting we'll schedule as soon as we have enough people contact us expressing an interest in gathering for a discussion. If you are interested, we'd love to talk to you. Simply call us at (509) 524-8344. Or send us an email using our "Contact" section below.

Our building is located at: 1625 East Alder, Walla Walla, WA.

Contact

Valley Church Homeschool
Cooperative Charter

I. Introduction

The Valley Church Homeschool Cooperative is a collaborative effort between three key stakeholders: Valley Church, Parents, and Students. This cooperative is designed to support families who homeschool their children by providing a structured environment for learning, social interaction, and shared educational responsibilities. The cooperative will utilize the facilities and administrative framework provided by Valley Church, while parents will rotate teaching responsibilities to ensure no single parent is overwhelmed. The students will benefit from a diverse and engaging learning experience, guided by the involvement of their parents and the support of the church community.

II. Stakeholders and Roles

Valley Church
Valley Church will act as the primary sponsor and host of the homeschool cooperative. The church will provide the following:

Facilities: Valley Church will offer its building and classrooms for use by the cooperative, creating a safe and conducive environment for learning.

Administrative Support: The church will handle logistical needs such as scheduling, maintaining the building, and ensuring safety protocols are in place.

Spiritual Guidance: As a faith-based organization, Valley Church will support the spiritual development of students in accordance with Christian values, while respecting the diverse educational goals of families.

Parents
Parents are integral to the cooperative’s success. Their responsibilities include:

Teaching Rotation: Parents will volunteer on a rotating schedule to teach various subjects, sharing the responsibility so that no single parent is burdened with full-time teaching. Each parent will contribute according to their strengths, educational background, and availability.

Supervision and Support: Parents not actively teaching may assist in classroom management, offer one-on-one tutoring, or supervise recess and activities.

Cooperation and Flexibility: Since parents share responsibilities, clear communication, flexibility, and a cooperative spirit are essential. Regular meetings will be held to address scheduling, curriculum coordination, and any issues that arise.

Students:
Students are the focus of the homeschool cooperative, and their role involves active participation and respect for the community.

Engagement in Learning: Students are expected to take their education seriously and participate fully in both individual and group activities.

Respect for Peers and Adults: Students will show respect for fellow students, teachers, and the church’s facilities. Behavioral expectations will align with the cooperative’s Christian values.

Commitment to Growth: Students should embrace the opportunity to learn from different teachers, build relationships, and grow both academically and spiritually.

III. Educational Philosophy and Goals

The Valley Church Homeschool Cooperative is rooted in the belief that education is a collaborative process where parents, children, and the community work together. The cooperative seeks to provide a Christ-centered, academically enriching environment where:
Academic Excellence is encouraged through diverse teaching methods and collaborative learning experiences.
Parental Involvement strengthens both the learning environment and the bonds between families, ensuring a rich, supportive experience for every child.
Spiritual Growth is fostered alongside academic development, with the church providing opportunities for worship, prayer, and Christian fellowship.
Diverse Learning Styles are recognized, allowing flexibility for students to learn in ways that best suit their individual needs and talents.
The goal of the cooperative is to ensure that each child receives a well-rounded, high-quality education while also providing a supportive community for homeschooling families.

IV. Operational Structure

Schedule
The cooperative will meet on [specify days] from [start time] to [end time]. Parents will work together to create a weekly schedule, dividing teaching responsibilities among various subjects, such as math, science, literature, and art. Special attention will be given to both academic and extracurricular activities, ensuring a balanced experience for the students.

Teaching Responsibilities
Each parent will commit to teaching a set number of days per month, depending on the number of families involved. Parents are encouraged to teach subjects in which they have expertise or passion. Support materials, curriculum guidelines, and teaching aids will be shared among the group to ensure consistency and cohesion.

Curriculum and Assessment
While parents have flexibility in choosing the curriculum, the cooperative will set core learning objectives for each subject area. Progress will be monitored through periodic assessments, peer feedback, and parent-teacher discussions to ensure that all students are meeting educational goals.

Communication and Decision-Making
Open communication is key to the success of the cooperative. Monthly meetings will be held to discuss scheduling, curriculum planning, and any challenges or concerns. Decisions will be made collaboratively, with input from all participating families.

Financial Contributions
Valley Church will provide the building and administrative resources at no cost to families, but parents will be responsible for covering the cost of classroom supplies, curriculum materials, and any external field trips or events. A small fee may be collected each semester to cover shared costs.

V. Code of Conduct
To maintain a respectful, safe, and supportive learning environment, all participants are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct:

Respect for All: Students, parents, and church staff must treat one another with kindness, patience, and respect at all times.

Responsibility: Each family must uphold their commitments to the teaching schedule and contribute to the success of the cooperative.

Christian Values: All activities and interactions should reflect the cooperative’s shared Christian values, promoting a spirit of unity and love.

Conflict Resolution:
In the event of a conflict, participants are encouraged to address the issue directly with one another in a respectful and constructive manner. If a resolution cannot be reached, the matter will be escalated to a designated member of Valley Church, who will act as an impartial mediator. The decision made by this church representative will be considered final and binding on all parties involved.

VI. Conclusion
The Valley Church Homeschool Cooperative is a partnership between the church, parents, and students, built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a commitment to Christ-centered education. Together, we aim to create a nurturing, enriching environment where children can grow academically, socially, and spiritually, supported by their families and community.

This charter outlines the cooperative’s structure and expectations, ensuring a balanced and supportive experience for all stakeholders involved.