Setting up a "school" for homeschoolers

[AngelBee]

I am looking to start a co-op, resource center, and a "school" so that testing can be offered if desired and participation in sports at a school district.

I have discussed co-oping sports with a local AD and figured that part out.

Now I have to figure out how to set up a "school" that would allow people to homeschool, but the power in numbers for other benefits if that makes sense.

I do not know what this is even called....so bare with me.

Any ideas or info on HOW to accually do this???

Thanks!

[AngelBee]

Bump Really need some input on this.

[Aeress]

AngelBee- You need to find out what the state considers a private school, homeschool or other such rules. In NY we can work as a co-operative or resource center as long as the child does the majority of their work with the parent, and as a parent you can hire a tutor and still be a homeschooler.

You become a private school once you have more than your own children schooling with you, and have to register and follow the states private school guidelines.

Start with your states info...I can help more once you know about those rules. I researches the "how to" recently and feel pretty comfortable with the stuff portion. Basically, you need a space, insurance and materials to get going. Figure out the costs involved and decide how you will charge families. From there, you can begin a class schedule, drop in hours and other activities.

Let me know if I can help

[zeldamomma]

Since you're in Minnesota, maybe you could try reaching out to people who run YEAH, and see if they have any advice for you? They seem to do a lot of the stuff you've mentioned, including ACT testing, and so they would know what relevant laws etc are, and could tell you how they got started.

http://yeahacademy.net/index2.html

They aren't unschoolish at all, though. The unschooling co-ops I've known seem to be pretty ad-hoc-- there's a group of unschooling families, they find a place to meet, and parents and older kids offer a wide range of classes, often with different topics every time. If you'd like to get in touch with someone whose involved with something like that, PM me.

Most of my Minnesota friends test their kids at home, or hire a facilitator if they go with the Peabody-- I'm not clear why you'd need to be a school to offer testing, aside from College Board-type exams.

I think you've got a big plan in mind, and unless you have a few enthusiastic partners for this, I'd suggest you pick the part that will benefit your family most in the short term to start, and then grow from there.

Best of luck!

[AngelBee]

Thanks for the input mamas. Still thinking about how this would work...