Here are some answers to common questions about our programs, policies, and resources. Whether you’re a prospective member or just browsing, this page is designed to help you better understand our organization and how we work. If you have any additional inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at contact@nearwesthomeschoolers.org for additional assistance.
What exactly does your organization do?
The Community Organization for Near West Homeschoolers is an organization focused on providing educational opportunities to homeschooled students in Chicagoland. We offer a variety of opportunities to homeschoolers: a co-op, summer Park Days, and field trip opportunities.
Our co-op is our main program and is an enrichment-based co-op focused on building community while engaging in fun learning along the way. Our program is composed of homeschoolers that are committed to meeting on a weekly basis to provide homeschooled students with a consistent community of peers. We have also found that some topics particularly lend themselves to a group setting, and our group allows homeschoolers to experience this types of learning in a group setting.
Where do you meet?
We meet at Thatcher Woods Pavilion. This location affords us the ability to host both indoor and outdoor classes. We embrace outdoor experiences and host some classes outdoors year-round.
When does the co-op meet?
We meet late September through early May on Thursdays, 9:30am-2:30pm.
Is the co-op a drop off program?
We are not a drop-off co-op. An attending adult is required to stay on site for the full day and assist with duties, including leading classes. We are a 100% volunteer organization, so parent/guardian involvement is very important.
What ages can attend?
Our co-op is geared toward students aged 5yrs – 18yrs by September 30th of the current “school” year. Siblings younger than 5 are welcome to remain with the on-site parent or guardian throughout the day.
How does it work with younger siblings?
Children under 5 can tag along with the attending adult during the co-op day. We have some toys on site and there is plenty of outdoor space to run around. If you are concerned about your situation and ability to care for your younger child(ren) throughout the day, contact us at contact@nearwesthomeschoolers.org and we can explain what current families with younger siblings do.
What classes do you offer?
Though exact classes can vary session-to-session, especially for the older age groups, we typically offer classes such as Art, Language Arts, Gym, STEM, and Nature Studies.
Can gifted kids participate?
Yes. We don’t have specifically gifted classes but because these are supplemental/enrichment classes, they work for kids of various abilities.
Can my child with special circumstances participate?
Yes, as long as the classes we offer are appropriate for their abilities. We also make every effort to accommodate students as needed. Please contact us at contact@nearwesthomeschoolers.org to discuss your family’s specific needs.
What if my family can’t afford the full membership fees?
Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. Please contact us at contact@nearwesthomeschoolers.org to discuss your family’s specific needs.
Can my child take only one class during the day?
No, we do not offer individual classes – our co-op is a full day commitment. One of our goals is to create community and continuity, and that requires full participation by everyone. Each student is assigned to their age group and moves with that group of children throughout the day.
How can I join the co-op?
We offer two registration periods each year – one for our Fall Session (Sept-Dec) and one for our Spring Session (Jan-May). Current members and those on our waitlist are given an opportunity to register first, then registration is open to the public. We are limited to a capacity of approximately 45 students across all age groups. For more information on registration, visit our Registration Page.
I submitted a registration, but was told that there are no openings for my child(ren) and that I am on the waitlist. Is there any chance I’ll be offered a slot anytime soon?
Being on the waitlist is a good idea, as we do move through it. While this can change year-to-year based on our current membership, historically we welcome 5-7 new families each year, many that are from the waitlist. If you are on the waitlist, you will be given priority registration if there is an opening in your child(ren)’s age group(s).
I think I might already be on the waitlist. How can I be sure?
If you are on our waitlist, you would have received an email from a Board Member to confirm your place on it. If you did not receive such an email, you are not on the waitlist. Signing up for our email list is not the same as being on the registration waitlist! If you are still not sure if you are already on the waitlist, contact us at contact@nearwesthomeschoolers.org and we can check for you.
I know I’m already on the waitlist, but wasn’t given an opportunity to join the most recent session and there was public registration. What happened?
All families on the waitlist are reviewed during each priority registration period. Those that have children in the age ranges for which we have openings are given an opportunity to join. If you did not receive an invitation to join us, that is because we cannot accommodate the age(s) of child(ren) you have at this time. You are still on the waitlist and will receive priority in future sessions when there are openings for your children’s ages.
Is The Community Organization for Near West Homeschoolers a not for profit?
Yes! We are a registered 501(c)3 and also an Illinois Non-Profit.
Is my style of homeschooling respected?
We consider ourselves to be an eclectic group and hope that people of all different homeschooling philosophies feel comfortable at the co-op.
What is the co-op’s homeschooling philosophy?
We don’t have a single homeschooling philosophy, but our classes are supplemental/enrichment topics and tend to be hands-on. Our goal is to create structured programming in a laid-back, flexible environment.
Are you affiliated with a religion?
We are not affiliated with a religion and require all events, activities, and curriculum to be secular. But we are an eclectic, tolerant group and all who homeschool are welcome – religious and not religious.
Do you offer tours or shadow days?
We are delighted when interested families want to investigate further! Unfortunately, we have found that having visitors during the co-op day is disruptive to those who have committed to the program, and we owe it to our participants to make their experience the best it can be. We also feel we owe it to those interested in the co-op to be able to give them our undivided attention in explaining the program and answering questions. But we welcome an opportunity to discuss our group in more detail with any perspective member – you can email us anytime at contact@nearwesthomeschoolers.org to setup a call. We also host Park Days each summer that are open to all homeschoolers, so these can also be a great way to get to know our group. Lastly, we offer field trips sporadically throughout the year and open them to all homeschoolers whenever we can. If you are on the email list, you will receive information on these as they become available. These are also a great way to get to know our group.