FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MEMBERSHIP:
Who can join SHINE?
Membership is open to all local home educators who are in agreement with, and have signed, the co-op handbook and guidelines.
How old do my children have to be for us to join co-op?
Your oldest child has to be old enough to be enrolled in at least the Pre-K 3 & 4 class or above each semester.
Can I drop my kids off at co-op and come back to get them?
SHINE is not a drop-off school, day care, or Mothers’ Day Out type program. Since our co-op is a volunteer organization, it will only perform well when we all work together. All parents/guardians are expected to stay at co-op the entire time and volunteer in some way each period. Our co-op works off a points-based system and each family is required to earn at least 4 points each semester. A student at least 16 years of age can attend the co-op without a parent present if they pay all fees due and earn at least 2 points each semester. You can earn points in the following ways:
Job/Points:
Serve on the co-op board -- 4 points
Teach one class -- 2 points
Co-teach one class -- 1 point
Assist in one class -- 1 point
Assist in the Nursery, Pre-K, or Kindergarten class for one period -- 1 point
Serve on the set up or clean-up crew -- 1 point
Serve during lunch/recess -- 1 point
I’m not planning on homeschooling once my child reaches kindergarten. Can I still come to co-op for pre-k?
SHINE is specifically designed to be a support group for families that have decided to educate their children at home and all of the joys, obstacles, and nuances that come along with that choice. Because of this, membership is reserved for committed and active or future home schooling families only.
I’m not a Christian. Can my family still join co-op?
Yes, absolutely. Co-op membership isn’t contingent on your personal beliefs or practices. However, SHINE is an unapologetically Christian environment. We abide by a distinctly Christian statement of faith and our classes, guidelines, and practices are informed by Scripture and Biblical principles. Furthermore, teaching against Christian principles in classes is prohibited. All of our board members are Christians and they must agree to and sign a statement of faith.
Who runs SHINE?
The board members at SHINE consist of homeschool parents that are in agreement in word and deed with our statement of faith and meet other requirements. All board members must:
Membership is open to all local home educators who are in agreement with, and have signed, the co-op handbook and guidelines.
How old do my children have to be for us to join co-op?
Your oldest child has to be old enough to be enrolled in at least the Pre-K 3 & 4 class or above each semester.
Can I drop my kids off at co-op and come back to get them?
SHINE is not a drop-off school, day care, or Mothers’ Day Out type program. Since our co-op is a volunteer organization, it will only perform well when we all work together. All parents/guardians are expected to stay at co-op the entire time and volunteer in some way each period. Our co-op works off a points-based system and each family is required to earn at least 4 points each semester. A student at least 16 years of age can attend the co-op without a parent present if they pay all fees due and earn at least 2 points each semester. You can earn points in the following ways:
Job/Points:
Serve on the co-op board -- 4 points
Teach one class -- 2 points
Co-teach one class -- 1 point
Assist in one class -- 1 point
Assist in the Nursery, Pre-K, or Kindergarten class for one period -- 1 point
Serve on the set up or clean-up crew -- 1 point
Serve during lunch/recess -- 1 point
I’m not planning on homeschooling once my child reaches kindergarten. Can I still come to co-op for pre-k?
SHINE is specifically designed to be a support group for families that have decided to educate their children at home and all of the joys, obstacles, and nuances that come along with that choice. Because of this, membership is reserved for committed and active or future home schooling families only.
I’m not a Christian. Can my family still join co-op?
Yes, absolutely. Co-op membership isn’t contingent on your personal beliefs or practices. However, SHINE is an unapologetically Christian environment. We abide by a distinctly Christian statement of faith and our classes, guidelines, and practices are informed by Scripture and Biblical principles. Furthermore, teaching against Christian principles in classes is prohibited. All of our board members are Christians and they must agree to and sign a statement of faith.
Who runs SHINE?
The board members at SHINE consist of homeschool parents that are in agreement in word and deed with our statement of faith and meet other requirements. All board members must:
- Have at least two years of home education completed prior to being considered.
- Have been an active member of SHINE Co-op for at least one full year (2 semesters).
- Agree to and sign SHINE’s Christian statement of faith.
- Conduct his or herself in a manner worthy of Christian leadership, with humility and dignity, in accordance with Biblical principles. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9)
FEES:
How much does co-op cost?
Each family pays a non-refundable family registration fee per semester to cover co-op operating costs. The amount of the fee changes depending on the needs of the co-op and if the member is current or new. Additionally, some classes have fees and some are free. We try to keep most of our classes below $15 per student per class. Some of our teachers are professionals from the community that teach specialized classes at co-op and are compensated for their time and expertise, so their classes may have higher fees.
When are payments due?
Payment for the family registration fee is due online when you register for co-op. You will not pay for your children's classes when you register online. We accept payments for class fees at our in-person Orientation, which is a week before co-op begins each semester. After you register for all classes online you will be emailed details about Orientation and how to make class fee payments.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept debit and credit cards through Course Storm for the family registration fee. Payments for class fees are accepted in person; checks, cash, and money orders are all accepted.
If my family signs up for co-op and then is unable to come, do I get my money back?
The family registration fee is nonrefundable. If your child drops or transfers from a class after you have paid the teacher for the semester, you will not be eligible for a refund. If your child is dropped from a class for failure to pay the class fee in full you will not be eligible for a refund of any monies paid for that class.
I don’t think I can afford to join co-op but I would love my kids to be able to participate. Do you offer scholarships?
Yes! We offer a limited number of scholarships each semester. Each semester before registration opens we will announce when we are accepting scholarship applications. Current members get priority in applying for scholarships, then if we have any left we open it to returning members. Scholarships are only applicable for the family registration fee. All class fees must still be paid. To be eligible for a scholarship your oldest child must be at least 5 years old by the start of co-op. Members are only eligible for one scholarship per year (once every two semesters).
How will I know when I can sign up for the upcoming semester of co-op?
We always announce when registration opens on our public Facebook page. Follow us there and you’ll get a link directly to our registration site. Our dates are also on our home page and Coursestorm.
Each family pays a non-refundable family registration fee per semester to cover co-op operating costs. The amount of the fee changes depending on the needs of the co-op and if the member is current or new. Additionally, some classes have fees and some are free. We try to keep most of our classes below $15 per student per class. Some of our teachers are professionals from the community that teach specialized classes at co-op and are compensated for their time and expertise, so their classes may have higher fees.
When are payments due?
Payment for the family registration fee is due online when you register for co-op. You will not pay for your children's classes when you register online. We accept payments for class fees at our in-person Orientation, which is a week before co-op begins each semester. After you register for all classes online you will be emailed details about Orientation and how to make class fee payments.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept debit and credit cards through Course Storm for the family registration fee. Payments for class fees are accepted in person; checks, cash, and money orders are all accepted.
If my family signs up for co-op and then is unable to come, do I get my money back?
The family registration fee is nonrefundable. If your child drops or transfers from a class after you have paid the teacher for the semester, you will not be eligible for a refund. If your child is dropped from a class for failure to pay the class fee in full you will not be eligible for a refund of any monies paid for that class.
I don’t think I can afford to join co-op but I would love my kids to be able to participate. Do you offer scholarships?
Yes! We offer a limited number of scholarships each semester. Each semester before registration opens we will announce when we are accepting scholarship applications. Current members get priority in applying for scholarships, then if we have any left we open it to returning members. Scholarships are only applicable for the family registration fee. All class fees must still be paid. To be eligible for a scholarship your oldest child must be at least 5 years old by the start of co-op. Members are only eligible for one scholarship per year (once every two semesters).
How will I know when I can sign up for the upcoming semester of co-op?
We always announce when registration opens on our public Facebook page. Follow us there and you’ll get a link directly to our registration site. Our dates are also on our home page and Coursestorm.
CLASSES:
What does your daily schedule look like?
9:25 - 9:45 am: Set up crew
9:50 - 10:00 am: Assembly
10:05 - 10:50 am: First period
10:53 - 11:38 am: Second period
11:40 - 12:24 pm: Lunch/Recess
12:27 - 1:12 pm: Third period
1:15 - 2:00 pm: Fourth period
2:00 - 2:20 pm: Clean up crew
When and where are co-op classes held?
We meet in Gatesville on Thursdays from 10:00-2:00 pm. We have two semesters- spring and fall- and we meet for ten weeks each semester. We don’t have co-op through the holiday season or summer at all.
How many classes can my child take?
We offer four class periods each day. Our nursery, pre-k, and kindergarten classes are inclusive and stay together with the same teacher all day. Starting in first grade, your child can pick four different classes to take.
What kind of classes do you offer?
Our class selection is slightly different each semester and is dependent on what our members sign up to teach. We usually have a good selection of science, art, PE and martial arts, technology, unit studies, and choir/music classes.
For what age/grade levels do you offer classes?
We have classes for 2-year-olds through seniors in high school. Moms with young babies can stay with them in the nursery.
Where can I see what classes you’re offering?
Click on our registration tab and it will take you to our Course Storm website. All of our classes are arranged by period and by age/grade level. Classes for the upcoming semester are usually up a month or so before registration opens. Check back frequently because we add new classes all the way up to the beginning of registration (and sometimes even after!).
I want to sign up to teach a class next semester. How do I do that?
You can find our class submission form on the home page.
Please fill it out in its entirety and follow the instructions carefully.
I have a baby. Can I stay in the nursery with him/her?
Absolutely! Mothers with babies under the age of one can opt to stay in the "nursery" with them until 12 months of age. Mothers with babies between the ages of 12-18 months at the start of the semester will be required to earn 2 pts. There isn't an actual nursery room with adults to watch children. You are welcome to go in the 2s room with your child for more privacy or sit in the other designated areas with your baby. If you do opt to teach a class you are welcome to keep your baby with you (provided you are still able to fulfill your teaching duties).
Can I request to help in a specific class?
Yes, you can do this on your registration form. While we do try to accommodate job requests, jobs are filled on a first come, first served basis until the needs of the co-op are met and we can’t guarantee you will get a specific job.
I am hesitant to let my children take classes in an unfamiliar environment with people I don’t know. Can I stay with them the entire time?
While you can request to help in specific classes and we try to accommodate as many requests as we can, it’s not possible for most parents to accompany their child to every single class. Most of our classroom doors have windows and you are more than welcome to peek in when you have a chance. Lunch is a great time to catch up with your kiddos and ask them about what they’re learning.
What security measures do you take to protect the children and minimize risk?
All of our adult co-op members must pass a background check before attending co-op. Additionally, all of our younger classes and most of our older classes have at least two adults in them- a teacher and a helper. We also have a front door monitor that is watching who enters and exits the building. All doors are locked to the building and the area is fenced in as well.
I have a child with special needs. Can you accommodate them?
Most of the time we are able to accommodate children with special needs. Depending on the needs on the individual child, it may be best for the parent to accompany that child throughout the day to their classes. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding your special needs child.
What special events does SHINE offer?
We go on several field trips each semester. Our spring semester is usually ended with a fun field day. We also have mom's night out opportunities. We usually have a drama production at the end of each semester. We have also recently added a prom for our teens and a graduation for our seniors.
9:25 - 9:45 am: Set up crew
9:50 - 10:00 am: Assembly
10:05 - 10:50 am: First period
10:53 - 11:38 am: Second period
11:40 - 12:24 pm: Lunch/Recess
12:27 - 1:12 pm: Third period
1:15 - 2:00 pm: Fourth period
2:00 - 2:20 pm: Clean up crew
When and where are co-op classes held?
We meet in Gatesville on Thursdays from 10:00-2:00 pm. We have two semesters- spring and fall- and we meet for ten weeks each semester. We don’t have co-op through the holiday season or summer at all.
How many classes can my child take?
We offer four class periods each day. Our nursery, pre-k, and kindergarten classes are inclusive and stay together with the same teacher all day. Starting in first grade, your child can pick four different classes to take.
What kind of classes do you offer?
Our class selection is slightly different each semester and is dependent on what our members sign up to teach. We usually have a good selection of science, art, PE and martial arts, technology, unit studies, and choir/music classes.
For what age/grade levels do you offer classes?
We have classes for 2-year-olds through seniors in high school. Moms with young babies can stay with them in the nursery.
Where can I see what classes you’re offering?
Click on our registration tab and it will take you to our Course Storm website. All of our classes are arranged by period and by age/grade level. Classes for the upcoming semester are usually up a month or so before registration opens. Check back frequently because we add new classes all the way up to the beginning of registration (and sometimes even after!).
I want to sign up to teach a class next semester. How do I do that?
You can find our class submission form on the home page.
Please fill it out in its entirety and follow the instructions carefully.
I have a baby. Can I stay in the nursery with him/her?
Absolutely! Mothers with babies under the age of one can opt to stay in the "nursery" with them until 12 months of age. Mothers with babies between the ages of 12-18 months at the start of the semester will be required to earn 2 pts. There isn't an actual nursery room with adults to watch children. You are welcome to go in the 2s room with your child for more privacy or sit in the other designated areas with your baby. If you do opt to teach a class you are welcome to keep your baby with you (provided you are still able to fulfill your teaching duties).
Can I request to help in a specific class?
Yes, you can do this on your registration form. While we do try to accommodate job requests, jobs are filled on a first come, first served basis until the needs of the co-op are met and we can’t guarantee you will get a specific job.
I am hesitant to let my children take classes in an unfamiliar environment with people I don’t know. Can I stay with them the entire time?
While you can request to help in specific classes and we try to accommodate as many requests as we can, it’s not possible for most parents to accompany their child to every single class. Most of our classroom doors have windows and you are more than welcome to peek in when you have a chance. Lunch is a great time to catch up with your kiddos and ask them about what they’re learning.
What security measures do you take to protect the children and minimize risk?
All of our adult co-op members must pass a background check before attending co-op. Additionally, all of our younger classes and most of our older classes have at least two adults in them- a teacher and a helper. We also have a front door monitor that is watching who enters and exits the building. All doors are locked to the building and the area is fenced in as well.
I have a child with special needs. Can you accommodate them?
Most of the time we are able to accommodate children with special needs. Depending on the needs on the individual child, it may be best for the parent to accompany that child throughout the day to their classes. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding your special needs child.
What special events does SHINE offer?
We go on several field trips each semester. Our spring semester is usually ended with a fun field day. We also have mom's night out opportunities. We usually have a drama production at the end of each semester. We have also recently added a prom for our teens and a graduation for our seniors.
