Programs: Semester-long enrichment classes for students nursery through 12th grade, taught by parents in the co-op. Regular opportunities are also provided for field trips, presentations, educational events, parties and community service.
Location: Fairfield Church of the Nazarene, 12190 E Miami River Road, Cincinnati.
Meeting Times: Thursdays 9:15-12:00
Cost: $80 per family each semester, plus a one-time $20 registration fee for a background check. Some classes have an additional fee, such as the LEMI project classes.
How It Works: A few Fridays each month are event days, where we meet for field trips, parties, community service and educational events like science fairs, history nights, talent shows and semester showcases. Families pay their own way for any field trip that costs money, but all classes are included in the semester cost (with the exception of a few classes like art which may require a small additional class fee), and most events and parties are covered as well. Collaborative help from co-op members will often be enlisted to organize some of the educational events, as well as social activities outside of normal co-op meeting times.
Classes are held on Thursdays and start with a small opening meeting at 9:15 which includes announcements, a flag ceremony, prayer and a devotional. The prayer and short inspirational message are led by rotating members of the co-op and can be given in the tradition of each family’s faith or belief-system, with an emphasis on what will be inspiring to the whole group.
After the brief opening meeting, one class period is held, split into various age groups. Each parent is expected to either teach, assist or serve as a hall monitor, based on the current needs of the co-op. Classes are enrichment classes, which may include topics from core subjects such as kitchen chemistry, math games and puzzles, Shakespeare, applied physics, etc. but won’t cover a grade level’s worth of material. They can also be focused on other extracurricular topics such as sewing, cake decorating or chess. Teachers select their preferred age group to teach but sometimes are assigned based on the needs of the co-op; they also submit class ideas based on their interests and abilities and the ideas are discussed as a group.
The LEMI project classes for older students take the full two hours of class time, but younger age groups will have a second class period, followed by clean up and socializing time. Since we are an interfaith group, class topics for all classes should be chosen which can be taught to many different faith traditions.
Please check out our FAQ and contact us if you have any questions! Email us at lodestarlearners at gmail.
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