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: Redeemer Church, 3431 Hamilton Middletown Rd, Hamilton, OH 45011
Meeting Times: Fridays 9:15-1:00 (alternating weeks of class on site with field trips or events for 14 weeks each semester).
Cost: $80 per family each semester, plus a one-time $20 registration fee for a background check.
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 the remaining Fridays of each month, 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.
After the first class there is brief recess and play time for the students, then a second class period, followed by lunch and more recess until we leave at 1:00. Since we are an interfaith group, class topics for all classes should be chosen which can be taught to many different faith traditions.
Class Groups: There are currently six age groups as follows:
Groups may be combined or divided based on the age composition of the co-op. They are also only guidelines, not strict delineations; placement in the groups is at the discretion of the parents and the academic director.
Please check out our FAQ and contact us if you have any questions! Email us at lodestarlearners at gmail.
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