Beliefs, Values & Philosophy View All
What is Learning Station's statement of faith?
Co-op track members must affirm agreement with LEFC's statement of faith. You can find the statement of faith online at https://www.lefc.net/statement-of-faith/. A link at the bottom of the page provides scripture references for each statement of faith.
Upper level only track members must accept that Learning Station leadership and teachers operate in agreement with that statement, and they must agree to respect and defer to the policies and principles set by the steering committee. Members must also promise not to oppose, undermine or malign the beliefs outlined in our statement of faith and affirmed by all of our co-op track members and upper level teachers.
How is the Learning Station “governed?"
Learning Station is led by a steering committee made up of approximately five to ten co-op track members, each having different areas of responsibility. We operate under the oversight of the LEFC although they are not directly involved in our decision-making process.
Requirements View All
What are my responsibilities as a co-op track parent? (Please note that this does not apply to upper level track only families.)
Learning Station is a cooperative. Our success depends on the contributions of every member’s time and unique talents. We strive to match members’ roles with their own interests, giftings, and preferences. We also try to divide the labor so that no one is overburdened.
For co-op to be successful, each member is expected to contribute by teaching/helping in three classes and one extracurricular or the approximate equivalent, recognizing that some assignments require more of a time commitment than others.
As a co-op parent, would I be required to teach every week? (Please note that this applies only to co-op track families and not upper level only track families.)
In each elementary-level class to which you are assigned, you are working with at least one other teacher. The two of you would then work out a teaching model that best suits both of you. Over the ten-week semester, you might teach five sessions, and the other teacher would teach five sessions. Another option is that one of you would be the main teacher for all ten weeks, and the other person would be the assistant. You will be expected to be present each week and to make yourself available to help out where needed.
Members who are interested in teaching classes for upper level students may choose to teach for 10 or 15 weeks per semester. Classes at upper level may be taught by one teacher, by co-teachers or by a team of teachers.
Am I permitted to go “off campus” to do other things during the time I am not teaching on Wednesday morning?
All parents of elementary students are asked to remain on campus from nine to noon even when they are not teaching, so that they are available if their children need something or if a class needs a substitute. There is more flexibility for parents of middle/high schoolers in this area depending on when they are teaching.
Details View All
When does Learning Station meet?
Elementary (PreK-6th)
Elementary students meet for regularly scheduled classes on Wednesdays from 9 AM to noon. We have two 10 week semesters. The fall semester typically begins after Labor Day and the spring semester begins late January or early February.
Middle/High School (7th-12th)
Classes for middle and high school students begin at 9:00 AM and run through 4:00 PM* on Wednesday. Individual classes may run for 10 or 15 weeks per semester. For specific start and end dates, see the calendar (link on homepage). (Theater Arts sometimes meets past 4 p.m.)
Where does Learning Station meet?
We meet on Wednesdays at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church (LEFC), 419 Pierson Road, Lititz, PA 17543.
What are the expenses associated with joining Learning Station?
To become a co-op track member, two fees are required.
Annual Registration Fee
$95 per family w/1 child in co-op
$105 per family w/2 children in co-op
$115 per family w/3 children in co-op
$125 per family w/4 or more children in co-op
CHALC membership Fee**
$30 per family (updated 2/2024)
(**CHALC (Coalition of Homeschoolers Across Lancaster County) is an organization that provides support to co-ops in the county. They provide insurance, access to homeschool-life, discounted graduation, a monthly newsletter, and more. Families of more than one CHALC member group will receive a partial rebate in March or April from CHALC on additional membership fees paid. )
There may be additional expenses associated with a particular class. For example, some of the high school classes require the purchase of a textbook. Theater Arts may have additional expenses for scripts and costumes. Elementary students may occasionally be asked to have various supplies. If you choose to participate in some other things we provide, there are, of course, the appropriate fees connected with these activities.
In addition, if your student wishes to take upper level classes taught by an independent contractor (ULA classes), you would be responsible for the tuition for that class. Upper level classes (ULB) taught by co-op members are included in the registration fee (up to 5 classes per UL student).
Upper level only track families pay a registration fee of $10 per upper level class per semester if they choose to fulfill their monitoring duties. If they choose to opt-out of monitoring, they pay $30 per upper level class per semester. They must also submit $30 for the CHALC membership fee and pay the class fee for both ULA & ULB classes. Fees for each class will be published on the class registration grid.
What are the ages for which you offer classes?
We cover all ages from infant-12th grade. Elementary classes are broken in the following age groups: infants, toddlers,0-1 year olds, 2-3 year old, 4-5 year olds, 6-7 year old, 8-9 year olds, 10-11 year olds. Placement for elementary students is determined by the students age on September 15. Upper level classes cover 7th through 12th grades.
Which Track? View All
What are the two tracks to membership?
Co-op track is the right track for most families. It is the only option for families with elementary-aged students and is the best option for families with 7th-12th graders who wish to enjoy all that Learning Station has to offer.
However, we offer upper level only track to families with 7th-12th graders. This track has fewer perks, but it also requires less of a time commitment than co-op track.
What is the difference between co-op track membership and upper level only track membership?
