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Branches West Valley Branches West Valley
 

Branches FAQs

What is Branches?
Branches is a homeschool co-op community that offers academic and enrichment classes, sports activities and clubs, once a week to families in the metro Phoenix area. We also seek to create a close knit community where families feel they belong and are supported. We do this through a co-op (cooperative) model, where each family contributes in some way.
 
 
What is a homeschool co-op?
A homeschool co-op (or cooperative) is a group of families that come together one day a week and pool their resources to offer classes, both academic and enrichment, to children of all ages. By joining with other homeschooling families, responsibilities can be divided up and shared amongst the group. Costs are low for parent-led classes and are higher for vendor paid classes. Parents share expertise and resources with each other. Friendships are formed at the co-op and encouragement is readily available.
 
 
Why join a homeschool co-op?
Growing at a tremendous rate, there is estimated to be 40,000 homeschooled children in Arizona. The need for homeschool community co-ops has never been higher. Isolation is one of the biggest problems for homeschool moms and their children. By creating Branches, we hope to connect homeschool families to a support system and a local church.
 
 
When and where does Branches meet?
Branches meets on Fridays, in Glendale near 55th Ave and Cactus for two 13 week semesters throughout the year. Classes go from 9am-noon,  with lunch from 12 to 1. We each sign up to clean several times a semester at the end of lunch to about 1:15 pm.
 
 
What type of classes does Branches offer? 
Branches offers a variety of academic and enrichment classes. Most classes are taught by community parents, but we do have a few specialized classes taught by outside instructors. See the Class Registration link for a tentative class schedule. These classes will change over time based on the talents of our members.
 
 
What are the costs involved in joining Branches?
We charge a yearly membership fee per family of $100.  This amount helps to cover our fixed expenses including the website, insurance, and facilities fees.  
 
The classes we offer range in price depending on who will be teaching the classes. Classes taught by outside teachers will be higher, ranging from $60-$200 for a 13 week semester depending on what they charge us. Classes taught by our members will be lower and just cover the material fees ranging from $5-$50 depending on the class.
 
What is the refund policy?
 
Because Branches is on a very tight budget (money comes in and money goes out almost immediately) we cannot refund any classes two weeks prior to the start of Branches. Non-paid teacher families buy supplies based on the number of children enrolled in their classes.  Contracted teachers are paid for the entire semester the first day of classes. 
 
 
How do I contribute my talents to this co-op?

The  way we contribute is to sign up for "jobs."  Once you are a member you can sign up for these jobs through the website during registration. See the Class Registration link for examples. We are always looking for teachers who love God and love to teach!  If you are interested in teaching a class, please fill out a teacher application and submit a class proposal through the website. Watch the calendar for due dates which are typically November and April.

Required Job Credits:

  • Families attending 1 class period = 2 credit minimum
  • Families attending 2 class periods = 4 credit minimum
  • Families attending 3 class periods = 6 credit minimum
  • Families attending 4 class periods = 8 credit minimum

 

1 Credit

2 Credits 

3 Credits

6 credits

Security (Half Period)

Class Helpers and Floaters

Teachers

Teachers for Morning Mini - Branches

Substitute Cleaning or Set-Up

Snack Bar Helpers

Snackbar Set-Up or Tear-Down

 

Prayer Team

Event Planners

Archery Set Up

Directors

Special Day Planner

 

 

 

 
 
 
How do I sign up for classes and parent "jobs?"
You sign up for classes for your children and parent jobs the same way.  See the Class Registration Page for a tentative schedule.  After you are a member you will be notified about the registration process via email. You pay for these classes through PayPal.
 
 
Does my family need to stay all day?  
No, your family does not need to stay all day.  However, staying all day will be much more fun!  During lunch we have marketplace days, parties and special game days. Also note that the classes for Mini Branches (6yo and younger) in the morning are for the full 3 periods therefore the cost is not pro-rated AND your mini will have to leave in the middle of a fun activitiy if they are not there all morning.
 
Is it possible for me to leave campus if I have a doctor's appointment, special errand, or other unusual situation that comes up during my "free period?"
Yes.  As long as you have a responsible friend who is caring and keeping track of your children, you can leave campus during your free time.  A Temporary Guardianship Form must be completed and turned into the Snackbar. Keep in mind that this really should be the exception, not the rule.  The purpose of Branches is to create a community of families who really get to know each other.  This can only happen if we stay on campus and spend time together.