FAQs
Q: |
There are many ways to contribute to Branches. The simplest way is to sign up for "jobs." Once you are a member you can sign up for these jobs through the website. Class options are never the same, they always vary based on what parents volunteer to teach. This way we get some very creative classes! Required Job Credits:
Parent Job Examples:
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A: |
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. |
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What is a homeschool co-op? |
A: |
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 teacher paid classes. Parents share expertise and resources with each other. Friendships are formed at the co-op and encouragement is readily available. |
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Why join a homeschool co-op? |
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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. |
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When and where does Branches meet? |
A: |
Branches meets on Tuesdays for two 14 week semesters throughout the year. Please contact us for more information and location information. Classes begin at 9am and end at 1:55pm. Students may take between two and five classes per semester. As we grow, our day will extend and students will be able to take up to seven classes. |
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What type of classes does Branches offer? |
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Classes vary each semester according to what parents sign up to teach. These are the classes offered Fall 2018:
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Q: |
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?" |
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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. 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. |
Q: |
What costs are involved with joining Branches? |
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We charge a yearly membership fee per family of $50. This amount helps to cover our fixed expenses including the website, insurance, and facilities fees. The classes for ages 7-18 range in price. Classes taught by our members will be low and simply cover the fees for materials, between $5-$50 per 14 week semester. Classes taught by outside teachers will be higher, ranging from $50-$200, depending on the amount the teacher charges. Mini Branches Fees per semester:
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Does my family need to stay all day? |
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No, your family does not need to stay all day. However, staying all day will be much more fun! Lunch is a great time for the kids to meet and mingle - really adding to your co-op experience! |
Q: |
How do I contribute my talents to this co-op? |
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A: |
There are many ways to contribute to Branches. The simplest way is to sign up for "jobs." Once you are a member you can sign up for these jobs through the website. See the Public Class Registration link for examples. Required Job Credits:
Parent Job Examples:
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Q: |
How do I sign up for classes and parent "jobs?" |
A: |
You sign up for classes for your children and parent jobs the same way. See the Public Class Registration link for a tentative schedule. After you are a member you will be able to sign up for classes and jobs on the Class Registration page. |
Q: |
What is the refund policy? |
A: |
Because Branches is on a very tight budget (money comes in and goes out almost immediately) we cannot refund any classes after the first day. Non-paid teachers buy supplies and order textbooks based on the number of children enrolled in their classes. Contracted teachers are paid for the entire semester the first day of class. (Voice class is an example of a contracted teacher.) |