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We meet for classes three Tuesdays per month, from September through April, and attendance is required for all members. The off-weeks are reserved for optional field trips, service projects, etc. During the summer months, we schedule optional park playdates every Tuesday morning.

Nursery, Preschool and Elementary class times run from 9am - 12:00pm.

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Branches meets at Walnut Creek Downtown location at 323 E. Locust Street, Des Moines. 

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Class offerings vary by year, and families are required to attend the entire block of classes (can't enroll in individual classes). The classes for the 2022-23 school year will tentatively be: 

PRESCHOOL:

• Art
• Music
• P.E.
• STEM
• Unit Study

ELEMENTARY:

• Art
• Music
• P.E.
• Spanish
• STEM
• Public Speaking/History

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Our desire is for it to be considerate and reasonable with one income families in mind. There is zero profit from this co-op. All money will be used for the support of the co-op. (cost subject to change)

Registration Fee: $50/family 

Facility Fee: $75/family 

Nursery Fee: $10/child (age 0-2) 

Activity Fee: $35/child (Preschool (includes Gray class) and Lower Elementary)

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No, dropping off children is not allowed. As a co-operative, we rely on one parent or guardian per family to be in attendance during the entire session of each class week, in order to make sure that all areas of responsibility are covered.

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Yes, we offer separate infant and toddler classrooms where young children will be cared for during the class session. Two year olds will have a loose curriclum to follow as well! 

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We require one parent/guardian per family to be in attendance each week in order to cover all areas of responsibility. Responsibilities are assigned at the beginning of the school year. Roles include teachers, teacher assistants, class aides, and nursery workers.

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For the 2024-25 school year, we offer programming for infants through 5th grade. (We add one grade level higher each year as our oldest students age up.) *Please still sign up even if your children are outside of the oldest grade as we are continually evaluating needs and applicants. 

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Yes, Branches is a Christian co-op, but we are not affiliated with any particular denomination. All members are required to indicate agreement with our statement of faith; all classes are taught from a Biblical point of view.