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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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A homeschool cooperative, often called a "homeschool co-op," is a group of families who come together to share resources, skills, and responsibilities to enhance their children's education. These cooperatives can vary widely in their structure and offerings, but they typically involve parents collaborating to teach classes, organize activities, and provide social opportunities for their children. Here are some key features of a homeschool cooperative:

1. Shared Teaching Responsibilities: Parents or guardians in the co-op may take turns teaching subjects based on their expertise or interests. For example, one parent might teach science, another art, and another history, allowing children to benefit from diverse teaching styles and knowledge.

2. Group Activities: Co-ops often organize group activities such as field trips, sports, science fairs, and other educational events that may be difficult to arrange individually. These activities provide valuable social interactions and learning experiences.

3. Support and Community: Homeschool co-ops create a sense of community among families. Parents can share resources, offer advice, and support each other through the homeschooling journey. This network can be particularly beneficial for new homeschooling families.

4. Structured and Flexible: Some co-ops are highly structured with formal classes and a set schedule, while others are more informal, meeting occasionally for special projects or social events. The level of structure depends on the preferences and goals of the participating families.

5. Faith-Based or Secular: Homeschool cooperatives can be faith-based, incorporating religious teachings and values, or secular, focusing solely on academic and social activities. Families can choose a co-op that aligns with their educational philosophy and values.

Overall, a homeschool cooperative provides a collaborative and enriching environment for both children and parents, enhancing the homeschooling experience through shared effort and community support.

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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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Branches Southwest meets on Fridays at a church near Litchfield and Camelback for two 14 week semesters throughout the year.  There are five other Branches locations across the valley - Central, Chandler, North Valley, Surprise, and West Valley.

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Branches offers a variety of academic and enrichment classes.  Some classes are taught by outside teachers and others are taught by members of our community.  These classes will change over time based on the talents of our members.

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We charge a registration fee of $100 annually.  This amount helps to cover our fixed expenses including the website, insurance, background checks, and other supplies.  

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 a 14 week semester depending on what they charge us. Classes taught by our members will be low and just cover the material fees.

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Because Branches is on very tight budget (money comes in and money goes almost immediately out) we cannot refund any classes after the payment deadline which is typcically three weeks prior to the start of the semester.  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. 

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You sign up for classes for your children and parent jobs the same way.  After you are a member you will be able to sign up for classes and jobs on the website.  You pay for these classes through our online platform.  

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No, your family does not need to stay all day.  However, staying all day will be much more fun!  Sign up to take classes in the morning, the afternoon, or just come for one class.

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On an emergency basis yes. Please plan your appointments and errands on non-Branches days if possible.  Also, you will need to have a responsible friend who is caring and keeping track of your children.  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.  Make sure to till out a Temporary Guardianship form and drop it off at the snack bar if you must leave campus.