FAQs
Florida Driftwood Schoolers, Inc
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs FDS?
FDS is a co-op that functions on the principle that all attending members must pitch in and help FDS to run smoothly when the co-op is in session. We also have an Executive Board of Directors that volunteer their time to work on registration, the website, teacher recruitment, scheduling, finances, etc.
What are the costs of attending the FDS Co-op?
Starting in June 2024, ALL families taking FDS classes must pay a $250 family annual fee and a $5 per class supply fee. We do not make a profit from this money. Most of that money goes to renting our excellent facility and paying liability insurance, which we must pay for every person present on FDS days. Any remaining money goes to general business expenses, website costs, and general supplies used at the co-op. Occasionally, FDS will use this money to sponsor events for our members. After paying the semester fees, families pay the admin fee for each class for each student.
Where does FDS meet for classes?
We are meeting at Heavenly Heights Baptist Church, 6680 Dunn Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
What kinds of classes do you offer?
FDS classes fall under four main categories: Language Arts, STEAM, History, and Extracurricular. Our classes change each semester and cover a wide variety of topic areas. FDS Co-op is an interest-led and student-driven community. Before each semester, we ask our families to tell us about their interests and the classes they are interested in taking. Our Scheduling Team attempts to meet those needs by sourcing instructors from the outside community and parents (and students) who want to teach. If you have an idea for a class you’d like to see us have, contact the Scheduling Team to let us know.
Can I teach at FDS?
We are always open to new instructors and class ideas that meet the needs and interests of our families. Please see our Teach with Us page for more information.
What are the age groups that are available to take classes at FDS?
Our courses are geared for a wide range of ages, generally from 2 to 18. If your child has special needs or you need to discuss age ranges, please get in touch with the directors directly. If your child has unique requirements, please consult the directors about the situation so we can best support you over the semester.
Can I drop off my child for classes at FDS?
No. FDS is not a drop-off program. You MAY only leave the premises when your child is at FDS if you sign your child/ren out to a responsible adult. If you need to go while your child is in class, you may designate another adult to take responsibility for your child and then sign the sign-out sheet at our Admin table.
I have a toddler in the family. Help! How can I make this work?
We love children of all ages at FDS! We understand that it can be challenging for families to answer the needs of multiple age groups. We try to make it easy for families with little ones. Families with small children may utilize the nursery until capacity is met. Parents may also choose to babywear any child under 24 months.
Additionally, we usually offer some classes specifically aimed at younger age groups. (If you have an idea for a class, please let us know!)
Is FDS faith-based or secular?
FDS is a secular co-op. That means our co-op is not connected to any religion or faith-based system. We do not offer classes that include religious instruction, shared prayer, or faith-based content. (Classes may reference religion when it relates to history or culture from an educational standpoint, but not in a way that proselytizes.) That said, we welcome people of all faith backgrounds and aim to foster a community that supports tolerance and understanding for people with differing beliefs.
My child has an interest that is not covered by one of your classes. How can FDS help?
Before each semester, we ask our families to tell us about their interests and the classes they are interested in taking. The Scheduling Team attempts to meet those needs by sourcing instructors from the outside community and parents (and students) who want to teach. If you have an idea for a class you or your child would like to take, please email the Scheduling Team and let them know. We try our best to meet the needs and interests of our members when we can.
What happens when a teacher is sick and unable to teach a class on an FDS day?
We ask our teachers to do their best to teach every one of their 12 weeks of classes each semester. If illness or an emergency prevents a teacher from coming to class, their co-teacher will teach that day using the provided substitute plan. The scheduling team will assign an assistant for the co-teacher for that class.
One of our family members is sick, and I’m unsure if I should attend FDS. What should I do?
If you are sick, please stay home. That goes for both members and teachers. Keeping the germs at home is much better for everyone’s health. Please let us know as soon as you know you are not coming. You can email the absentee coordinator to let them know your family will miss co-op that day as well as post to the GroupMe app.
What is your policy on Lice?
Head lice prevention is a community issue. Please check the heads of every family member thoroughly and frequently. If exposure occurs to anyone in your family, please keep everyone home from the co-op that week. Be sure to treat the family accordingly. We need everyone to report when they find lice to ensure they do their part to prevent the outbreak from spreading. Please get in touch with our health coordinator so we may send an emailed community notice to our families. Please know that this information will be kept private and confidential.
My child is nervous about attending a class without me accompanying them. What should I do?
Parents are welcome to sit in on their child’s classes as needed. While some students are comfortable alone, we understand that some children may need their parent’s presence in the classroom. We encourage parents assigned to the classroom to ask teachers how they might help and to lend a hand as needed. We also ask parents with other siblings to be incredibly attentive so that siblings do not interrupt the class or distract students and teachers. You may also consider volunteering to teach or co-teach classes to your child’s age group.
Why am I required to volunteer at FDS?
FDS is a true cooperative. No one is paid to run FDS. Every parent is expected to lend a hand by signing up for a volunteer role so that FDS can run smoothly and create a thriving cooperative community. We need you – without the time and energy of actively participating parents, FDS would not be successful. The benefits of volunteering include our children witnessing our community working together as a team!
My child is shy/having trouble making friends. What should I do?
Talk to us. Please bring it to our attention. The members of the Executive Board are here to help, and we can help by dialoguing with other students and teachers to help students feel more included. We can help facilitate introductions and suggest inclusive activities that smooth the way for students who need help making connections. But we may not notice what is happening if you don’t talk to us.
How do you handle bullying incidents at FDS?
FDS does not tolerate bullying or harassment of students, families, teachers, or other volunteers. This includes conduct based on a person’s actualized race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or other distinguishing characteristics. Our Policy on Bullying and Harassment covers conduct at the co-op, online, and other FDS-sponsored events. FDS’s Policy on Bullying and Harassment details what constitutes bullying or harassment, what actions may be taken when it occurs, and how to report incidents. If you know of bullying or harassment, please report it to an adult teacher and the directors as soon as possible. Please read our full policy on Bullying and Harassment.