Redeeming Grace Homeschool Co-op

Redeeming Grace Church Homeschool Co-op exists to encourage, assist, and support homeschooling families as they pursue academic excellence and raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

Our desire is to cultivate a Christ-centered, Gospel-rooted community where families walk together in discipleship, build meaningful relationships, and help one another faithfully educate their children. The co-op serves as a complement to each family’s home education, not a replacement. Everything we do is aimed at glorifying God and forming students who love truth, learning, and Christ.

All families, parents, and teachers must read and affirm Redeeming Grace Church’s Statement of Faith in order to participate.

This shared theological foundation provides unity around essential Christian doctrines such as the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, and God’s design for marriage and family. While we recognize that Christians may differ on secondary matters, participation in the co-op requires agreement with and submission to these core beliefs.

RGC Co-op operates as a hybrid model that includes both academic and enrichment classes.

Some academic classes may replace portions of a family’s home program and include regular homework, assessments, and grades (especially in middle and high school). Other classes are enrichment-oriented, focusing on hands-on learning, creativity, and exploration. This flexible model allows families to build a schedule that fits their educational goals.

All classes are taught in accordance with Scripture and from a biblical worldview.

Teachers are encouraged to help students see how every subject relates to God’s truth, character, and creation. In addition, teachers model Christlike speech, conduct, and attitudes. Our goal is not only academic growth, but spiritual formation and discipleship.

Families must either be members of Redeeming Grace Church or have a letter of recommendation from a current RGC member or RGC Co-op family.

Note: Families may substitute two letters of recommendation in lieu of this requirement, one from their current/former pastor and one from another adult that has taught their kids. (Children’s Ministry, Youth Pastor, etc.)

Non-RGC families must also be members of a local church and provide pastoral contact information in addition to the letters of recommendation above. Interviews help ensure that families understand and align with the mission, expectations, and spiritual culture of the co-op.

If you are moving to the area and do not yet have a local church, we suggest checking out RGC as having the same community at Church, Co-Op, Youth Group and Sports is great!!

RGC Co-op is best suited for families who are homeschooling their entire family and who desire a Christ-centered, community-driven homeschool experience to augment their participation in church community.  Parents are expected to be willing to serve regularly and contribute to the RGC Co-op and share the load of education.

Because this is not a drop-off program, families should be prepared to actively participate and invest time each week. Families looking for a purely academic, paid, or minimal-involvement model may find this is not the right fit.

Yes. One of the joys of RGC Co-op is building community and creating fun shared experiences throughout the year. Sharing lunch is just the beginning.

Special activities may include pizza parties, pretzel day, costume day, pajama day, spirit days, themed lunches, and other occasional events. These activities help foster fellowship, strengthen relationships, and make co-op a place students look forward to attending.

We ask families to prayerfully consider their level of commitment before participating in multiple co-ops.

RGC Co-op is a nine-month commitment that depends on consistent attendance, serving, and relational investment from each family. Because this is a volunteer-driven ministry, regular absences or divided commitments can place strain on classes, teachers, and serving schedules.

Families may participate in other homeschool activities or programs, but RGC Co-op should remain a priority on co-op days. If involvement in another co-op would regularly conflict with RGC Co-op attendance or serving responsibilities, this may not be the right season to participate.

Families with questions about their specific situation are required to discuss it with the Co-op leadership team during the application and interview process.

One parent from each family is required to serve during the periods their student is in class.

Serving is essential to the health and operation of the co-op. Parents should expect to contribute weekly through teaching, assisting, or other support roles. This shared responsibility allows us to keep costs low and maintain a strong sense of community.

Yes. Parents may serve as teachers, classroom helpers, childcare helpers, study hall monitors, hallway monitors, substitutes, or in other needed roles.

Teaching is highly encouraged especially for returning families but not required. Many parents who do not teach still play vital roles that keep the co-op running smoothly.

Parents are the primary shepherds, teachers, and disciplinarians of their children. RGC Co-op exists to support parents in that calling, not replace it. We are not a school

Parents are expected to actively lead in correcting their child’s behavior, reinforcing co-op policies, and supporting teachers and leadership when concerns arise. This includes taking responsibility for addressing issues at home, following through on consequences when needed, and working cooperatively with teachers to pursue growth and restoration.

In addition, parents are responsible for monitoring their child’s academic progress, ensuring that homework and assignments are completed on time, and helping students develop good study habits.

For the co-op to function in a healthy and Christ-honoring way:

• Parents agree to back teachers and co-op leadership in rules and disciplinary decisions.
• Parents agree to address behavioral concerns promptly and prayerfully
• Parents agree to hold their students accountable for classwork, homework, and grades and not undermine or talk poorly about teachers.

This shared partnership between parents, teachers, and leadership allows the co-op to maintain a respectful, orderly, and encouraging learning environment.

We follow a biblical model of loving correction and reconciliation based on Matthew 18.

We encourage Teachers to address concerns first, parents are involved early, and documentation is maintained as needed. Escalation to Co-op leadership team and Co-op Elder/Pastor is available. The goal of discipline is restoration, growth, and discipleship rather than punishment.

Students are expected to be reverent toward God, respectful toward adults and peers, and responsible for their actions and schoolwork.

Middle and high school students sign a Student Honor Code affirming these expectations. Students should demonstrate attentiveness, self-control, kindness, and cooperation in all settings.

We serve students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Children must be at least six years old and developmentally ready to participate. Childcare is available for younger siblings.

Kindergarten classes are offered.

Childcare is available for children younger than kindergarten age, primarily for younger siblings of enrolled students.

No, you must have an older sibling/child enrolled in K-12 classes to be eligible to join the co-op and utilize preschool and childcare.

The co-op exists to serve actively homeschooling families with school-age children. This also preserves childcare space for younger siblings.

Classes vary each year and depend on volunteer teachers.

Offerings may include math, science, writing, literature, history, foreign languages, fine arts, STEM, and enrichment electives. A course guide and class schedule is published prior to registration.

Yes. Parents are encouraged to propose new classes based on their interests, gifts, and areas of expertise.

Each spring, typically in April or May, a parent planning meeting is held for returning families in which requests or proposals for class ideas for the upcoming school year. Proposed classes are reviewed by the Co-op leadership team to ensure alignment with our mission, Statement of Faith, facility capacity, and overall schedule.

Because RGC Co-op is parent-run, the variety and depth of classes offered each year is directly shaped by the willingness of parents to step forward and teach.

Individual teachers select curriculum with freedom.

All materials must align with Scripture and Redeeming Grace Church’s beliefs. Teachers consult with leadership regarding any questionable content.

We require two adults in classrooms with elementary & middle school students, and prohibit one-on-one teacher/student situations, and follow RGC child-protection guidelines.

Our goal is for all adults serving with students must complete a background check.

Because we are volunteer-led, accommodations vary by class.

Families should discuss needs with teachers and leadership during the application process to understand if we can accommodate learning needs.

Elementary classes do not issue official grades.

Some middle school classes and all high school classes issue grades and assign homework. Parents remain responsible for transcripts and overall academic records including assigning grades for co-op classes.

Students must enroll in a minimum of two classes but do not need a full schedule. Although we strongly recommend families stay for lunch on Thursday as that is a key point of integration for both students and parents in our community.

RGC Co-Op High school students may not audit classes and must meet minimum class requirements for enrollment if specified in course guide.

The co-op meets at Redeeming Grace Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM–2:30 PM during the school year (September–May).

• Middle & High School: Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Elementary (K–6): Thursdays

Tuesday classes are typically 90 minutes. Thursday classes are typically 60 minutes. Lunch and short breaks are built into each day.

RGC is considering no cell phone policy for the upcoming year during co-op hours.

Improper use may result in confiscation and possible fines. The goal is to minimize distractions, protect the learning environment, and encourage community/communication.

Families are expected to attend weekly but absences from illness, travel, or emergencies are understood. Students are expected to make up assignments and homework.

Parents should notify teachers and ensure missed assignments are completed.

We generally follow Fairfax County Public Schools for weather decisions.

Cancellations or delays are communicated by email by 9:00 PM the night before.

Yes.

Each May we host a Co-op Celebration where students may display projects and participate in group presentations or performances. Coursework for many classes are displayed. Families and guests are invited and dinner is provided.

A Graduation ceremony will be held at the end of every school year.  This ceremony is an opportunity for all families in the co-op to participate who have a high school senior.  Parents award their own child a diploma.  A preliminary planning meeting will be held in the fall for all interested families.

Graduation Fee: ~$200

• Covers graduation gown, diploma, ceremony, and rehearsal dinner.

Application Fee: ~$75 (New Families Only)

• Cover the co-op time for conducting interviews, background checks, assessment activities, and expenses.

Annual Student Registration Fee: ~$175 (New & Returning Families)

• Covers supplies, events, celebration costs, and administrative expenses.

Class Fees: Varies by Class ($10-$225)

• Covers class materials, most of our teachers are volunteers.

Graduation Fee: ~$200

• Covers graduation gown, diploma, ceremony, and rehearsal dinner.

Because RGC Co-op is a volunteer-driven ministry and class fees are used to purchase supplies and materials in advance of the start of the school year, refunds are not given after the registration period has closed.

Registration fees and most class fees are non-refundable once the registration deadline has passed. Families should carefully review the course guide and prayerfully consider their schedule and commitments before registering. If unusual circumstances arise, families may contact the Co-op leadership team, but refunds should not be expected.

Yes.

Enrollment each year to the RGC co-op will be limited and class sizes are limited based on space and teacher availability. Priority of registration is given to returning families and teachers.

The process to become part of RGC Co-op is intentional and relational. Our desire is to ensure that families understand the mission, expectations, and culture of the co-op and that the co-op is a good fit for their family.

Each new family must also have a letter from a family currently attending the co-op. This sponsoring family will walk alongside the new family during their first year, helping answer questions and explain procedures and policies. In addition, all families must be members of a local church.

Application & Onboarding Process:

1. Complete the online application + pay ~$75 fee.
2. Schedule an interview with the Co-op leadership team.
3. The Co-op will contact your references (co-op family recommendation and your current pastor)
4. Families will be evaluated and if approved you will be extended an invitation to join no later than May 19.
5. Online class registration begins in June
6. Parents or Adults attending or serving during the year must complete a background check paid by RGC Co-op.

This process helps maintain unity, clarity, and a strong, Christ-centered community.

Yes. All children who attend co-op must be enrolled in an appropriate class, study hall, or childcare during co-op hours.

Parents are expected to serve during the time their children are in class and are not able to have children remain with them. This policy helps ensure safety, accountability, and an orderly learning environment.

Options include:

• Age-appropriate classes
• Study hall (for registered students)

Childcare for younger children