What is homeschooling?
While the word “homeschool” does not appear in Indiana law, the state classifies homeschools as a legal, non-public, non-accredited educational option in IC 20-33-2-12. Parents and guardians are free to select any curriculum they choose to provide a program of education to their student(s) and homeschool students do not participate in statewide testing. Homeschooling is the term used when parents or guardians withdraw from public and non-public accredited school options in order to educate their students themselves. Although homeschool parents and guardians may participate in co-ops or other options, the education is based in the home with the parent or guardian making the decisions about curriculum and instructional matters. Homebound instruction and virtual schools, based and accredited in Indiana, including virtual charter schools, are examples of home-based programs that are not homeschools. – Per the INDOE Homeschool Laws FAQs found here. For additional information on homeschooling, please visit IAHE.net or HSLDA.org.
Do you accept ESA or school choice funds?
No. IAHE (Indiana Association of Home Educators) defines home education as parent-directed, home-based, privately-funded education. These funds are government funded. In Indiana, any family currently taking ESA funding must take state standardized exams and comply with any regulation that comes through a policy change. To utilize funds, families must use state-approved vendors. C.H.O.I.C.E. Homeschool Co-Op is not a state-approved vendor. – Per the IAHE Action, HSLDA, and the INDOE.
What age and type of classes does C.H.O.I.C.E. offer?
C.H.O.I.C.E. offers a wide variety of classes that cover many subject areas for children ages 3 years through 12th grade. All preschool classes are 45 minutes long. All other classes are 50 minutes unless otherwise noted. For a complete list of classes as well as class descriptions, visit our Class Schedule Tab.
When do classes start and how often will classes be held?
C.H.O.I.C.E. classes take place on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. and run for 12 weeks (per session) at Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) at 4100 Millersburg Rd. Evansville, IN. 47725. For exact dates and schedule, see Important Dates to Remember on the Class Schedule Tab.
When does the class schedule come out?
The class schedules (including descriptions) are usually posted about 2 weeks prior to registration. You may click on the Class Schedule Tab to find important dates for each session.
When is registration?
Registration is on the Monday and Tuesday 2 weeks prior to the first day of classes. You may click on the Class Schedule Tab to find the specific date of registration for each session. Typically, Fall Registration occurs in late August with classes beginning mid-September followed by Spring Registration in early February with classes beginning mid- to late February.
How does registration work?
In order to encourage a smooth and effective process, our registration is held on 2 separate days with the first day reserved for returning families (those that attended the most recent session). Registration is always in person at Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) on the designated dates only (see Important Dates to Remember on the Class Schedule Tab). C.H.O.I.C.E. does not offer online, email, or late registration. Please see the How to Enroll tab for details.
What if I am unable to be present the day of registration?
Parents/guardians may send someone in their place; however due to many details and changes that could occur during the registration process, it is always best if the parent/guardian is present to register.
Can I write a check or use a card/Paypal/Venmo to pay for classes?
No, payment for classes should be given to each individual mentor and is cash only/exact change on the first day of classes. Please see the How to Enroll tab for details on fees due at registration.
What door do I come in for registration/classes? Where should I park?
Please park in the East parking lot that faces Millersburg Road, to the right of the visitors parking across from handicap parking and enter the building through the doors marked with a blue letter “H”. There will be a C.H.O.I.C.E. sign with balloons at the entrance. Please follow the signs to direct you where to sign-in and wait/fellowship. Registration will be held in Room 213. For parents with strollers, a volunteer will direct you to an elevator. Click here for CFC map link.
What form of communication is available between C.H.O.I.C.E. families and the C.H.O.I.C.E. Coordinator Team?
EMAIL IS OUR PRIMARY COMMUNICATION METHOD. All families agree to read the weekly C.H.O.I.C.E. Family Email thoroughly, replying in a timely manner when requested, per the required Statement of Responsibility Form found in our Family Handbook as well as the online Family Information Form. Current members should please check spam/junk folders and add choiceteam@choicehomeschoolcoop.com to contacts. Email lists are updated each session.
What is the C.H.O.I.C.E. Facebook group and is it a requirement to be in the group to participate in the co-op?
C.H.O.I.C.E. has a private Facebook group that is updated each session with current members only. It is not required as email is our primary form of communication.
Am I required to mentor a class?
Parents are not required to mentor a class, however, some mentors may request parent assistance in their classes. Please see the class description to verify if assistance is needed.
Am I required to volunteer?
Parents are not required to volunteer, however, there are several volunteer duties that are vital to making C.H.O.I.C.E. enjoyable for everyone as this is YOUR co-op. Examples of this are: wiping down lunch tables, collecting trash, sweeping, sitting at our sign in/welcome table, etc. A Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet with descriptions as well as a Substitution Sign-Up Sheet will be available on Registration Day outside of Room 213.
Do I have to stay while my child is in class?
C.H.O.I.C.E. is a “no drop-off” co-op. Parents/Guardians of participants must remain on the property and be available to be contacted while their child(ren) are at C.H.O.I.C.E. In cases where the participant drives him- or herself to C.H.O.I.C.E., a release form must be signed and on file with the Coordinator Team.
Is there a place for me to wait or eat lunch/snack while my child is in class?
C.H.O.I.C.E. has several designated places where parents/guardians (and other children when not in class) may wait. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children who are not in class during this time.
Room 215 – C.H.O.I.C.E. Fellowship Room (Nut-free environment)
CFC Café – This is a place where you can purchase hot/cold drinks and snacks as well as eat lunch/snacks. (Nut-friendly environment)
CFC Playground – C.H.O.I.C.E. members are permitted to use the playground after 12 p.m.
Room 110 – Toddler and baby play room. Cheerios only allowed in this room.
Room 211 – Reserved at Coordinator’s discretion.
Gym – Available for free play from 12:00pm – 12:50pm and 1:00pm – 1:50pm only. No food allowed.
Is there a minimum or maximum class requirement that may affect my child’s participation?
C.H.O.I.C.E. class minimums for each class are 4 participants. If the class has less than 4 participants that register, it is possible that the class may be dropped. Should this occur, C.H.O.I.C.E. will contact you the day of registration to have you choose another class option and/or return fees if applicable. Maximum class requirements are designated by individual mentors. See class descriptions for more information.
Can someone stay in my place as a guardian if I am unavailable?
If the parent/guardian is unable to attend C.H.O.I.C.E. with their child(ren), they MUST have someone designated as responsible for their child(ren) AND a signed form on file. Please see C.H.O.I.C.E. Coordinators for further information. Guardians of participants must also remain on the property and be available to be contacted while their child(ren) are at C.H.O.I.C.E.
Is there an End-of-Session Program?
Several classes take part in an End of Session Program (See Important Dates to Remember on the Class Schedule Tab for exact dates) through performing or displaying items. Classes participating in the program should have this noted in their class descriptions.
What is the procedure for behavioral issues?
Please see C.H.O.I.C.E.’s Disciplinary Policy in the C.H.O.I.C.E. Family Handbook.
Is the building and location of classes wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there are ramps into the entrances of CFC and 2 elevators for those in wheelchairs or pushing strollers to access the second and third floors. There is also ample handicapped parking available.