Question 1

How is Home & School Tutoring Pods different from other co-ops?

Accepted Answer

We offer a unique blend of academic expertise, enrichment (themed units such as gardening, home economics, fire safety, etc.), and social activities to give parents the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling while still providing their children with a well-rounded education.

Our teachers are homeschooling moms themselves and have master's degrees in education along with over 25 years of combined experience. Their focus is on providing a strong foundation in reading, writing, and math, but with an emphasis on supporting parents in subject areas that can be challenging.

Question 2

What do you teach?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to focus on subjects that are designed to help students develop a well-rounded understanding of the world around them. The Reading/Language Arts class involves small reading groups and visiting reading centers, with the aim of improving their reading comprehension and writing skills.

Math class is centered around project-based learning. Each project is focused on a real-world concept, such as money, time, addition and  subtraction, and more. Using this approach, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of math and its relevance in their daily lives.

Theme-focused lessons integrate all subjects and art to teach life skills such as gardening, home economics, fire safety, and more. This approach allows students to explore a particular topic in depth, while also learning about different subjects through a connected and cohesive curriculum.

We use a variety of curricula sources such as The Good and the Beautiful, Saxon Phonics, Wild Math, and Harbor and Sprout.

Question 3

What does a typical day look like?

Accepted Answer

We begin every day with a snack and connecting with each other. The morning consists of a Reading/Language Arts class followed by lunch and recess. The afternoon kicks off with a Math class, then a break for recess. We wrap up the day with a thematic or enrichment activity.

Question 4

How will this work with what I do at home?

Accepted Answer

The benefit of homeschooling is that as parents you have the flexibility to choose what you teach. We do not require any specific curriculum to be completed, and we don't assign grades. Parents will receive a tentative semester syllabus, monthly newsletter, and a weekly email that outlines our classroom goals and areas of study. We will also share suggestions on how you can build on those topics at home.

Question 5

What if my child is further than one grade level ahead or behind in either Reading or Math?

Accepted Answer

Upon applying, students should be enrolled based on whatever grade level they are registered under as a homeschooler. That is the only time “grade level” will be a factor for our tutoring pods; we are totally skills and ability focused. Within each pod, students will be grouped according to abilities to work on various skills throughout the year. Pod placement and small group placement will be very fluid, allowing students to move into higher and lower level instruction as needed at any time. For example, a high-achieving reader enrolled as a 2nd grader for the lower pod may float over to the 3rd grade group in the upper pod during our reading block. Teachers/tutors will be informally assessing students weekly and will discuss any placements or grouping shifts with parents as they see fit.

Question 6

Will there be homework?

Accepted Answer

Maybe. From time to time, a pod may be working on a project that needs a little extra help from home. Teachers/tutors will note any homework in weekly email updates or through direct contact with parents as needed. Also, if a student is struggling in an area, the teacher/tutor may send something home to practice to help make improvements. Other examples: Students in lower grades may be sent home with suggestions to help with phonemic awareness.  Students in upper grades may be sent home with multiplication tables. All homework and assignments are optional. We are here to help, so our "homework" should never feel like a burden!

Question 7

Is there a dress code?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Clothing should always be play-friendly (appropriate for playground climbing or sitting on the floor in classroom play centers) as well as classroom-appropriate (no belly shirts, super-short shorts, etc.). No clothing with inappropriate language or depictions allowed. Hats, hoods, and face coverings are not permitted in the classroom. Always send jackets or coats in colder weather, as we do go outside daily. We strive for a learning community of respectful, curious, and kind students!

Question 8

How do you handle behavior issues?

Accepted Answer

Students are expected to be respectful of any class rules, their tutors/teachers, and their pod mates at all times. Our three basic rules are: Be safe. Be kind. Be Respectful.

Students can be dismissed from the program, according to our three-strike behavior plan: Strike 1 - A written warning sent to parents (after verbal warnings in class). Strike 2 - A meeting with the student, parents, and tutors/teachers will be scheduled, and a behavior contract will be put in place. Strike 3 - The student will be dismissed from the program.

Tutors/teachers also reserve the right to dismiss a student at any time; for example, a student may be immediately dismissed from the program if he/she commits any act of violence or jeopardizes the students and tutors/teachers safety.

Question 9

How do I volunteer?

Accepted Answer

We love volunteers! Volunteers are welcome to help with preparation of upcoming class materials, lunch duty, special projects and events, and returning rooms to proper set up for church use at the end of the day on Wednesdays. All volunteers will need to complete a background check.

Question 10

Do you take late registration?

Accepted Answer

Depending on our enrollment numbers and classroom capacity limits, we may or may not be able to take late enrollments. If a pod is full, a waitlist will be made. If a student unenrolls for any reason (moves, no payment, behavior, etc.), that spot will be offered to the next student on the waitlist. The $50 registration fee will still apply, but a prorated tuition rate will be offered according to time remaining in the school year.

Frequently Asked Questions