Starting a homeschool co-op in Texas can be rewarding in building a supportive community for homeschooling families. Here are the key steps to help you get started:

Understand Legal Requirements

Texas is one of the most homeschool-friendly states, with relatively few legal requirements. Homeschool co-ops don’t have specific legal regulations, but ensuring that participating families follow Texas homeschool laws is important. Homeschoolers operate as private schools and teach a bona fide curriculum that includes reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship.

The ruling of the Leeper case states that a parent “or one standing in parental authority” may educate a child. However, if a person teaches more than three students outside her family, the teacher may encounter problems with local zoning ordinances, and the state will require the teacher to be licensed for child care.

Determine the Co-op’s Purpose

• Focus: Decide whether your co-op will focus on academic subjects, extracurricular activities, or a combination. Some co-ops may offer structured classes, while others are more casual with playgroups and field trips.
• Ages/Grades: Will the co-op be for certain grade levels (e.g., elementary, middle, high school) or mixed ages?

Find Interested Families

• Reach out to local homeschool groups, Facebook groups, or community organizations to gauge interest from other homeschooling families in your area.
• To spread the word, you can also post flyers at libraries, churches, or community centers.

Select a Leadership Structure

• Co-ops can range from informal, family-led groups to more structured organizations with elected board leaders.
• Decide if you want to rotate leadership roles or establish a core group of leaders to manage administrative duties like scheduling, communication, and finances.

Instructors

Depending on the structure of the homeschool co-op, the class options might be taught by:

• Professional teachers
• Retired public school teachers
• Private contractors
• Homeschool parents with expertise in a certain subject
• A group of families within the co-op
• Co-op board or group of leaders

Set a Location

• Many co-ops meet in local churches, community centers, parks, or members’ homes.
• If you’re renting a space, check the rules for using the space, including liability insurance requirements.

Create a Schedule

• Determine how often the co-op will meet (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).
• Plan a calendar of events and classes that align with the co-op’s goals.
• Decide the format of meetings: structured classes, free play, workshops, etc.

Establish Guidelines and Expectations

• Create written guidelines for the co-op, such as behavior expectations, participation requirements, and financial contributions.
• Decide whether parents will teach, assist, or drop off their children. Clarify if there will be fees to cover costs for materials, rentals, or guest instructors.

Plan the Curriculum and Activities

• If your co-op will offer academic classes, decide on the subjects and curriculum that will be used.
• Consider workshops, guest speakers, and field trips to enrich the students’ learning experience.

Fees

Most co-ops require fees to apply and join. This fee is usually paid to teachers for each course taught. Fees also cover teachers’ supplies, especially in classes with kinesthetic learning needs, like art supplies. Some co-ops ask students to purchase matching clothing items, such as t-shirts, especially for field trips and planned outings.

Consider Liability Insurance

• While not legally required, some co-ops choose to get liability insurance, especially if they are renting space or handling large groups of children. This can protect your co-op from potential lawsuits.

Advertise and Recruit Members

• Once your co-op is established, you can recruit more families by hosting an information session or open house to explain your mission, goals, and plans.
• Use social media, local homeschool groups, or community boards to advertise.

Stay Flexible

• Be open to making adjustments as the co-op grows or as you gather feedback from members. Homeschool co-ops are often more successful when they evolve to meet the families’ needs.