Woodridge Homeschool Co-op

A one‑day‑a‑week, Christ‑centered learning community for families committed to the mission of Woodridge Community Church.

Welcome to our co-op!

The Woodridge Homeschool Co‑op is a one‑day‑per‑week collaborative learning community for families who are members of Woodridge Community Church and who homeschool their children. We partner together to support parents in their God‑given role as the primary disciplers of their children.

If you have questions, we’d love to talk with you.
- The Homeschool Co-op Board

Co-op Mission and Structure

Mission Alignment

Our co‑op exists as an extension of the mission of Woodridge Community Church. Families participating in the co‑op affirm our church’s mission, doctrine, and commitment to discipling their children in the Lord.

Treasuring Christ in Education

We desire to cultivate a zeal for God in our children—expressed through love for God and neighbor. Scripture places the responsibility of discipleship on parents, and our co‑op supports that calling by connecting home discipleship with the learning environment.

Leadership & Oversight

The co‑op is a ministry for members who homeschool their children. Fathers carry the God‑given responsibility to lead and disciple their families, and mothers play an essential role in nurturing and educating their children. Our co‑op provides a community where families grow together in faith and learning.

Primary Educators

While each family’s rhythms differ, the biblical roles of men and women remain the same. Mothers typically carry out the day‑to‑day education, and our co‑op allows them to collaborate, support one another, and serve together.

Subjects offered

The co‑op supplements home education with non‑core classes such as art, music, pottery, building, and more. Over 30 children participate, creating a vibrant sub‑community within our church.

our Goal

We gather weekly to explore the good, the beautiful, and the true things God has made. Our aim is to cultivate holiness, strengthen family relationships, and support parents as they disciple their children toward Christ.

Classes offered 2026-2027 Co-op School Year

These are the classes that are being offered for the 2026-2027 school year for homeschool Co-op.

Morning Meeting
Elements, Principals, and Techniques of Art
Simple Machines
Teaching Grammar through Dr. Suess Books
Snack and Share
Learning Through Literacy Part 1 & 2
Astronomy
Art Masters: Projects and Composers
Math Games
Free Play | Recess
Spring Homeschool Showcase

For a list of previous classes, please contact the co‑op board!

Frequently Asked Questions about Homeschooling

We know that those who are looking into homeschooling as a education option for their family can often have questions. We wanted to provide some common questions and answers in the section below and hope you find it helpful.

Why does Woodridge have a homeschool co‑op?

Woodridge’s co‑op exists to support parents in their biblical calling to disciple and educate their children (Deut. 6:5–7; Eph. 6:4). Research consistently shows that children thrive when parents are deeply involved in their learning, and homeschool communities provide social, academic, and spiritual support that strengthens family‑directed education. Our co‑op gives families a place to learn together, build friendships, and supplement home instruction with hands‑on, Christ‑centered classes.

Why is the co‑op only for members of Woodridge Community Church?

Because the co‑op is a ministry of Woodridge, participation requires alignment with the church’s mission, doctrine, and discipleship commitments. Limiting the co‑op to members ensures shared theological convictions, unified expectations, biblical conflict resolution, and a consistent approach to Christian education. This protects the culture of the co‑op and allows families to partner closely in a like‑minded community.

Why does the co‑op meet only one day per week?

Research on hybrid homeschooling shows that one day of group learning provides strong social and enrichment benefits without replacing the parent’s role as the primary educator. Meeting weekly allows families to maintain flexibility in their home routines while still enjoying community, hands‑on classes, and shared experiences. It also keeps the co‑op sustainable for volunteer teachers and families.

Why are fathers encouraged to be involved?

Scripture gives fathers a unique responsibility to lead their families spiritually and educationally (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 1:8–9). Research on family discipleship shows that children flourish when fathers are actively engaged in their learning and spiritual development. While mothers often carry the day‑to‑day homeschooling load, fathers strengthen the home by participating in planning, teaching certain subjects, attending co‑op events, and shepherding their families.

Why does the co‑op emphasize biblical roles for men and women?

Woodridge holds a complementarian understanding of Scripture, where men and women are equal in dignity but distinct in role. This shapes how we think about discipleship, leadership, and family life. The co‑op reflects these convictions by encouraging fathers to lead and mothers to nurture and teach, while honoring the gifts and contributions of both. This framework is rooted in passages such as Genesis 1–2, Ephesians 5, and Titus 2.

What about socialization? How Do Homeschooled Children Build Healthy Friendships?

Studies from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) and peer‑reviewed journals show that homeschooled children often demonstrate stronger social skills than their traditionally schooled peers. They interact regularly with parents, siblings, church members, and co‑op friends across a wide range of ages. They have more 1 on 1 time with adults. Our co‑op provides structured group learning, shared projects, and playtime that foster teamwork, and communication—all within a Christ‑centered environment that encourages godly character rather than peer conformity.

Is Homeschooling a Modern Trend or a Time‑Tested Tradition?

Homeschooling is actually the oldest form of education. For centuries, parents were the primary teachers of their children, often using Scripture and practical life skills as the foundation. Institutional schooling became widespread only in the last 150 years. Modern homeschooling revives that historic, parent‑directed model, now supported by extensive resources, curriculum options, and research confirming its effectiveness.

How Much Time Do Families Actually Spend Together When Kids Attend School?

Most families are surprised to learn how little time is left for meaningful connection on school nights. Between a full school day, homework, sports, and extracurriculars, the average family ends up with about one hour or less of true shared time each evening. National time‑use studies show that homework alone can take 1–3 hours per night, and sports or activities often add another 1–2 hours. By the time dinner, commuting, and bedtime routines are finished, families typically have only a small window left — often fragmented — for conversation, family worship, or simply being together. This limited margin is one reason many parents choose homeschooling: it restores unhurried, relational time that traditional schedules unintentionally squeeze out.

How Do Homeschool Students Perform Academically?

Large‑scale studies (NHERI, 2021; Ray, 2017) consistently show homeschool students scoring 15–30 percentile points higher on standardized tests than public‑school averages. These results hold across income levels and educational backgrounds. The personalized pace, one‑on‑one instruction, Christ centered education and character development contribute to strong academic performance and lifelong learning habits.

Can I Homeschool Without Formal Teaching Experience?

Yes. Research shows that parental teaching experience has little correlation with student success in homeschooling. What matters most is love for your child, commitment, consistency, and a willingness to learn alongside your child. Many homeschool parents start with no formal training and thrive using structured curriculum, co‑op support, and mentorship from experienced families. The co‑op exists precisely to help parents grow in confidence and skill.

Is Homeschooling a More Cost‑Effective Option?

Generally, yes. Private school tuition in Wisconsin averages $4,000–$10,000 per year per child. Homeschooling costs vary depending on curriculum choices but typically range from $300–$1,000 annually. Families can reuse materials, share resources through the co‑op, and tailor spending to their priorities. Beyond finances, homeschooling offers priceless flexibility and doctrinal alignment that money can’t buy.

What the Bible Says About Education?

The Bible gives parents a clear vision for shaping the hearts and minds of their children. These principles guide how we think about education and why our co‑op exists.

Education Is Discipleship
Scripture teaches that education is never neutral. Every child is being shaped—heart, mind, and habits—toward something. God gives parents the primary responsibility to disciple their children in His ways:

“You shall teach them diligently to your children…” (Deut. 6:7)

Education, then, is not merely the transfer of information. It is the formation of a whole person to love God and walk in His wisdom.

All Subjects Belong to God and Are Part of Discipleship
Deuteronomy 6 calls parents to teach their children diligently “when you sit, walk, lie down, and rise”—a picture of all‑of‑life instruction. This includes not only training in godliness but also the everyday learning of math, science, language, history, and practical skills. Because God created and sustains the world, every subject ultimately reveals His order, beauty, and wisdom. Christian education helps children see that all knowledge is connected to God and lived out under His authority.

The Fear of the Lord Is the Foundation of Knowledge
The Bible is clear that true knowledge begins with a right relationship to God:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” (Prov. 1:7)

This means education must be rooted in God’s character, God’s Word, and God’s world. When learning is disconnected from Him, it loses its purpose and direction.

Children Become Like Their Teachers
Jesus reminds us that students inevitably take on the character and worldview of those who teach them:

“Everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40)

This is why the Bible places such weight on who shapes a child’s mind. Parents are called to ensure their children are taught by those who love Christ and model godliness.

Guarding the Mind Against False Ideas
The New Testament repeatedly warns believers to resist philosophies and patterns of thinking that oppose God:

“Do not be conformed to this world…” (Rom. 12:2)
“Take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5)
“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit…” (Col. 2:8)

Education is a battleground of ideas. Parents are called to shepherd their children’s minds, so they learn to discern truth from error.

Fathers Are Called to Lead in Discipleship
Scripture gives fathers a unique responsibility in the spiritual and moral formation of their children:

“Fathers… bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4)

This doesn’t diminish the vital role of mothers; rather, it calls fathers to actively lead, guide, and protect the educational environment of their home. In homeschooling, this means fathers should remain intentionally engaged—helping shape the family’s educational direction, supporting daily learning, teaching certain subjects when possible, and shepherding the family spiritually. A father’s presence and leadership strengthen the entire homeschooling experience.

Pursuing What Is Good, Beautiful, and True
Christian education aims higher than academic achievement. It seeks to cultivate hearts that love what God loves:

“…whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely… think about these things.” (Phil. 4:8)

Our co‑op exists to help families explore God’s world with wonder, creativity, and joy—shaping children to delight in the good, the beautiful, and the true.

Parents carry a unique, God‑given role in shaping their children that no teacher can replace. A parent’s love is special and lifelong, and their authority allows them to correct, guide, and disciple in ways a formal classroom never can. Children often reveal their truest attitudes, struggles, and character within the safety of home, which is why Scripture places the primary responsibility for training and instruction on parents (Deut. 6:5–7; Eph. 6:4). Our co‑op exists to support—not replace—that essential work. These biblical convictions shape the culture, classes, and community of the Woodridge Homeschool Co‑op.

If you are interested in learning more about homeschooling as a means of discipling children, listen to a presentation by one of our pastors. You can also watch our recent co-op showcase where the teachers and children highlighted what they learned this past year.

Meet the Board.

The board is made up of three elected families of the co-op. They help to provide a smooth co-op experience for all the families involved by facilitating communication, organizing ideas and suggestions, and addressing any questions or needs that arise with our overseeing Pastor. The co-op board also helps to ensure the co-op is carrying out the mission of the church in content and curriculum. Both husbands and wives serve together on the board.

The current board families are Travis and Vicki Hagen, Daniel and Jesse Wesley, and Brad and Claire Kronshage.

Have Questions?

We’d love to hear from you. Please reach out using the form below.