Clear answers for families considering the co-op.

No. Zion Lutheran Homeschool Co-op is a homeschool support program. Families remain responsible for complying with California homeschool requirements, including filings, records, curriculum decisions, and legal obligations that apply to their homeschool.

The co-op is built around parent partnership. Parents remain actively involved through service, communication, and shared responsibility. If a child is scheduled to be in a class and their wearabouts is accounted for a parent may arrange to run errands to leave campus temporarily. We do have community spaces that parents can socialize with one another, work on remote work (WiFi access provided), or enjoy a coffee and relax.

The co-op provides shared learning opportunities, classes, electives, social connection, parent partnership, encouragement, and Christ-centered community. The co-op has a full time, credentialed, director who helps with organization, event planning, teaching of core classes, program consistency, and conflict management.

Age and grade offerings may depend on current enrollment, available teachers, and class planning. Families are encouraged to apply or reach out so we can talk through current options. We are currently striving to provide services for Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Families do not need to already be members of Zion Lutheran Church, or any church, to ask questions or apply. Participating families should understand that the co-op teaches and operates in accordance with Holy Scripture and the faithful confession of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Families are encouraged to discuss what they believe and why they believe it with their children, especially in how it may differ from what we profess in our co-op.

Participating families are asked to review and acknowledge the co-op's faith commitments as part of the enrollment process. Families are not expected to agree entirely with our statement of faith to join our community, but must abide by our teachings and code of conduct when on campus and in any co-op provided events.

Faith is not an add-on. We seek to keep Christ at the center of our learning, relationships, service, discipline, and community life. It is the foundation of ALL our beliefs and practices.

Begin by completing the application form. After that, the co-op will follow up regarding the family interview and next steps. Our application is free and offers an opportunity to meet in person to view our facilities and ask questions to determine a fit.

There is currently no application fee. A non-refundable registration fee is charged after acceptance and completion of required paperwork.

Families complete registration paperwork, submit the registration fee, and review required documents such as the Statement of Faith, Code of Conduct, liability waiver, photo/media release, and homeschool support program acknowledgement.

Yes. Background checks are part of the co-op's safety and accountability expectations. Any adult who may participate in co-op classes, programs, or activities will be required to complete a background check.

Each family serves either 1 hour per week or 5 hours per month. This helps keep the co-op personal, affordable, safe, and well supported.

Parent partnership is part of what makes a co-op different. We believe that God has provided every family a unique and valuable set of talents and passions. Only by sharing this talents and passions can we provide the best possible experience for our children. Families serve together so the community remains connected and sustainable.

We believe the gifts and talents of each family are far more valuable than any dollar amount. As such we discourage the buying out of volunteer hours. If a family is having a hardship in completing the required hours we encourage open communication so that, together, we can find a way that your family can contribute.

Because Zion Lutheran Homeschool Co-op is a Christ-centered program, co-op membership and religious programming should not be presented as charter-funded services.

Families using charter school funds should check directly with their charter school regarding what, if any, secular services may be eligible. Religious programming, chapel, Bible instruction, catechism, and co-op membership should not be presented as charter-funded services. In our inaugural year we do not intend to become a vendor for the charter funds.

Yes. Families are welcome to reach out with questions or to schedule a meeting or tour before applying. Please call or text 209-366-8372 or email pduerr@zlclodi.org to schedule a meeting.

Email pduerr@zlclodi.org or call 209-366-8372.