FAQs

Not in the traditional sense. We are a community of parents, grandparents, and children that work together to provide support to homeschool families in central Indiana. Our programs are created to enhance (but not replace) the homeschool experience through hands-on learning opportunities. Participating in our co-op does not contribute the 180-day requirement from the Indiana State Department of Education.

A Cooperative school involves children and families working together to achieve educational and social goals. Parents are required to lead or assist in the classroom each semester and to help with the management and running of the school. This cooperative model also means parents and students have input in what the students learn. Cooperatives are democratically owned by their members, with each member having one vote in electing the board of directors.

Our school is member-run and member “owned.” Our board is elected from our parent members.

We are affiliated with the Indianapolis Council of Preschool Cooperatives (https://indianapreschoolcoops.org/)as their first Primary School member. We also are affiliated with Parent Cooperative Preschool International (https://www.preschools.coop/)— PCPI represents more than 50,000 families and teachers, providing on-going support to families, educators, and social agencies who recognize the value of parents as teachers of their children and the necessity of educating parents to meet the developmental needs of their children.

Our goal is to provide opportunities that a homeschooling family cannot easily get at home such as engagement with peers, practice working partner/group settings and group presentation. Our community is tightly-knit, and we enjoy seeing each other at our many field trips, play dates, and various outings beyond the co-op day. Students are encouraged but not required to move outside their comfort zone, at their own pace. Our class lessons are designed by home educators who are experienced homeschool parents. The topics that we study can be extended into your own homeschool program.

Our teachers are not trained in special education services. As such, all enrolled students should be able to function in a normal classroom, with typical age level behavior. IHC Leaders are not trained to make beyond average accommodations to help your child succeed. IHC has successfully enrolled students with severe allergies, however our co-op is not an allergen free zone. We make every effort to accommodate each child though. The IHC Board will ensure all club and class leaders are aware of allergies however parents are also encouraged to contact leaders as well. The learning and health concerns of each child are of the highest priority. We want children to feel welcome, safe, and able to just be kids.

Our co-op meets in Nora, on the north side of Indianapolis.