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 as their first Primary School member. We also are affiliated with Parent Cooperative Preschool International — 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.

Playschool: 4-7 years old Early Learners: 6-8 years old Elementary: 8-9 years old Intermediate: 9-11 years old Middle School: 6th-7th grade High School Prep: 8th grade High School (IHC Academy): 9th Grade - 12th Grade

We offer classes and clubs each Monday from 11:00-3:00. We also often have field trips on Wednesdays (and occasionally other days for very special events).

All our classes and clubs are led by co-op member parents. Newer co-op members are not generally asked to lead classes but instead act as assistants or lead small clubs as they gain comfort with the environment and children. All members will be expected to lead a class or club by their second semester at IHC.

Yes! All members can expect to lead at least one class or club during the co-op year. We'll find a group you can be comfortable leading at IHC!

If parents aren’t comfortable teaching a larger class, they can lead a smaller club. We’ll help you find a topic and class size that you can feel comfortable leading.

Classes are divided by age and offer the children a chance to experience a more typical classroom environment. Clubs are multi-aged and interest based. These allow the children to explore their interests.

In the case of a global health emergency, IHC follows the CDC color level guidelines and requires masks depending on the following levels: Orange: KN95 or high quality surgical mask inside, no mask required outside. Yellow: Mask of choice inside, no mask required outside. Green: No mask requirements. We have hand sanitizer available and encourage handwashing before and after class.

To ensure the safety of all families, we require any adult who will participate to complete a background check through the ICPC vendor once every 3 years. There are always at least two adults with the children at all times, and several members are First Aid certified. We also have Tornado and Fire drills each semester. We will also ask that each family give us any detailed safety information relevant to their child, such as allergy information, so we can make sure to keep your child safe!