Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a co-op?
Not really. AnySchoolers is more than a co-op ("cooperative"), although it will have many of the features you'll find in a typical homeschool co-op group. AnySchoolers is a volunteer-run 501-c-3 nonprofit organization with many visionary goals. The difference between a traditional co-op and AnySchoolers:
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In a co-op, there is usually a membership fee for all activities and closed activities. AnySchoolers has no membership fees for educational activities, and has weekly social activities that are open access.
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Co-ops are generally "inward facing" (a set of families trade teaching/resources with one another in a closed circle). AnySchoolers is "outward facing" - open to community members to come and check out activities anytime, even if a family is not subscribed or regular participants.
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Co-ops are typically educationally driven, providing a group learning experience to homeschoolers. AnySchoolers offers more than only in-person and virtual group learning experiences: podcast, blog, merch, community service, social network connections, referrals, parent support and adult only activities, mental health and educator workshops, scholarship opportunities, teen volunteering within the organization, We even have curriculum and online courses coming soon, and we offer opportunities for writers and educators to use our platform to bring education to homeschoolers!
Can I start a hub group in my area?
We are working on building a system of local branches, where homeschooling families can connect in-person, all over the United States and even around the world. Kansas City is the prototype branch. We are in quiet conversation with several other areas to get AnySchoolers branches in other parts of the country. If you want us to help you start up a branch in your area, send us an email!
How much does this cost?
That depends on you! Our educational activities are a la carte, and you can pick and choose what you need for your family. We have a subscription that consists of a minimum tax-deductible donation ($60 annually or $5 per month) that brings you some "thank you benefits." Many of our donors like to subscribe for a higher amount, which raises funds for the nonprofit's operations and financial aid for other families.
What is AnySchoolers' specific philosophy of homeschooling?
AnySchoolers doesn't ascribe to any specific model of homeschooling. We welcome any homeschoolers. The only important thing to know about AnySchooler's approach is that it is secular, inclusive of all humans from all walks of life. Decisions about class offerings and social programming are driven by peer-reviewed research and evidence-based practice.
Is there a drop off program?
No.
AnySchoolers does not have, in any of its branches, a program that is run by AnySchoolers volunteers that you can drop off and leave your child. We do partner with businesses, venues, or other organizations that allow drop-off attendance though!
Do I have to volunteer?
Nope.
We do not require volunteering of the adult members of homeschool families in order to have participation. Volunteering comes from the heart. Our volunteers are enthusiastic about serving. Our volunteers also do not get any perks or benefits - they're usually participants just like you! Our team meetings are full of food, snarks, laughter, kids running around together, and of course, coffee. We have a Discord server where volunteers have tons of open chats for planning, brainstorming, feedback, sharing their lives - you're invited to join in the chats or just watch to get a feel for what's going on behind the scenes.
Religion?
AnySchoolers is a non-religious, secular organization. Here's an excerpt from our Code of Ethics:
"People of all walks of life and belief systems are welcome in AnySchoolers. Our organization does not allow any teaching how-to’s, recruitment, evangelizing, or otherwise sharing of belief systems. This includes, but is not limited to major world religions, astrology, agnosticism, atheism, pantheism, polytheism, mysticism, mythology, unitarianism, antireligion, and any other assertions about faith or spirituality that encourage a following or unfollowing. We do make space for learning about belief systems and practices around the world and in our backyards, but we do not invite or teach religious practice at all."
I want to teach! Do I have to be a homeschooler?
Not really. AnySchoolers is more than a co-op, although it will have many of the features you'll find in a typical homeschool co-op group. AnySchoolers is a national nonprofit with many visionary goals, and it also has local hub groups, where homeschooling families can connect in-person. Kansas City is the charter hub group.
Are teachers compensated?
Not really. AnySchoolers is more than a co-op, although it will have many of the features you'll find in a typical homeschool co-op group. AnySchoolers is a national nonprofit with many visionary goals, and it also has local hub groups, where homeschooling families can connect in-person. Kansas City is the charter hub group.
What's the difference between a live online class and a self-paced course?
Not really. AnySchoolers is more than a co-op, although it will have many of the features you'll find in a typical homeschool co-op group. AnySchoolers is a national nonprofit with many visionary goals, and it also has local hub groups, where homeschooling families can connect in-person. Kansas City is the charter hub group.
Who's in charge here?
Not really. AnySchoolers is more than a co-op, although it will have many of the features you'll find in a typical homeschool co-op group. AnySchoolers is a national nonprofit with many visionary goals, and it also has local hub groups, where homeschooling families can connect in-person. Kansas City is the charter hub group.
I don't see something for my kid. What should I do next?
Not really. AnySchoolers is more than a co-op, although it will have many of the features you'll find in a typical homeschool co-op group. AnySchoolers is a national nonprofit with many visionary goals, and it also has local hub groups, where homeschooling families can connect in-person. Kansas City is the charter hub group.
If AnySchoolers continues to grow, will it be as warm and friendly as it might be now? Won't people get lost in the crowd?
Not really. AnySchoolers is more than a co-op, although it will have many of the features you'll find in a typical homeschool co-op group. AnySchoolers is a national nonprofit with many visionary goals, and it also has local hub groups, where homeschooling families can connect in-person. Kansas City is the charter hub group.
How do I submit a concern?
Not really. AnySchoolers is more than a co-op, although it will have many of the features you'll find in a typical homeschool co-op group. AnySchoolers is a national nonprofit with many visionary goals, and it also has local hub groups, where homeschooling families can connect in-person. Kansas City is the charter hub group.
Do you give scholarships and financial aid?
Not really. AnySchoolers is more than a co-op, although it will have many of the features you'll find in a typical homeschool co-op group. AnySchoolers is a national nonprofit with many visionary goals, and it also has local hub groups, where homeschooling families can connect in-person. Kansas City is the charter hub group.