Our Homeschool and Other Such Happenings - Review of Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out

Jun. 21, 2008

Review of Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out

I just finished reading Carol Topp's book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. I first met Carol here at HSB. She was the first person that I had ever met (even if it was just online) that discussed the financial side of homeschooling... taxes, IRS, and the whole gamut of questions that an audience of homeschoolers could throw her way. Always knowledgeable (and approachable), I have learned much from her over the years (thanks, Carol!).

While I have never been a member of a co-op, I was thinking about getting together with one or two other families to have either an art class or science class-- the two subjects that have sadly fallen by the wayside in our homeschool. Carol's book came at the perfect time!

Let me tell you some of my favorite things about her book:

Carol's writing style is very easy to read. It didn't take extra energy (that I did not have) to just get through the book-- I actually enjoyed reading it!
Included in her book are real life stories and situations. Not only does it make things more interesting, but you can tell the book contains her personal experience with co-op's along with the experience of other homeschoolers.
As you would expect from a CPA, the book is very well organized. Nothing irks me more than a book with no flow and no sense in the order of chapters.
The book is very thorough and divided into three main sections:
- Starting a Co-op,
- Running a Co-op,
- and How to Avoid Burnout.
Examples of various forms, mission statements, etc. are included. She also has very pointed questions to ask yourself in each chapter. Not one to just convince you that a co-op is for everyone, Carol helps you to see the many benefits of a co-op as well as to count the cost.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that has even thought about starting a co-op! This has encouraged me greatly and I plan to pass this useful resource on to others.

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Jun. 22, 2008 - Thank you!

Posted by HomeschoolCPA

Marsha,

Thanks for your kind words. As for being "always knowledgeable"...well I have a stack of books and the internet that I consult frequently when asked specific tax questions. Sometimes being smart is not what you hold in your head, but knowing where to find the answer!

I'm glad you found the book easy to read and well organized. One of my editors was my 17 year old daughter. She was instrumental in helping me add transition sentences, be more concise and say what I mean. She'll be so pleased to hear your comments because she read the book before it was so well organized!

I hope the book encourages you that you can start a co-op. You can certainly start small and stay focused on one subject like you mentioned. Co-ops are great for accountability. Art was one of those subjects that we never seemed to get around to, although my daughters and I enjoy drawing. Taking art classes at our co-op has been a real blessing. I even taught a drawing class (using a video) for a few weeks. I got back into drawing a bit myself and really enjoyed it!

Carol Topp

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I'm Marsha...proud Mrs to David, mommy of boys, home educator, chief cook and chaos coordinator... There's always something going on at my house-- not always good, but always something!!!