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New Family Information Letter

Hi there and welcome to Christian Home Educators Academic Resource (C.H.E.A.R.)!

We're thrilled to have you on board as part of our community. As we dive into this academic journey, we'd like to express our gratitude for your interest in CHEAR. Amid our busy schedules, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for considering us.

For those curious about becoming a member, you can find detailed information in the Q&A section on our website CHEAR FAQ’s.

Additionally, here are some key details to provide a better understanding:

We function as a supplemental homeschooling cooperative, offering a range of classes to support your student's homeschooling journey. From fostering social skills and basic concepts for 3-year-olds to engaging elective classes for younger elementary students, we aim to make learning enjoyable. As students progress, we offer essential core classes for middle and high school levels, covering subjects such as Pre-Algebra, art, history, and more.

Important Distinctions from Traditional School or Partial School Programs:

• Role of Tutors: Our tutors are not traditional teachers. They provide supplemental education, teaching once a week. Parents play a crucial role as primary educators, making sure their kids understand the class and the concepts taught. The tutors aid their learning with hands-on activities, labs, and written projects to enhance what they are learning at home. Some tutors will grade upper-level classes and will discuss how this works with the parents.

• Independent Contractors: Tutors are independent contractors, applying to teach at CHEAR, background checked, and approved by the Administrator. Tutors are to complete a Statement of Faith and understand they are teaching at a co-op with Biblical Principles and that their academics should reflect those principles. Parents directly engage with tutors on matters within the classroom, tuition payments, and any concerns or issues with the class.

• Weekly Meetings: We meet on Wednesdays (with an a la carte schedule of your choosing) with some classes requiring additional sessions on Mondays.


Application Process:

To join our co-op, new families are required to pay a non-refundable $25 application fee. We conduct new family interviews on specific dates and require attending a New Family Meeting at Preview Day and Open House before applying to CHEAR. Meeting these requirements is essential for consideration.

Membership Requirements:

• Homeschooling Experience: Homeschooling is a significant transition from public school. We recommend that you be homeschooled for at least one year before applying for membership in our co-op. We welcome all to apply but CHEAR will determine if a family is prepared and ready to take on our co-op and have understood our expectations. It is strongly recommended that one of your references be a member of CHEAR.


• Family References: Each family that applies will be required to provide two family references. While a reference from a member who attends CHEAR is not required it certainly is a plus!

• Attend New Family Meetings: Attendance at a New Family Meeting is required, with an online option in progress. More details to come soon. For now, New Family Meetings will be at our Preview Day on April 17th and our Open House on May 6th.

• Family Interview: Both parents and all attending children must be present for a family interview. If grandparents are involved in homeschooling your children or have involvement with the co-op, their presence is required. All required members not present at this family interview will be declined consideration to attend CHEAR and no reschedules will be made if our slots are full. These interview dates will be provided soon.

*Family References are required to be turned in before a decision is made whether or not to proceed with an interview.

Benefits of CHEAR Membership:

As a member, you'll gain access to various extracurricular activities, including field trips for all ages, teen community events, Mission projects, Prom, National Honor Society, and more! If you wish to only join for access to these opportunities you may do so without attending co-op classes. However, we highly recommend being part of the co-op classes as you gain friendships, community, and knowledge!

Upcoming Public Events:

• Preview Day: April 17th. Registration is required online.

• Open House: May 6th at 6 PM. Meet our tutors, watch special presentations, and explore projects completed by our classes throughout the year.

We're looking forward to having you join us at the Preview Day in April. It's an exciting time to become part of CHEAR, and by April 17th, our full class calendar for the 2024-2025 school year will be ready for viewing. Because of space and size limitations, we will be unable to grant membership to everyone who applies. Please make every effort to stay up to date on the website watching for those requirements and deadlines.

We hope you are part of our BIG family this year!

For additional information and updates visit our website often.

Thank you for considering CHEAR, and we hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Rachel Opper

Chief Administrator / Lead Director
Christian Home Educators Academic Resource
www.cheartx.org