ABOUT EXPLORERS
Welcome to the Explorers Home School Association! We hope that this site gives you helpful information about our co-op in Southeast Michigan. You may navigate this site by clicking on the FAQs (frequently asked questions) below, or just scroll down and read everything! If you have questions that are not answered by this site, or you would like further information, you may contact the administrator, Patti Cousino. She can be reached by the email patticousino at gmail.com. We'll look forward to meeting you in person, perhaps at one of our open houses!
What does Explorers have to offer our home school family?Is Explorers a Christian co-op?
What does Explorers have to offer our home school family?
Explorers prides itself on offering a strong slate of academic and enrichment classes for all age groups. As a general rule, there are at least 3 different classes offered for every age level from age 4 through grade 12 in our morning program. In addition, students in grades 6-12 (who are often ready for both more academic rigor and social contact) have an opportunity for an additional 6-8 class choices each hour in the afternoon. In all, Explorers offers between 90 and 100 classes each semester.
Is Explorers a Christian co-op?
Yes! Explorers is a group comprised of Christian families from many traditions. The majority of our members are socially, religiously, and morally conservative and respect the sanctity of life in all of its many stages. We do encourage our co-op teachers to open their classes with prayer, praying in a way in which all in the class may participate. As Christians, we share much in common, but also recognize that significant doctrinal differences exist. Because of this, we show profound respect and charity for those differences, striving to be balanced in Christian classroom teaching that touches on those differences. We want to honor and uphold the God-given parental authority and respect family beliefs.
When does Explorers meet?
Explorers meets on Tuesdays for two twelve-week semesters. Our fall semester begins in mid-September, and runs through the first Tuesday in December. Our spring semester begins the first Tuesday in February, and runs through the first Tuesday in May, with two weeks off as spring break.
Students of all ages meet from 10am until 12 noon. During this time, each student has the opportunity to participate in two one-hour classes: one from 10a-11a, and one from 11a-12 noon. At 12 noon, all students below grade 6 head home, while students from grades 6-12 may continue with three more one hour classes through 4 pm.
We also have a professional class hour from 9a-10a. During this hour, Explorers brings in teachers usually from outside the co-op to teach classes that you might otherwise take in the community.
Where does Explorers meet?
Explorers meets at St. Luke Lutheran Church on Washtenaw Ave in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
What does Explorers offer that is specifically relevant for my high school student?
Explorers offers a balance of academic and enrichment courses for high school students. Several of our high school classes are available to take for credit. Because we know that high school is an important time academically for your student, Explorers commits to planning at least one year in advance in several core areas.
What academic classes will Explorers offer for high schoolers in the 2009-2010 academic year?
Explorers offers science and writing classes for credit on an alternating year schedule. Each of the classes is taken for one full year. The grades listed are guidelines, with classes generally being open to others with permission of the instructor.
Odd numbered years (11, 13, etc):
--Apologia Physical science (grades 7-10)
--Apologia Chemistry (grades 9-12)
--Great Books (grades 7 and 8)
--Great Books (grades 9-12)
--Beginning Research & Report Writing (grades 7-10)
Even numbered years (10, 12, etc.):
--Apologia Biology(grades 9-12)
--Apologia Physics (grades 11 and 12)
--Themes in Literature (grades 7-10)
--Writing a Research Paper (grades 9-12)
--When necessary, we offer labs to accompany our science classes.
Can my student take classes without our family joining the co-op?
Your older student is eligible for the Explorers drop off program if s/he will be at least 14 years of age and in ninth grade prior to December 31 of the academic year in question. Drop off students are eligible to take all the same classes (morning and afternoon) as co-op families, for an additional fee.
What does Explorers offer that is relevant to my younger student?
Our younger students also have classes that are academically strong, while not losing sight of the fun, hands-on experiences that are so much a part of home schooling. While we don't offer a sequence of subjects for the lower grades, our small class size and variety of topics consistently lead to both a fun and academically strong experience for the younger grades as well. You would get the best idea of what our younger student program is like by viewing the list of classes that we currently offer.
Does Explorers offer me support as a home schooling parent?
One of the best things about Explorers is your chance to connect with other parents. Home schooling is all about networking, and Explorers provides a great place to do it! At Explorers, we have a common room where parents gather informally on Tuesdays just to chat. Often, members share their ideas on curricula, solutions to problems with a particular age "phase", and resources within the larger community.
How many students are in Explorers?
Last year (2007-08), we had approximately 275 students, representing about 102 families. Each age group is roughly evenly represented, with between 40 and 50 students for each two grades.
Is everyone in a class the same age?
Explorers divides the students into teams, with two grades represented on each team. All the students on a particular team have the same class choices. We find that this gives an ideal opportunity both for kids to be around those who are slightly older their first year on a team, and to be an older, peer leader the next year. There are seven teams at Explorers: Preschool, Kindergarten age 4 and 5, First grade with second grade, third grade with fourth grade, fifth grade with sixth grade, seventh grade with eighth grade. Grades nine through twelve comprise our high school team.
What is the class size at Explorers?
Typical classes at Explorers are 10-14 students each.
May I have my child on a team that does not coincide with their traditional school age?
When you join Explorers, you may place your child on any grade team where you think they best fit. However, we ask you to keep in mind that usually the traditional school grade is the best place for a child to be. Often, home schooled children tend to be bright for their age, so your advanced student will likely be challenged among the students in our group. In addition, if your child is somewhat behind, each team represents a wide range of abilities. We find that making friends is often best accomplished with same age students.
What are my responsibilities if I join the co-op?
As members of the co-op, parents are expected to teach. If you join Explorers, you will be asked for your preferences of age group you would like to work with, and then placed on one of these parent teams. All of the parents who make up a particular team meet with their team leader to decide an appropriate slate of classes for the coming semesters. When you join the co-op, you may list an area of expertise or interest that you have, or list a subject/unit study that you have done with your own children at home. If you do not have an idea for a class, your team leader can assist you in coming up with an idea, as well as help you find resources and materials.
Members will receive an Instructor Training Packet with more information.
Members are also assigned a second co-op responsibility. Some examples include: set up, clean up, or assisting in the drama programs (There are approximately 35 different choices).
What does it cost to join Explorers?
Explorers has a registration fee of $35 per year per child. This fee covers our rent and insurance in the building. Registration fees are capped at $140 per family. If your child is also enrolled in the afternoon program, there is an additional $5 fee per child, with no maximum. In addition, each class will charge a fee which typically runs from $5-40 per semester, depending on the materials needed for a class. Generally, the classes for younger students are less expensive than those for older students. Fees for professional classes tend to mirror what you might pay in the community for a similar class, and run on average from $20-$125 for a semester long class. Participation in classes is never mandatory, although if your children are on the Explorers campus, they need to be in class, with you, or with another designated adult. Older students may be in study hall or helping in one of the younger classes, if desired. There is an additional fee of $50 per family per semester to participate in the drop off program.
What is Explorers abuse prevention policy?
To safeguard the physical, mental and emotional well being of the children and adults in Explorers, the following policies have been established to prevent abuse:
1. Two workers need to be present with any child or group of children at all times in the infant and preschool classes.
2. Children through kindergarten are released only to properly identified and preauthorized individuals.
3. Anyone who has been convicted of either sexual or physical abuse will not be permitted to serve in any Explorers program for children.
4. It is impossible to list all situations that may arise with regard to physical contact with our children. Different situations call for a variety of responses by the leader. For example, high fives, and comforting a younger child may be necessary and appropriate. Behavior that is always inappropriate is prolonged kissing, and touches in sexual areas of the body. Specific concerns and situations should be discussed with the administrator.
5. The following bathroom procedures have been established:
--One worker may not enter the bathroom alone with a child/children
--The bathroom door should be propped open
--The worker should wait by the bathroom door
--The child should toilet him/herself (The child needs to enter the cubicle alone, wipe him/herself and pull up his/her own underwear. If a child comes to you by the door, you may help him/her with outer clothing).
--It is suggested that the worker maintain conversation with the child so he/she does not feel alone.
--Two workers may enter the sink area of a bathroom with a child/children.
6. Responses not allowed as disciplinary measures:
--Spanking, shaking or yanking.
--Saying or doing anything to embarrass or degrade a child rather than encouraging proper behavior.
--Telling a child he/she is bad
--Threatening, yelling, shouting or swearing
7. Every member is responsible to report abuse, or the suspicion of abuse to their team leader immediately.
8. We do a background check on all co-op and professional instructors.
When is the next Explorers Open House?
Explorers will have an open house once each semester. Our open house for the Fall of 2009 will be October 27 and March 16 for spring 2010 at 10:15. At the open house, participants get an overview of the group, a tour of the facility, and a chance to "peek in" some of our classes in session. If you would like to attend an open house, please contact Patti Cousino.
I want more information on joining Explorers. Whom should I contact?For further information, you may find it helpful to read through the FOR MEMBERS section, which is the member orientation packet. You may also contact the administrator with further questions, or to request an application, at patticousino at gmail.com
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