What exactly is a cottage school?

[kls126s]

And what is the difference between that and a coop?

 

And how do you go about starting a cottage school?

 

I ask because I have had two different parents ask me if I could consider homeschooling one of their children. I am willing to at least consider it (as long as DH is willing for me to at least consider it) but would like more info on what a cottage school is and how it works.

[Maisy]

but I'm kind of going down the path you're suggesting. My understanding is that a cottage school can be a lot of different things (just google it--ack!). But from what I gather (at least from what's around here) is that it's a small type of school (perhaps a little co-opish without the parent involvement), but it's consistent, organized, perhaps run by "professionals" or current homeschool parents, and the kids pay for the classes they take. The two I know of around here meet one or two days a week.

 

I did google "cottage school" a while back and came up with this interesting article.

 

http://www.homeschoolnewslink.com/homeschool/articles/vol6iss4/vol6iss4_MomSchools.shtml

 

I've always wanted to have (or start) a classical school in our area, because I think it's a great way to educate one's children, and not enough people know about it. Also, I get a lot of the same type of requests you've mentioned--will you do for my kid what you're doing for yours?---pleeeease!!! :)

 

So, although I'm not starting a cottage school just yet, I'm taking baby steps. My dc attended a private preschool/K in our town--lovely, caring people, academic environment--we were crushed when we "graduated." My ds graduated from K this past spring, and a couple other parents were really upset about moving on to PS. The school was planning to expand, but more in a preschool capacity.

 

Anyway, I saw this as an opportunity to "advance my own cause" if you will. I, and another mom, have offered to team teach first grade at the private school--she'll do core subjects in the morning; I will do history, art, science, writing/grammar and Spanish in the afternoon. My ds gets to stay with a few of his classmates (we have only 5 kids at present), and I still get to HS my older girls. I'm getting to introduce the idea of classical education to an entire community and it's very exciting!

 

Anyhoo, how does this help you? Well, I would suggest, if you want to start a school, do like the above article I linked mentions: Decide what you want to offer and then invite others to participate. Then investigate places where you could make this happen (a local church/preschool, etc.). I'm sure there are a lot of HSing family out there like mine who love the freedom and education that comes with HSing, but would like some "classroom" time or the opportunity to have someone else teach Latin:lol:.

 

Whatever you decide, Dh support would be key. My dh will be available to teach our girls a few days a week while I work with the first graders (but I have it scheduled where it's not critical if he can't). We'll "do school" at the school most days. It's a family commitment, but I'm excited. There are so many possibilities--and the freedom to share with other families what we have, without being under the thumb of a "system." Heaven!

 

I say, look into it, see what your community already offers, and if it looks like something you can handle and would enjoy, then go for it! The more the merrier! Good luck!

[Plaid Dad]

I think of a cottage school as a small, informal school that meets a few days a week, often in a home, and covers most or all of the basic subjects. Children complete assignments at home on the off days. There may be one teacher for all the subjects ("dame school"-style) or several parents and/or outside teachers. Students usually pay a modest amount to attend a cottage school unless the parents all teach and agree to call it even among the families.

 

When I think of an educational co-op, I think of two different things: either (1) a group of parents that get together to hire paid teachers to teach certain subjects, thereby lowering the cost per pupil; or (2) a group of parents who take turns teaching a particular subject to their children (e.g., a parent-led history co-op) at no cost to the participants, since the work is shared equally. Model #1 is basically a cooperative buying arrangement; the teachers' time is the commodity being bought. Model #2 is more like a worker-owned cooperative where everyone both works and benefits from the enterprise.

 

But there are a lot of different definitions of these things, and if you're starting up a business, it makes sense to use a term that the people in your area will understand. :)

[kls126s]

I think of a cottage school as a small, informal school that meets a few days a week, often in a home, and covers most or all of the basic subjects. Children complete assignments at home on the off days. There may be one teacher for all the subjects ("dame school"-style) or several parents and/or outside teachers. Students usually pay a modest amount to attend a cottage school unless the parents all teach and agree to call it even among the families.

 

 

I was hoping you'd chime in, Drew. I remember you saying your daughter may be going to a cottage school this fall, so I assumed you must have more than a hazy understanding of the term. ;)

 

 

 

You don't want to feel taken advantage of come January when you are tired of these extra kids and a little frustrated at their issues. I don't want to discourage you but just be realistic.

 

 

To be honest this is my first concern. Do I want to put my kids through this too? I asked this question basically for the same reason as the other thread going on teaching someone else's kids, so I'm watching that one too.

 

 

Anyway... thanks for the personal input.