Do you need a co-op to homeschool well?

Let me start by saying this: I have absolutely nothing against co-ops. If your family is part of one and it’s working beautifully for you—wonderful! 

But I’m writing this for the moms who message me almost every week, asking, “Do you do a co-op?” and confessing that you feel a lot of pressure to join one… even though it feels like just “one more thing” and not at all life-giving.

Here’s our story: we’ve been homeschooling for 8 years, and we’ve never been in a co-op. And you know what? We’re thriving.

“But what about socialization?”

This is the number one question I get in regards to co-ops. The truth is, we’re very intentional about friendships and community. Our kids see friends from church, play with neighbors, and spend time with other families multiple times each week. They take music lessons and play sports. And we also build in time for us as parents to connect with others. Socialization doesn’t only happen in a co-op setting—it can happen in everyday life.

“How do you teach all the subjects by yourself?”

I don’t! One of the gifts of modern homeschooling is how many great resources are available. Our older two use Compass Classroom for certain subjects, and it’s been a blessing. They offer both live and self-paced classes, and our 7th grader is already earning high school credit. Outsourcing subjects where needed has been a huge help.

The Question That Really Matters

For me, the bigger question is, “Am I protecting the peace of our home?”

The best gift you can give your family is a mom who is peaceful and joyful. Right now, homeschooling alongside working from home already fills my days. Adding a co-op on top of that would tip our balance from full to frantic.

Our homeschool feels complete without a co-op. Will it always be that way? Maybe not. Each year we pray, research, and reevaluate what’s best for our family. But for now, our best days are the simplest ones: mornings spent learning side by side, afternoons filled with rest and play.

If You Feel the Pressure

If you’re feeling the push from family, friends, or other homeschoolers to join a co-op—but it doesn’t feel like the right fit for you in this season—I want you to know you’re not alone.

You can homeschool without a co-op. You can thrive without one. And you can protect your peace while giving your children a rich, meaningful education right at home.