Christie — or anyone — starting a CM group?

Jenn, I’m happy to help as much as possible. 

Here’s a previous thread where I shared a bit – http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/help-with-starting-a-co-op

Here’s a link to my group’s website. You can see a bit under our Prospective Member FAQ page – http://www.rchajax.com

Here’s a link to Nancy Kelly’s smaller, more intimate group – http://sageparnassus.blogspot.com/p/co-op-posts.html

If I were starting from scratch…some random thoughts

• Pray and petition the Lord for wisdom and direction
• Perhaps start with a CM book club to see what the interest is and also some park play dates.
• Decide on a size. We have capped our group at 25-30 families, but that is still 50-60 kids. It’s big, but not too big for what we want to do.
• Decide on a focus – misc. classes, fine arts only, nature club, etc. Decide if you’ll have options or if everyone will do the same thing. 
• Know that you’ll tweak as you grow
• If you have 10 families, Homeschool-Life is the way to go for website ease
• Start small and grow slow.
• Ask pertinent questions of prospective members and meet them and their kids before allowing membership to make sure it’s a mutually good fit. This is important! Try to have more than just you meet. 
• Get an EIN number and keep banking separate. http://www.HomeschoolCPA.com is helpful
• Figure a schedule. bi-weekly, once a month, weekly, etc. We meet 3 weeks per month for classes followed by optional park time. We also have a monthly mom’s night out, field trips, etc. Decide what you want to do.

That should get you started. Send questions and I’ll do my best to answer them from my perspective, at least.

Blessings,

Christie

Wonderfully helpful and inspiring information!  Thank you!