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• You must agree with our Statement of Faith.
• You must have at least one child 8 years old and in the 3rd grade or older.  Then younger siblings can then enroll in the classes offered to them.
• Review the entire BSE Handbook, sign, and return the Acknowledgement of Rules and Policies. 
• *Agree to pay the membership fee, class and textbook fees as well as any additional fees on time. 
  • Class and textbook fees are separate from the membership fee and vary by class.  
    • The co-op membership fee is $310 and is due UPON REQUESTING MEMBERSHIP.
    • Book and class fees are due May 1, 2024. 
• A Background check must be completed through the link on our website.  The cost is about $18 and is due no later than SEPTEMBER 1, 2024. 
• Agree to volunteer either in a class or in another capacity. 
• Attend New Member Orientation. Date: TBA
• Complete and submit all registration forms along with the notarized Hold Harmless Agreement.

*All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Any registration AFTER May 1 will be required to be PAID IN FULL at the time of registration. 

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BSE classes are a cooperative effort among several families to supplement their children’s home education by working together on subjects that are difficult to teach at home or best taught in group settings. We believe that we can accomplish more as a group by taking advantage of each other’s strengths and experiences. This is not forming a private school but applying homeschooling methods to a group larger than just one family. Parents are still the primary teachers for classes taught at BSE.

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BSE has a Leadership Team of two current members. The team is self-perpetuating, meaning the leaders serve until they step down and the existing team determines the replacement.

A fundamental rationale for a self-perpetuating board structure is its ability to provide continuity of purpose over a long period of time. Existing Leadership Team members select those new Leadership Team members who they believe are best able to preserve BSE’s core values and carry out its mission. All Leadership Team members are BSE members. We also seek Leadership Team members who are homeschoolers of more than one year and are well respected and active within the homeschool community.

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No! The parent is still the primary teacher for classes taught at BSE. While our classes are designed to provide students with specialized instruction, BSE classes do not absolve the parents from their responsibility for their children’s education. Parents must ensure that their students keep up with assigned work each week as well as administer tests and determine final grades.

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This is completely up to you. Generally, we recommend that if your high school student attends another co-op, you probably should not register for BSE, due to the time and expense. However, some students and families have been able to handle two co-ops successfully, so it is up to you to decide.

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 Please understand that BSE will not “fit” every family, so we ask you to prayerfully consider your decision to join before you sign up. Perhaps read the article “11 Reasons You Should Not Join BSE” before you pre-register because by enrolling your children you are committing to participating for the full year and fees are non-refundable. When even just one parent is late or absent or quits, it puts a heavier burden on the rest of us, and consequently, the children suffer.

Nevertheless, we understand that family comes first in a crisis. If an unexpected emergency, such as moving, serious illness, or death in the family, has made it impossible for you to continue at BSE, please go to the Leadership Team for prayer and help. If necessary, ask your team teachers or helpers to take over your classes temporarily and make arrangements to give them class fees, supplies, and materials, if any.

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The student’s schedule are independent and will vary according to the classes chosen.

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BSE does have a lunch break, but BSE does not provide lunch. Most families bring lunch or purchase from a local restaurant, and eat in the Family Life Center where we have access to a kitchen with a microwave. 

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We have no control over what individual families bring for lunch. When we are alerted to a food allergy situation, the most we can do is ask children and parents to wash their hands with soap and water after eating. For group meals and potlucks we do our best to inform BSE members of the allergy risk and label shared dishes to the best of our ability. Otherwise, parents and children are responsible for monitoring their own food allergies and sensitivities. If your child has a serious allergy, please make sure you carry an Epi Pen with you at all times in the event your child is exposed. Also, please notify your child’s teachers in case food is planned for a class activity.

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Families currently involved in BSE are given the chance to pre-register for the next year first, followed by families on the notification list (waiting list) for that semester, then pre-registration is open to the public.

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Classes are divided by grade and/or age as of October 31^st:

High School                         grades 9-12                                        14+ years old

Junior High School                grades 7-8                                       12-14 years old

Elementary                          grades 3-6                                         8-12 years old

Lower Elementary                 grades 1-2                                          5-8 years old

Preschool                             pre-K/K4/K5                                        *3-6 years old

Nursery                                                                                         0-2 years old

*All preschoolers must be potty-trained.

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We request that students not be more than two years below their grade peers in age for many reasons. Most of our classes are limited by the space of the rooms and by the abilities of the teachers, who may be equipped to handle only a certain age-range with an expected maturity level. Furthermore, for many courses, particularly those offering *credit hours to high school students, separation by age is necessary based on the skills required; after all, we want upper-level courses to be challenging for high school students trying to earn high school credit. As a result, sometimes the skills required for a class outweigh the student’s interest in that class.

Additionally, when a student is far advanced in academics but young in age and maturity, he may not “fit” in most high school courses. An older student can effectively sit in on a class meant for a slightly younger age group, but a younger student may not work out as well in a class intended for older students. While accelerated learners may have an advantage in academics, they usually have not achieved the maturity to go with it. Even though they can handle algebra and read high school literature, they would not be able to discuss many of the broader topics that the other high school students are interested in discussing and studying.

Furthermore, although accelerated learners may be intellectual equals of teens, they are not equipped emotionally, physically, or in any other way to participate in the teens’ social events, and one of the benefits of BSE is making friends and developing a social life. Fellow classmates, who would be so much older and more mature, may not accept them as equals or friends. In other words, their emotional/philosophical level is still in elementary school, where their age places them. For their self-esteem alone, it would be better for them to be with their age peers.

This will not be the only chance your child has to take that interesting class. Most classes are taught again every 2-3 years, so those upper-level courses give your accelerated learner something to look forward to as they approach the junior high and high school years.

*Any student in the 7th grade thorough the 12th grade may earn high school credit. 

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The terms “special needs” and “learning differences” cover a vast array of diagnoses. Children with special needs may have mild learning differences or profound mental challenges; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems. Because most parent-teachers are not equipped to teach or maintain discipline in classrooms containing children with severe learning differences, please prayerfully consider if BSE is right for your special needs child before enrolling. Depending on the parent, teacher, and Leadership Team’s assessment of a child’s ability to participate in classes with minimal disruption to the learning process, it may be necessary for the parent of any child to be assigned as a helper or teacher in some or all of their child’s classes.

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Parents are still the primary teachers of their children. We would not presume to take that responsibility from the parents. To earn the high school credits suggested for each class, parents should not only ensure that their students complete all homework, but also discuss topics during the week with their children in preparation for further class discussion.

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BSE classes are only one day a week and include but are not limited to lecture, experiment, performance, and introduction to subject matter. Junior high and high school students are expected to read and study during the week in preparation for what they do at BSE.

Elementary classes involve mostly hands-on activities as lecture and discussion would bore young children. Elementary classes are enrichment, and their activities supplement academics at home. Indeed, we consider elementary classes to be like field trips or clubs — fun, hands-on activities where the children learn without knowing they are learning! Nevertheless, we consider grades 3-5 to be “transition” classes as students move from elementary activities to junior high expectations of completing homework on time, being attentive when teachers talk, sitting still during class, working well with others in group projects, following directions, etc. Classes for grades 3-5 prepare students for junior high classes while still provide enrichment and fun activities.

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Each teacher determines the books and materials to be used in her class. The class description will note if the student must purchase the book or if the teacher will provide handouts from the book, making purchase by students unnecessary. High school classes usually require the purchase of the book. Sometimes junior high classes require the book. On the other hand, all elementary classes are enrichment, so buying the book or using the same curriculum as the elementary class is not required and is not necessary.

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Some junior high classes have homework, and all high school classes have homework. To earn the high school credits suggested for each class, students must complete all homework. If not, they may be asked to go to study hall or to their parent. Habitually unprepared students will be suspended or expelled from the class.

It is virtually impossible to cover all necessary topics of a subject or even go in-depth on one issue in only one hour for only one day per week. No one expects high school students to retain everything in one day; instead, they are expected to work during the week to reinforce and prepare for what they do at BSE. Remember, one benefit of BSE is to serve as a basis for accountability. For students to earn the high school credit, parents should make sure high school assignments are completed during the week. Also, they should discuss topics during the week with their children in preparation for further class discussion, and they should assign any additional coursework they feel may be necessary to complete the subject.

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Co-op classes are enrichment only for elementary classes for several reasons.

*  We meet only once a week. There is no way to teach all there is to know in one given subject in only one hour a week. That is the parent’s job, not ours. Teachers will give parents a schedule (syllabus) that they can follow at home if they want, but following it is not mandatory or even necessary.

*  Also, some students unschool while other children may have developmental delays while still others may be advanced – there is a wide range of abilities in the classroom, and we don’t want to leave anyone out. Our goal is not to conform to the majority and produce cookie-cutter students. That’s not what homeschooling is all about!

*  Plus, as one mom puts it, the attention span of a child is very short, so children need lessons and activities that will be hands-on and will keep them busy. In other words, we want them to learn without knowing that they’re learning! So we keep the lessons and handouts to a minimum, or better yet, we incorporate them into the activity.

*  It’s very difficult to find volunteer teachers for high school courses as they must prepare lesson plans and homework as well as correct homework. We can’t imagine asking that of elementary teachers as well.

*  Finally, different families use different curricula at home. We don’t know what they may be learning in that subject at home, but we can certainly find hands-on activities that will enrich anything they might possibly be doing at home.

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Each teacher writes a class syllabus, which is simply a brief outline or list of what will be done each week. The syllabus supplies structure to the class and lets the teacher hand off to a helper or newcomer if she is absent. It also provides a guideline that parents can use to devise supplemental lessons at home and to ensure their children are prepared for class each week.

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We intentionally keep our classes small. The teachers of each class set the limit on the number of students they can handle.

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Parents may sit in on any class (just understand that most classrooms are small and there may not be available seats). Also, parents are used as “helpers” in all classes, so each class usually has 2 or 3 adult teachers and/or helpers. We believe that more interaction between students and adults leads to a more relaxed relationship between both groups. Extra hands are always a blessing. Besides, homeschooled children are accustomed to having a parent close by to give quick responses to their questions, so more adults in the room means more attentive help for the students.

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Yes, we do provide a nursery.  Any families with children enrolled with BSE, can register their infant/toddler with our parent led nursery. 

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If Jackson County schools are closed due to bad weather, BSE will be canceled. If BSE must be canceled, members will be notified via email and through our private Facebook group as well as text message. 

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BSE is truly a cooperative effort. We need every participating parent to keep BSE functioning smoothly. By registering your children, you agree to work during their class periods as a teacher, team teacher, teacher’s helper or on the set-up or clean-up crew, with at least one period as your break time.

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Most classes have at least one teacher and one helper, but they are two different jobs. A teacher plans and teaches the class, including writing a description, setting fees, buying materials, organizing lessons and activities, and implementing them each week. 

A helper assists the teacher during class time and fills in when the teacher is absent. A helper can volunteer for a class, and we will try our best to accommodate her request. However, we cannot guarantee that a helper will be in the class she specifies, especially if there is a need in another class.

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Standard Dress Code Requirements: All clothing must be properly sized, modest and unrevealing in cut, fit and texture. Modesty is expected at all times at any school event or function including any co/extra-curricular activities. Clothing should not draw undue attention. The purpose of our dress code is to encourage modest, neat, clean and appropriate dress to promote a positive learning enviroment. John 15:19  "If you belonged to the world, it would love to have you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." 

• Skirts, dresses and shorts should be modest in length; using the fingertip rule - no article of clothing should be shorter than the fingertip (middle finger.) 
• Hats and hoods are not permitted in the BSE/church building. 
• Facial hair for guys should be well-groomed. 
• Shirt logos should not contain profanity, violence, drugs, alcohol, secular bands/musicians or social/political agendas.
• Fabric should not be sheer, see-through or anything similar. 
• No cleavage. 
• No visible undergarments.
• Shirts should be long enough to cover the midriff, even when arms raised, no crop-tops.
• No pajamas.
• No low-back, strapless, or halter-top (reveals the midriff) style shirts or dresses. 

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Once class registration is closed, families requesting membership can still participate in all that BSE offers with the exception of classes. See FAQ #35 for a list of member benefits. 

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Yes, BSE sponsors an annual prom. Locations and dates are subject to change and details are given closer to the event by the event coordinatiors. Students must be 14 years of age by date of prom in order to attend.  This event is open to all homeschoolers who purchase a ticket. *Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

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Yes, we are current members of HSLDA. You can view their website by clicking here.

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You can add your child to the waitlist, and if a spot becomes available he will be added. If the class is marked full, it is more than likely permanently closed.

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The parents of BSE that have graduating seniors are welcome to organize and plan a graduation ceramony. 

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Fees are due upon requesting membership and all class and books are due upon registering for classes. We suggest you review the payment schedule (see FAQ #1) before becoming a member. Members who have an unpaid balance of any kind, will not be able to register for classes, books will not be purchased for your student and your student will not be allowed to attend classes or any BSE activities until the balance is paid in full. ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDALE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE. 

*Beginning September 2, 2023, any unpaid invoices will be charged a $35 late fee that will accrue montly until paid in full. 

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An off-campus member is a parent that does not attend BSE on a regular basis, typically due to work schedule or a medical issue. This type of membership is only offered to those members of high school students (grades 7th - 12th) and must be approved by the Leadership Team. In addition to the $250 membership fee, the $60 insurance fee and varying class and book fees, the off-campus fee is $400.  

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Yes. Your membership allows you full access to all that BSE offers with the exception of classes. Membership fees remain the same, see FAQ #1.      JOIN NOW

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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

1. Academic and enrichment classes best taught in a group setting. *additional fees apply

2. Access to BSE's secure member website. 

3. Access to our private Facebook page. 

4. BSE sponsored activities/events and field trips. *additional fees may apply

5.  An official BSE membership card which can save you money on homeschool supplies, admission to parks, cell phone service and more. 

6. Register for classes before opening to the public.

7. Participate in workshops. *additional fees may apply