Keep the first meeting small and friendly
Step-by-step guides such as Sonlight's and BJU Press's, generally advise starting with a handful of families and keeping the early sessions light. The point is not to launch a school. It is to find out whether this group wants to build something together and to agree on the basics.
Before the meeting
- Pick a neutral, easy-to-reach place such as a library room or a park shelter.
- Send a short note with the date, the purpose and what to bring.
- Ask each family to arrive thinking about one thing they could teach and one thing they hope to get out of it.
- Bring name tags, a sign-in sheet and a few simple games for the children.
The agenda (about 90 minutes)
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0 to 15 min | Arrive, name tags, snacks. Kids start free play, with a parent supervising. |
| 15 to 25 min | Welcome, introductions: names, children's ages, and why you came. |
| 25 to 40 min | Share the purpose and goals. Ask: academic, social, enrichment or all three? |
| 40 to 60 min | Practical decisions: meeting day and time, location, how often, age groups, rough costs. |
| 60 to 75 min | Rules and jobs: read the draft rules aloud, talk about how families will help, collect volunteers for the first term. |
| 75 to 90 min | Pick a date for the next meeting, assign who sends the notes and wrap up with the kids. |
Decisions to make before you go home
- What the co-op is for, in one sentence.
- Who will lead, and for how long.
- Where and when you will meet next.
- How you will communicate (see our communication tools guide).
- Who will draft the rules, using the bylaws template.
- What the first term will cover and who will teach.
If the meeting goes badly
Do not panic. A first meeting can be chaotic when children are excited. Aim for a short list of next steps and a friendly tone. If one or two families are not a fit, that is a useful thing to learn early. Our free co-op starter kit has an eight-week rhythm you can steal from.
After the meeting
Send a short summary the same day with the decisions, the next date and the jobs people volunteered for. Use a volunteer sign-up sheet so the work is shared from the start.
Mistakes to avoid
- Trying to decide everything at once. Pick the three most important decisions and leave the rest for the next meeting.
- Letting one voice dominate. Go around the circle so quieter parents are heard.
- Skipping the written summary. Decisions that are not written down get remembered differently.
- Planning a full curriculum before you know who is committed.
- Post the next date, notes and volunteer jobs in Circles so nobody has to chase an email chain.
- Invite more families with a link or QR code.
- Try the lessons free for 48 hours while your group takes shape.
Start the free 48-hour trial. Circles opens with a paid Lumi Academy or Lumi High plan; the free 48-hour trial lets you try the lessons first, no card needed.
Frequently asked questions
What should you do at the first homeschool co-op meeting?
Welcome families, share the purpose, agree on the basics such as when and where you meet, read draft rules, find volunteers and set the next date.
How many families should attend the first meeting?
Most guides suggest a small group of a few committed families so you can make decisions easily and grow later.
What should kids do during the parents' planning time?
Free play with a supervising parent, or a simple game or craft. Keep it easy so the planning can happen.
How long should the first meeting be?
About 90 minutes works for most groups. Shorter is better if the kids are very young.