Local group offers unique learning experiences by semester

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

A homeschool cooperative formed by local parents has grown steadily in recent years, providing educational classes, social opportunities and community support for families across Barry County and neighboring areas.

SHINE Ozarks homeschool cooperative began about four years ago when a small group of homeschooling mothers recognized a lack of organized options in the area.

“We started about three-and-a-half to four years ago with some local moms, just about a handful of them actually,” said Lacey Elmer, one of the cooperative’s leaders. “They homeschooled, and there was nothing here at the time, so they just kind of started one.”

The cooperative now serves a wide range of families, primarily from Barry County, with some participants traveling from Arkansas.

“We go by semester, so every semester is different — but we average right around 90 kids,” Elmer said. “And, it’s all ages. We serve from infant up to 18.”

Elmer estimated the cooperative includes between 25-30 families each semester, and classes are held at Washburn First Baptist Church.

“They allow us to use their facilities, and we are Christian-based, but our purpose is not to push any theology or anything — it’s just a safe place of like-minded people coming to help educate our kids,” Elmer said.

Classes are held every other Thursday throughout each fall and spring semester, with additional activities scheduled during off weeks. When classes are not in session, families often participate in group outings and enrichment opportunities.

“On our off weeks, we’re almost always doing something — a field trip or play date or learning experience,” Elmer said. 

Courses offered through SHINE Ozarks are parent-led and vary depending on the skills and interests of participating families. Classes are organized by age group and typically focus on one subject for the duration of the semester.

“Whatever the parents want to offer is what our kids have to choose from,” Elmer said. “We’ve had everything from automotive care for our teens to career and leadership classes, cooking, sewing, woodworking, art — you name it.”

Elmer said the cooperative’s structure allows students to dive deeper into subjects than might be possible in a traditional classroom setting.

“Getting to focus on something kind of specific for eight meetings as opposed to a broad look at things — we can be more focused,” Elmer said. “We have a class coming that’s 3D design with 3D printing, getting into real-life skills they might use.”

Participation in SHINE Ozarks requires a semester-based fee, depending on the level of involvement families choose.

“If you want to be in the classes that we offer, it’s $75 a semester per family regardless of size,” Elmer said. “If you just want to do field trips and events like science and geography fairs, it’s $25 a semester per family.”

Elmer homeschools her own three children and said her background in public education influenced that decision.

“I would’ve said you were crazy if you told me I was going to homeschool,” Elmer said. “I used to teach public school, and so did my husband.”

Both Elmer and her husband remain supportive of public education, she said, but homeschooling allows their family greater flexibility and control over learning environments.

“The biggest benefit for us is that we can control the influences on our children,” Elmer said. “I personally know every single one of my kids’ friends and their families, and I wouldn’t be able to do that in public school.”

She said the cooperative has been especially helpful for families new to homeschooling.

“That community is invaluable,” Elmer said. “It can be very challenging, and to have support and encouragement — people who’ve been through it — that’s been huge for us.”

While participation requires a commitment from parents, who are required to teach a class if their children are in the cooperative, Elmer said feedback has largely been positive.

“It’s been very positive overall,” Elmer said. “It’s not for everybody, and teaching isn’t for everyone, but it’s been really good.”

One of the ongoing challenges, Elmer said, is simply making families aware that the cooperative exists.

“I’m still finding people who say they didn’t know this was here,” she said.

Looking ahead, Elmer said SHINE Ozarks plans to continue growing as space and leadership allow.

“I would love to reach new parents,” Elmer said. “I’m always on the lookout for new faces and people who have different skills or trades they could share.”

Registration for the upcoming spring semester is currently open but closing soon.

“Our deadline for the spring semester is actually Thursday, Jan. 15” Elmer said.

Families interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out with questions, before or after the deadline. Elmer may be reached at 405-338-8605, or people can find more information at the Shine Ozarks Co-op Information Facebook group.