Where are you located?
Wildflower Homeschool Cooperative is currently located in Paterson, NJ.
Are You a School?
No.
Wildflower Homeschool Cooperative is an organized group of families working together to provide an alternative method of education for our children. Our member families are legally recognized as Homeschoolers by the state of New Jersey. Homeschooling does not necessarily mean one must always educate at home nor that the parents must be the ones who always educate their children.
WhO IS YOUR COOPERATIVE GOOD FOR?
Our learning cooperative is a great option for Muslim families looking to home educate their child with the help of a supportive community.
Families who join our co-op are actively involved in their child’s life and learning, strive to raise their children upon a Prophetic model, are experienced with home education and have a good understanding of what it requires of a family, and look forward to being part of a village where families learn and grow together.
Children who join our cooperative are often passionate, curious, and active participants who are motivated to learn for learning’s sake.
Does YOUR PROGrAM FOLLOW THE NJ State Standards for School CURRICULUM?
No.
As Homeschoolers in New Jersey, we are not required to adhere to NJ State Standards for schools in our operation, curriculum, or approach. Our aim is to provide our member families with an alternative approach to education, not recreate a traditional classroom model. To learn more about key aspects of our approach, please visit the main co-op page.
Does your program Provide Grades, STANDARDIZED TESTS, OR OTHER Standards-Based Assessments?
Yes and No.
As Homeschoolers in New Jersey, we are not required to use letter grades, standardized tests or other formal standards-based assessments for our programming. Our assessments are informal and prioritize individual growth, engagement, and progress. They include a combination of techniques such as observation, work samples, one-on-one conferencing, self-evaluations, progress journaling, and individualized learning plans.
As a general rule, we do not assign grades to any child learning below our high school level.
If your child is a homeschooled highschooler and you need a grade for transcript purposes, we can provide one based on your child’s level of participation and assessments of their work and efforts during their courses.
WILL I NEED TO SUPPLEMENT?
It’s up to you.
With homeschooling, parents bear the responsibility of their child’s education. Supplementation happens when a family feels that they need to fill a gap in their child’s learning. Depending on the age and stage of your child, your reasons for homeschooling, and the learning goals you and your child have, supplementation of our program may be needed but it is not a requirement. Each family who joins us makes their own decision about supplementing based on their family’s needs.
Are parents required to be involved with programming?
Yes.
Parent involvement is a key aspect of our model. Member parents serve mandatory volunteer hours with our cooperative on a rotating basis that cover a variety of tasks including leading short-term courses, serving as class assistants, serving as on-site coordinators, and other administrative tasks as needed. If a parent is working full-time and has an inflexible schedule, we offer a pay-out option so their duties can be covered by another family.
Do you provide practical homeschool support for member families?
Yes.
Our cooperative strives to support all of our member families during their homeschool journey. Practical support we offer throughout the year includes consulting for families navigating homeschool life, consulting for families choosing curriculum, regular trips/ outings with our cooperative, access to our community network, educational and development workshops, parent social gatherings, and an educational newsletter dedicated to enrolled families.
WHAT IF OUR FAMILY HAS NEVER HOMESCHOOLED BEFORE?
Families who have spent their lives learning in traditional school systems (either public or private) often have a big transition to make when they decide to homeschool. It can take time to let go of traditional school mindsets, systems, and expectations. While we recognize that every school family is different, we generally believe that once a child has been removed from full-time school, it is of benefit for the family to spend a year de-schooling before applying to join our homeschool cooperative. This will allow the family time and space to become more experienced with home education, grow in their confidence, and find their flow as a homeschooling family.
Are you a faith-based group?
Yes.
Wildflower Homeschool Cooperative is founded by Muslims with many of our courses and activities involving principles and lessons from the religion of Islam. However, any family looking for an alternative approach to education is welcome to apply for our cooperative.
Member families who do not share our Islamic faith can a) choose to have their children excused from faith-based group practices and instruction as needed or b) choose to approach any faith-based activities and instruction as an exploration of world religions.
How many CHILDREN do you take?
Most of our age groups have a maximum capacity of 15 children. Our Montessori 3-6 program has a maximum capacity of 20 children. To learn more about our age groups, please visit the main co-op page.
How do I apply to join your cooperative?
Applications for our cooperative are available on our Admissions Page.
WHEN I APPLY, DOES IT MEAN WE ARE ENROLLED?
No.
An applications to our cooperative do not guarantee enrollment or save space for your child. It simply expresses your serious interest in joining our program and is the first step in our 3-part application process.
DO YOU OFFER TUITION ASSISTANCE?
Yes. Our Tuition Assistance Program allows for a flat discounted rate based on household income and need. You can read more about it on our Tuition Page.
Note: Sibling discounts do not apply for those receiving tuition assistance.