When we first dreamed of gathering with other homeschool families, we weren’t looking for a perfectly polished program. We were looking for faith-grounded connection. For shared purpose. For a space where moms and children alike could breathe a little deeper, feel seen, and grow together.

Over time, we’ve come to believe this deeply — homeschool co-ops can be sacred spaces — because they are built on shared values, clear purpose, and the simple, powerful beauty of doing life together in Christ.

If you’re feeling that nudge to start a group—a small one, a simple one, a soul-filled one—here’s what we’ve learned about how to begin.

1. Start with Prayer and Vision

Before logistics, before curriculum—pause and pray. Ask God to give you a vision, even if it’s small. What kind of atmosphere do you want to cultivate? What do you hope the kids (and the moms) walk away with each week?

Is your heart for:

Nature and wonder?
Discipleship and Scripture memory?
Fellowship, play, and shared meals?
Gentle academics in a warm community?

You don’t have to do it all. The most meaningful groups often start with a simple focus and a lot of grace.

2. Clarify Your Values

Your values will shape everything—from who joins your group to how you spend your mornings. A few examples of guiding values:

Christ-centered learning: A desire to keep Christ at the center of your gatherings.
Simplicity over performance: A focus on connection and consistency, not perfection.
Family involvement: Inviting parents to be present and engaged, not just drop-off participants.
Mutual support: A place where moms pray for each other, encourage each other, and link arms.

Putting these into words can help others know what they’re being invited into—and help you protect the culture you're building.

3. Start Small and Stay Consistent

You don’t need 20 families, a rental building, or a Pinterest-worthy storage bin (our co-op group’s craft storage bin is literally held together by duct tape). You need a few like-minded moms, a plan that doesn’t overwhelm, and a willingness to show up every week.

Some of the most meaningful co-ops are:

A few families in a living room
Weekly park days with intentional themes, such as our beautiful and easy-to-use Co-op unit studies
Monthly gatherings for nature walks, worship, nature journaling, and Scripture

Consistency is more important than complexity. Build trust and rhythm first—then expand if needed.

4. Communicate with Clarity and Warmth

From the beginning, create a culture of clear, kind communication. Group texts, simple newsletters, or setting up your group in apps like Signal or Band can go a long way.

Let people know:

What to expect (structure, timing, activities)
What’s needed (snacks? supplies? participation?)
What the heart of the group is

Keep expectations realistic, and lead with encouragement. You’re not just managing a group—you’re nurturing a community.

5. Make Space for Moms

This one matters more than most realize. Moms don’t just need co-ops for their kids—they need them for themselves. Consider weaving in:

A short mom devotional before you start
A few minutes of prayer at the end
A group chat for sharing requests and check-ins
A “mom’s night” once a month (we call ours Abiding Wild Sisterhood)

When the mothers are supported, the whole group flourishes.

6. Let the Group Reflect Your Calling

Your co-op doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. In fact, it shouldn’t. Let it reflect the unique calling God has placed on your heart and home. Whether it’s tea time and poetry or muddy boots and nature journals—there’s beauty in the variety of expressions.

Your group may be the safe place another mama has been praying for. It may be the spark that lights a love of learning in a child’s heart. It may be the beginning of lifelong friendships rooted in faith and grace.

Sacred Doesn’t Mean Perfect

Some weeks won’t go smoothly (you may dump your coffee on the co-op teaching lesson mid-lesson — Ahem-hem <cough cough> — and need some of the co-op moms to wipe the laminated pages down with towels while you continue teaching the kids). Some kids will cry. Some moms will feel overwhelmed. That doesn’t mean it’s not working—it means it’s real. And real is where the sacred work happens.

So take the first step. Invite a few friends. Pray over your gathering. Keep Jesus at the center. And trust that God can use even the smallest, simplest group to grow something beautiful.

You’re not just starting a co-op. You’re building a refuge. A rhythm. A place to belong.
And that, dear mama, is holy ground.

Ready to Start a Group of Your Own?

If your heart is stirring with a vision for community—but you’re not sure where to begin—you don’t have to do it alone.

At Abiding Wild, we come alongside mothers like you who feel called to create spaces of connection, learning, and faith. Our Co-op Leader’s License equips you with the tools, resources, and structure to launch a group that reflects your values—without the overwhelm of starting from scratch.

Whether you’re gathering two families or ten, you can build something meaningful—something that feels like home.

Let’s build it together.
[Learn More About the Co-op Leader’s License]

How to Start a Homeschool Group That Feels Like Home