Frequently Asked Questions:
Homeschool Kingdom strives to create and maintain a close-knit, like-minded Christian community. Our group encourages one another to pick up their cross and follow Jesus to serve their families and HSK.
What does the admissions process include?
Please contact us to start your journey to join Team HSK! We ask that you complete admission forms that acknowledge our policies, submit a copy of your health insurance card, upload your certificate of completion for the DCFS Mandated Reporter child safety online class, and complete a background check. When you are admitted, you can be added to our online communities on Facebook and/or Band as well as our mailing list.
How do I register?
Registration priority: Members that teach, all current members, then new members. See the Class Options or our event calendar for registration dates.
Registration is online at https://www.homeschool-life.com/2820/
Registrations are processed in the order they are received on a first come, first serve basis.
What is the statement of faith?
HSK Community Values: Homeschool Kingdom (“HSK”) is an independent non-denominational Christian community providing instruction and activities from a Biblical standpoint of understanding our world. We admit members who live out God-ordained marriage between one man and one woman. Language and forms of address based on natural birth gender will be used in our program. Restroom and physical activities may be divided by natural birth gender.
We are a Christian group that teaches from a Biblical worldview. You should expect prayer, occasional Christian class projects, class discussion from a Christian perspective, and sharing of Christian homeschool curriculum materials. We encourage members to strengthen their faith and their home instruction centered around Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. All members, Board of Directors, and Independent Instructors are asked to sign our Statement of Faith.
We ask that they personally believe one or more of the statements and teach in a manner consistent with those beliefs. Our statement of faith includes the Illinois Christian Home Educators (www.ICHE.org) statement of faith, the Apostles’ Creed, and the National Association of Evangelicals Statement of Faith.
How much does it cost to join the Friday Co-op?
The Family Membership Fee (one fee per family per school year) + the class cost for each student (each student, each class, per semester) = $ total.
Occasionally, some classes require parents to purchase their own curriculum, supplies, or materials. See the Class Options for details.
Family Membership Fee and Class Fees are both Non-Refundable. There are NO Refunds.
What is required for member participation?
1. Stay on-site with your children.
2. Either: Teach 1 class each week…..OR…..Help in 2 classes….Each Week.
3. Help with Tasks.
Parents teach their own children all mandatory subjects at home, then join us on Fridays for elective and group classes. Some of the high school level classes may count towards your home accreditation. This is not a drop-off program.
What are Tasks?
Tasks are jobs that help our co-op. Tasks are claimed when you register. Examples include the Yearbook team helper, Hot Lunch Manager, Set up or take down one room, and door greeters. Contact us for a complete list.
What is non-refundable?
The Family Membership and All Class Fees are non-refundable. There are NO refunds. Register with commitment.
How many co-op meetings are there per semester?
We meet on Fridays for 10-weeks in fall, 4-weeks in winter, and 10-weeks in spring for a total of 24 weeks. Some classes may require additional meetings specified on the Class Options.
There are also field trips, volunteer opportunities, curriculum nights, family events, adult nights out, and date nights (all optional and fun)!
Can I register for just one class?
All students must be registered for a class during the time you are at the Friday co-op. No, you must register for a minimum of 2 class hours. Members are asked to teach one class hour every week or help in two class hours every week. All members must fulfill their volunteer obligations.
Can I leave my kids here while I run to pick up coffee?
Sorry, no. A parent must be present in the building with their children at all times. Parents are responsible for the health and supervision of your own children.
You are welcome to leave during lunch, but you must take all of your children with you.
I babysit someone else’s child. Can I bring that child?
No, sorry! Only your own children can attend HSK with you for insurance purposes.
You also may not babysit another members’ children at HSK. Parents must supervise their own children.
Can you help me find my class?
Part of your admissions process includes reading the HSK Handbook which lists policies, details to help you feel comfortable, helpful tips for your volunteering role, and board member contact information. Included in the Handbook is a facility map complete with fire exits. In addition, we host an optional Fall Orientation Day to allow your children to find their classes as well as allow the teachers to gather their materials to prepare for the first day.
What’s your name again?
Homeschool Kingdom offers park days, field trips, and some adult fun nights throughout the year. Summer is a great time to meet your new group of friends at one of our activities. We would love to have you join us at our next event. Please contact us for more details.
Do I need a teaching degree to be a volunteer parent-teacher?
No, you do not need a teaching degree for a parent-led class. We mirror the current IL laws. They do not require you to have a teaching degree to teach your child at home and neither do we.
Can Dads attend?
Yes! We love to have dads attend the semester, visit when possible, or even volunteer to lead a class! We have many dads that are able to attend on a regular basis.
What is the dress code?
There are no uniforms. You may dress in casual, business-casual, or exercise clothes. If you are not sure if an item is appropriate, feel free to ask. HSK requires all participants to wear non-offensive, modest attire reflecting restrained good taste. All attendees are required to wear attire based on natural birth gender.
Is my child too sick to attend HSK?
Please stay home if you or your child has had a fever or other symptoms in the last 24 hours, if you currently have colored nasal mucus, or if you’ve had lice in the last 14 days.
If someone appears possibly contagious, we reserve the right to ask you to leave for the day.
How does my child know it’s time for Piano, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, or other private instruction*?
It is the parent’s responsibility to keep track of time and maintain their children’s appointments. The independent instructor* classes are more costly and we want you to get your full value. The instructors* will remain in the room until your child arrives. It is the parent’s responsibility to bring the student to the instructor* on time. No extra time will be given in addition to the allotted time. It is not the job of Homeschool Kingdom to remind students or parents of the schedule.
Does HSK issue grades or high school credits?
No, HSK does not issue grades or credits. Parents teach their own children all the mandatory subjects at home, then join us on Fridays for the group classes. Some of the high school level classes may count towards your home accreditation.
Can I be denied membership?
Yes, the HSK Board reserves the right to deny membership to anyone for any reason. We also reserve the right to expel members at any time. No refunds will be issued for revoked memberships.
What type of organization is this?
Homeschool Kingdom is a Not-for-Profit Organization. This means we are legally not allowed to profit from this group. We are not a 501c3, so we are not able to give you receipts for tax exempt donations. None of the board members take a salary. On the contrary, the Board is so invested with time and finances that our tuition is paid in advance and we regularly donate to cover our financial obligations. Any excess funds are reinvested into our organization for services and supplies. We keep our prices as low as possible for our members. Please let us know if you would like to see our financial records at any time.
What’s the difference between Independent Instructor and Parent-Led?
Here are the different “groupings” of classes: Independent Instructor Classes or Private Lessons
These are classes taught by an independent consultant who is an expert in their field. They are willing to come on-site to provide instruction in exchange for payment. They do not have children enrolled in HSK. They are not volunteers.
HSK offers Independent Instructors* for karate, ballet dance, robotics, programming, engineering, Spanish, guitar, voice, piano, gym, cooking, science, sewing.
Homeschool Kingdom asks the Independent Instructors* to sign our Statement of Faith.
If the Independent Instructors* are not able to attend a class, they refund the fees for the day missed. In this situation, students will be given an alternate activity during their time at HSK.
Parent-Led Classes: We require members to volunteer either: helping 2 class hours every week OR teaching 1 class hour every week.
These are classes taught by parents in the group who are volunteering to teach a class to a group of children. This is essential for the co-operative to be able to offer a wide range of classes for everyone. The parent teachers and helpers are not paid. This helps keep the cost low for everyone. Parent-teachers do not have to be experts– it just takes a willing heart and a positive attitude! We depend on your help to make this group function. Parents that teach have the benefit of just volunteering one class hour each week and registering early.
The HSK Board will find substitutes for all parent volunteer teachers and helpers. Please notify the board asap if you will be absent.
Free Nursery:
This is actually a “parent-led class” and counts toward the 2 class hours that members are asked to volunteer. If you have children in this age group, you might enjoy volunteering for the free nursery but you may also volunteer elsewhere. There is no cost since this is included with the base family membership fee.
HSK Rules & Policies:
- I have Read, Understand, and Agree to follow the current Homeschool Kingdom Handbook.
- I have reviewed the rules and policies with my children and acknowledge that violations may cause membership to be revoked.
- If leaving the building, your children need to go with you. Parents are responsible for their own children.
- Parents are required to participate weekly as teacher or helper AND with assigned tasks.
- I will Notify Liz Wiersum when absent (630-742-8931).
- Parents are responsible to change their own children’s diapers and help with bathroom assistance. Diapers are only to be disposed in the nursery garbage only.
- I understand that I, the parent, am responsible for the health and well-being of my child. I understand that the only proactive allergy precaution HSK takes is asking parents to not bring nuts and nut products to HSK activities. I understand that HSK has NO other precautions in place and that I as a parent take full risk and responsibility for my own children. I confirm that I have checked with my child’s family doctor and any other healthcare professional involved in treating my child’s allergies and confirmed with said doctor and healthcare professional that it is safe for my child to participate in HSK activities. I further take full responsibility for disclosure or non-disclosure of any known or unknown allergies my child has or may have. I understand that HSK does not assume responsibility to be obligated or liable for any non-disclosure by me and that HSK cannot accommodate everyone’s allergy needs. I further understand and agree that no HSK representative is responsible to render any treatment in the event of an allergic reaction, and that any assistance may be limited to public emergency medical resources available through “911.”
- We will speak and act with respect to all adults, students, and children. All members need to abide by our Code of Conduct (1. Clear Warning 2. Student removed from class that hour 3. Student permanently removed for the semester 4. Review by Board of Directors)
- I understand that any actions determined to put the safety of themselves or others at risk, at the discretion of the teacher and/or the Board of Directors, will be immediately and permanently REMOVED from any or all classes with NO refunds. The student will be returned to the care of their parent for the remainder of the class/classes. The Board of Directors may take additional actions, including but not limited to, banning the student and/or the family from HSK entirely with NO refunds.
- Students must be in a class or study hall every hour. During 3rd-hour lunch, they are only permitted in the lunchroom or designated play areas. They may not be wandering in the hallways, nursery, or classrooms.
- Students are not allowed to use their cell phones during class. If necessary, we reserve the right to have a parent confiscate the phone until after class.
- Students should keep their dating life outside of school. No public displays of affection, please. Those caught disregarding this policy will be required to sit with their parents.
- Food & Beverages: NO NUTS or nut products allowed. Please consume all food & beverages in the Coffee Connect lunchroom only. Only water may be used in the classrooms. Coffee is reserved for the adults & teens that do not spill. If spilling is a problem, the coffee privileges will be revoked for those individuals.
- I will arrive on time for all commitments. No additional time will be granted for late music/private lessons.
- Facility: Treat the facility carefully, not damaging items. If the facility or church belongings are damaged, please notify a board member immediately so we can responsibly mitigate and correct the situation. We are privileged & honored to meet at this church. This facility allows us to meet as a group. No Running or loud talking in the hallways. Do NOT Enter the restricted areas: chapel, 2nd floor, 3rd floor, and the maintenance area near the gym.
- Clean up: Teachers & Independent Instructors are to clean up after their own class as needed including supplies, maneuvering tables/chairs to their original position, wiping tables, sweeping/vacuuming as needed. We encourage students to help clean up when age appropriate. No Glitter allowed.
- I understand there are NO Refunds and will register with commitment.
- I have completed the DCFS Mandated Reporter training and will apply the safety principles at HSK.
- I agree that our family will maintain our own health insurance to attend HSK Friday & any HSK Events.
- I understand and accept that the Board of Directors reserves the right to deny membership or remove members at anytime with No Refunds.
Respect is Expected:
Parents, please remind your children of appropriate classroom behavior and all rules. Respect the facility and all the rules. We expect all students to show respect to instructors and other students by participating in class, following directions, and not being disruptive. Teens, please treat each other with respect with words and tone.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” -Ephesians 4:29
*All Independent Instructors and babysitters are independent contractors. Homeschool Kingdom does not have any employees.