FAQs

General Questions:

  • No! Seeley Lake Home School Co-Op is not a school. Parents remain responsible for their child’s curriculum and instruction. The co-op provides supplemental learning opportunities, tutoring, classes, and group activities to support families.

  • Homeschooling can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. A co-op provides a supportive community where children can learn from different teaching styles, make friends, and participate in group activities. It enriches your child’s education while keeping parents in charge of curriculum.

  • Any family who is homeschooling their child and wants to be part of a supportive, engaging community is welcome! You can join our Co-Op here.

  • You can reach out to Kristy Pohlman at kristypohlman@gmail.com or call/text (406) 677-4376. You can also join our Facebook group to connect with other families and stay updated on activities.

Curriculum & Instruction

  • Parents choose and enforce their own curriculum. The co-op is here to supplement your child’s learning, not replace your role as the primary educator.

  • A: Parents remain responsible for directing their child’s education, ensuring the curriculum is covered, and meeting state instructional requirements.

  • The co-op offers tutoring, classes, workshops, and group activities in a variety of subjects. We also provide guidance on curriculum resources, field trips, and experiential learning opportunities.

  • Classes are led by knowledgeable parents and community members who share their skills and passions. Our instructors include teachers, artists, and other experts from our community.

Classes & Activities:

  • We offer a wide range of classes, including art, writing, STEM, robotics, baking, gardening, 4-H projects, music, and more. Whatever your child’s interest, we strive to provide engaging opportunities.

  • Yes! Field trips and outdoor adventures are a key part of our approach. Children may visit museums, nature areas, ski hills, or take part in community volunteer projects.

  • Each month, we plan unique learning experiences such as museum visits, wildlife programs, hikes, canoeing, or skating trips. Families receive advance notice and can participate according to interest and availability.

  • Absolutely! Hands-on learning, group projects, and peer collaboration are central to our co-op. These experiences help children develop skills, confidence, and a love of learning.

Membership & Costs:

  • The annual membership fee is approximately $150, which helps cover materials, group activities, and monthly adventures.

  • Membership fees support co-op classes, tutoring, field trips, supplies, and other learning activities.

  • Fill out the membership form and submit the fee. Once approved, your family will have access to all co-op classes, adventures, and resources. You can join our Co-Op here.

  • Yes! Families can participate in bake sales, lemonade stands, art sales, raffles, and other creative fundraising efforts to support our programs and activities.

Schedule & Location:

  • We aim to meet twice a week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 9:00am - 12:00pm, from Labor Day through Memorial Day.

  • Classes take place at the Mission Bible Fellowship. Activities take place at various venues around Montana.

  • Typically, two days a week at the home base, plus at least one day per week for outdoor learning experiences.

Governance & Finances:

  • A veteran bookkeeper manages all finances, ensuring transparency and keeping the co-op in good standing.

  • Current board members include Kristy (Co-op Director), Pamela (Finance), Jan (Teacher), and Michelle (Community Liaison).

  • For the first year, the co-op is operating as a business to reduce startup costs. Our long-term goal is to transition into a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

  • The board meets regularly to oversee operations, finances, and programming, ensuring that the co-op meets the needs of families while maintaining our mission.

Legal & State Requirements:

  • Montana requires 740 instructional hours per year for grades 1–3, and 1,080 hours per year for grades 4–12. Children under age 7 have no minimum requirement.

  • The co-op provides supplemental instruction and guidance but does not replace parental responsibility for teaching or curriculum.

  • Yes. Parents remain the primary educators, directing instruction and ensuring compliance with state laws.

  • We provide guidance, resources, and supplemental learning opportunities to help families meet state requirements while making homeschooling engaging and fun.