Homeschooling Partnership Agreement

What a good one includes

• A detailed breakdown of teaching responsibilities, prep work, and hosting duties assigned to each participating parent.
• A clear financial framework specifying how costs for curriculum, field trips, and supplies are calculated, collected, and reimbursed.
• A defined calendar highlighting instructional days, start times, holiday breaks, and a clear protocol for handling sick days or planned absences.
• A unified set of student behavior expectations, discipline policies, and guidelines for resolving student-to-student or parent-to-student issues.
• A formal process for how a family can amicably withdraw from the partnership and how the group can vote on changes to the agreement.
• Basic safety guidelines, emergency contact protocols, and liability waivers regarding activities hosted in private homes or public spaces.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to establish a clear policy for unexpected expenses or non-payment of shared costs, which can quickly lead to resentment among families.
• Leaving the curriculum and educational philosophy too vague instead of aligning on specific standards, materials, and grading methods beforehand.
• Neglecting to write down a clear exit strategy for families who need to leave the co-op mid-year due to moving, scheduling changes, or shifting educational needs.
• Assuming verbal agreements about house rules are enough, rather than documenting expectations for hosting duties and cleaning up shared spaces.

Frequently asked questions