The Schoolhouse Network - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the tagline under the logo mean?

Come Home. School Together.

A: The first part means to come home—remove Christian children from the public school indoctrination centers; they should not be discipled by teachers who undermine the family’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God. Students left in that system become like their teachers (Luke 6:40). The second part speaks to community: school together in co-op fashion with likeminded parents and children at church-hosted “Schoolhouses.”

Q: What is a Schoolhouse?

A: A church-based homeschool co-op where families use SchoolhouseTeachers.com curriculum to teach each other’s children. It meets regularly at a local church under church leadership oversight with a Director handling operations. Your church controls everything—complete autonomy over this ministry.

Pastor Paul Miller, Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities, TN: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the church to truly train up and make disciples.”

Q: Is this a school?

A: No—it’s a community of homeschooling families using curriculum they already access to teach within a church setting. Parents homeschool according to state laws while a Director coordinates schedules and classes. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, Canada, Australia, and many countries worldwide.

Q: Who teaches the classes?

A: Homeschool parents volunteer based on their skills and the curriculum they choose. Churches often engage congregation members who can contribute their expertise—retired professionals with specialized programs, skilled members offering workshops, others helping with setup or nursery care. Everyone contributes within a Biblical worldview framework.

Helena Fortner, TN Schoolhouse mom: “Welcoming and close-knit – developed meaningful friendships…We made so many wonderful memories this year. I love the family atmosphere and that it is all Christ-centered….Do it, you won’t regret it. I actually had two friends join.”

Q: How is a Schoolhouse set up inside a church?

A: Three ways: pastors can initiate it as ministry, existing SchoolhouseTeachers.com members can approach churches, or homeschool families can connect with local congregations. The key is finding an experienced homeschool parent to serve as Director.

Melissa Castle, Director of Parker’s Chapel Schoolhouse, Kingsport, TN: “My children have enjoyed the interaction with all the social and learning activities that have been provided through the experience of our Schoolhouse co-op…Come join a close-knit, Christian community that enjoys co-laboring with you in the homeschool experience.”

Q: How often do families meet?

A: Your church decides—most meet once or twice weekly. Here’s the bonus: families aren’t limited to one location. Multiple churches in your area can host Schoolhouses, allowing mix-and-match scheduling across all locations with no additional fees.

Q: Do families attend every session?

A: Completely flexible. Some families take one class weekly; others participate full days across multiple sessions. Many Schoolhouses begin with Assembly time for announcements, prayer, and community building—some include show-and-tell, singing, or pledges, but your church decides the format.

Q: What about planning before the year starts?

A: Directors organize informational meetings, tutor coordination sessions, scheduling workshops, and orientation for families before launch. Your church determines the planning process.

Q: What about materials and printing?

A: Families use curriculum from SchoolhouseTeachers.com, printing and binding materials as needed. Many Schoolhouses host “Print Parties” where families gather before semesters to prepare materials, decorate binders, and build community.

Q: What activities happen beyond classes?

A: Schoolhouses often include field trips, holiday parties, moms’ nights out, service projects, and specialized workshops. Parents contribute by planning events, assisting with setup, helping in nurseries, or sharing professional skills.

Q: What about costs?

A: Families pay only their SchoolhouseTeachers.com membership: $189/year through Schoolhouse Directors (regular price $389). One membership covers unlimited children and courses. No per-child fees, per-class fees, enrollment fees, or teacher payments.

Q: How does Director compensation work?

A: Directors receive 40% commission for handling operations and scheduling. This comes from The Schoolhouse Network, not church budgets. Churches provide ministry space; families save $200 annually; Directors earn compensation.

Q: Can pastors be Directors?

A: Yes, though most churches identify experienced homeschool families for this role. This allows pastors to focus on spiritual oversight while skilled parents handle operations and earn the commission.

Q: What if families can’t afford membership?

A: Church leadership can authorize FREE memberships for families experiencing genuine hardship—no paperwork required. Simply contact The Pastor Plan to arrange credentials. No Christian child should remain in government schools due to financial barriers.

Q: What about curriculum content?

A: Church leadership receives FREE SchoolhouseTeachers.com access (normally $389) to review all content before deciding. Everything operates from a Christian worldview with zero Common Core elements.

Q: Who supervises children?

A: Parents stay onsite like Sunday School or VBS. This creates family learning community under church oversight, not a drop-off program.

Pastor Donovan May, Tembisa, South Africa: “By God’s grace, I have been able to homeschool twenty-two teenagers from our church and community… many have lost their parents or come from child-headed homes… They have no way to afford education, but thanks to your kindness and generosity, they now have hope.”

Q: What if it grows too large?

A: Expand scheduling, add meeting days, use more classrooms, or help families start additional Schoolhouses at other churches. Growth creates opportunities.

Q: How do we know this works?

A: Churches in Tennessee, Washington State, California, South Carolina, and South Africa successfully operate Schoolhouses. This proven model serves families from East Tennessee to international communities.

Cameron Green, TN Schoolhouse mom: “We loved it and the opportunity it gave us to meet some great people, make connections, and take some excellent classes. It was fun being able to share some of our homeschooling experiences with other like-minded families. Extremely satisfied.”

Q: What support is available?

A: Complete church autonomy with expert support when needed: curriculum consultation, enrollment templates, setup guidance, and platform navigation—all at no cost.

Q: How does this help church growth?

A: Actively invite community homeschooling families to your Schoolhouse. Many visiting families join churches after experiencing your community. Become known as the church serving families with real education solutions.

Q: What if no Schoolhouse exists locally?

A: Talk with your pastor about starting one, or visit www.JoinSchoolhouse.com to connect with opportunities. Every thriving Schoolhouse started with one family taking the first step.

Q: How do I become a Director?

A: Email [email protected], complete the form at www.SchoolhouseDirectors.com, or have church leadership visit www.ChurchSchoolhouse.com for comprehensive information.

Q: What are Director responsibilities?

A: Connect families with churches, coordinate schedules and classes, manage enrollment, communicate with participants, and work with church leadership on community guidelines and logistics.

Q: What about community guidelines?

A: Directors work with church leadership to create a Code of Conduct—guidelines all members follow with clear expectations. Churches maintain complete oversight of their ministry standards.

Q: Can churches start immediately?

A: Yes! Churches need meeting space, leadership oversight, and a Director. When homeschool families have SchoolhouseTeachers.com memberships and want community learning, you have everything needed for this ministry.

Church leadership participates to the extent they desire—opening assemblies, teaching classes, connecting with parents, promoting church activities. No required workload beyond normal ministry oversight.

The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, Established 2001
“Come Home. School Together.”

Contact Information:

• Website: PastorPlan.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Digital Resources: EveryChurchShouldHaveOne.com