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Welcome!
We are launching a homeschool co-op hosted at our campus in Lodi (and will add our Valley Springs as needed) starting in August. The goal of a co-op is to combine the resources and facilities of the church with the gifts and talents of the families in the co-op community to provide the best educational experience that is customized for your children.
About Us
For more than 500 years, Lutherans have valued education as a vital part of forming children in faith, wisdom, and service. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), operates over 1,900 early childhood centers, elementary schools, and high schools nationwide, 3 international K-12 schools, 5 universities, and 2 seminaries serving over 160,000 students. That same commitment shapes our desire to support homeschooling families today.
Zion has been a Lodi staple for over 75 years and has been running a childcare/preschool for over a decade at our Lodi campus. We have trained and certified teachers with decades of combined educational experience as part of our administrative team.
About Zion Lutheran Homeschool Co-op
Zion Lutheran Homeschool Co-op exists to support homeschooling families with a welcoming, Christ-centered community where students can grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
We believe parents are the primary educators of their children, and our goal is to come alongside families by providing meaningful classes, shared learning opportunities, enrichment activities, and a supportive space for connection. Whether students are participating in core academic support, electives, social activities, or community events, we want each family to feel encouraged and equipped.
Our vision is to build a vibrant learning community where students regularly gather; friendships are formed, parents are supported, and education is strengthened through faith, excellence, and partnership in an affordable program.
At Zion Lutheran Homeschool Co-op, families do not have to homeschool alone. We are here to walk alongside you.
About Our Christian Foundation
As a ministry of Zion Lutheran Church, our co-op is grounded in Holy Scripture and shaped by a Lutheran understanding of the Christian faith. We welcome families from a variety of backgrounds while remaining committed to teaching and operating in a way that reflects our Christian confession.
At a Glance
- Location: Zion Lutheran Church — Lodi, CA.
- Program Type: Homeschool support co-op
- Faith Foundation: Christ-centered, Lutheran
- Classes: A la carte academic and enrichment opportunities
- Current Class Offerings: Math, science, U.S. history, and religion/theology
- Parent Involvement: Parent partnership, volunteer opportunities, and parent-led electives
- Application: Free
- Enrollment Fee: $50 after acceptance
- Membership Fees (monthly): $150 for 1 child, $225 for 2 children, $300 for 3+ children - Discounted rates being offered to our founding cohort
How We Support Families
At Zion Lutheran Homeschool Co-op, families can choose the level of support that best fits their homeschool needs. Our goal is to provide helpful resources, meaningful learning opportunities, and a strong Christian community while supporting parents in their role as the primary educator.
Families can expect support through:
A La Carte Classes
Students may participate in individual classes based on family need and student interest, including subjects such as math, science, U.S. history, and religion/theology.
Parent-Led Electives
Parents are encouraged to share their gifts, interests, and experience by leading elective classes, enrichment activities, or special projects for students.
Parent Partnership
Our co-op is built on parent partnership. Parents are encouraged to participate, serve, lead electives, assist with activities, and help build a strong, welcoming community for students and families.
Community & Social Gatherings
We provide opportunities for students and families to build friendships through shared activities, group events, and regular time together in a supportive Christian environment.
Shared Family Space
Our co-op provides more than classes — it also offers a place for families to gather, connect, and build relationships. Students can enjoy informal social time with peers, while parents can meet with other families, share encouragement, or use the space for remote work while their children are in scheduled classes.
How to Join
Application
Complete our short, free application to begin the process. After your application is submitted, our director will contact you to schedule a tour of our facilities and a family interview. This gives both your family and our co-op the opportunity to determine whether we are a good mutual fit.
Enrollment
After the tour and interview, families who are accepted and wish to move forward will receive an enrollment packet. Once the completed packet and $50 enrollment fee are submitted, your family will officially be enrolled in Zion Lutheran Homeschool Co-op.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do we have to be Christian to be a part of the co-op? Do we have to be Lutheran? No to both questions. However, while you might not believe, please know that our underlying foundation and approach comes from our belief that learning (wisdom) is from the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of the Holy One (Proverbs 9:10). We believe that foundation in God and His Word, found in the Holy Bible, is the pathway to excellence in education. Regardless of what services we may provide together, this belief will be the underlying foundation that we, by the Grace of God, will build upon. Please also check out our Statement of Faith for additional details regarding this underlying foundation.
- What grade levels are going to be included as part of this co-op? We are investigating that very question. We are considering elementary through high school, likely on an alternating schedule.
- Will students with disabilities be included as part of this co-op? By its very nature, homeschooling can be very accommodating, and we aim for the co-op to be likewise.
- Financial
- Will there be any discounts/Financial aid offered? As a non-profit ministry, we will be keeping costs as low as possible. There will be a Zion church member discount and a multi-child discount is in consideration. Founding cohort members will get a discounted year one and year two membership.
Want to Learn More?
Have questions or want to see if Zion Lutheran Homeschool Co-op is the right fit for your family? Email our director, Paul Duerr, at pduerr@zlclodi.org, or complete our free application and he will reach out to schedule a time to meet at your convenience.
The Homeschool Co-op Main Office and primary location is 101 S. Ham Lane, Lodi, CA 95242.
- We have a second church campus in Valley Springs and if you are, or know someone who is interested in having homeschool co-op opportunities in that area, please contact us.
We are reachable at 209-366-8372, homeschool@zlclodi.org, and our Facebook Page can be found here.
Open House in July!
We will be hosting an open house in July so you can see all the hard work that has already gone into making these educational and social spaces tremendous! It will be either Friday, 7/10 or Friday, 7/17. We'll update this page as we lock it in!
Facility
We've made great progress on the facility revamp. It never ceases to amaze me what a fresh coat of paint can do. The awesome new flooring has also started to go down! Tremendous thanks to all who have pitched in thus far. If you're interested in lending a hand, please let us know. There's still plenty to keep us busy!
Grants
We were awarded our first grant funding which will help us in the process of renovating our large parsonage into great classroom and meeting spaces. These grants help to keep our expenses down, helping all the families!
Why homeschool?
Much has been said in responding to this question. The long and the short of it is that while standard classroom education can be successful, for many students it is not. It can leave students woefully unprepared, arguably even unable, to live the abundant life described by Jesus. We encourage you to check out the documentary Homeschool Awakening. You can find the trailer below (or on YouTube here). We have two copies available to borrow at the church (contact secretary@zlclodi.org). Alternatively, you may be able to borrow it via the library and it is available to rent via YouTube.
A Homeschool Support Program
