Jump to: Survey | Why Homeschool? | About Us | Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome!
We are exploring the development of a parent-led homeschool co-op hosted at our campuses in Lodi and/or Valley Springs with an aim to begin in the 2026 late-summer/early fall timeframe. 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 child.
We are in the early planning stages of this ministry endeavor. Before we move forward, we’d love to hear from local homeschool families and families considering homeschooling about what you may be looking for and how we can best support you! Would you consider spending a few minutes helping us? Your feedback will help us decide whether there is enough interest and what kinds of classes, schedules, and costs might work best.
We have two survey options below. The quick version and the less-quick version.
- The quick version will provide some big-picture feedback and should take just 2-3 minutes.
- The less-quick version will provide much more detailed information but would be significantly more helpful as we develop and determine specifics of the program. It may take 10-15 minutes.
Please help us gauge interest and feel free to share our site with other families in the area.
The quick version.
(~2-3 minutes)
The less-quick, but more helpful, version.
(~10-15 minutes)
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.
About Us
Lutherans have had a heart for education since our inception over 500 years ago and is why our church body, 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.
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.
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 our Lord 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.
- 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, homeschool is very accommodating and aim for the co-op to be likewise.
- Financial
- How much will you charge? We are investigating that very question. Obviously there will have to be some cost as we will be needing to cover the expenses of administration as well as those of the location. However, as a homeschool co-op we will be working together leaning on each other to teach, assist, help with meal times, facility maintenance, custodial, etc. Please consider responding to our survey above to help us with this determination!
- Will there be any discounts 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.
- How much will you charge? We are investigating that very question. Obviously there will have to be some cost as we will be needing to cover the expenses of administration as well as those of the location. However, as a homeschool co-op we will be working together leaning on each other to teach, assist, help with meal times, facility maintenance, custodial, etc. Please consider responding to our survey above to help us with this determination!
