Roots and Shoots

Co-Op

OUR BEGINNING

Roots and Shoots Co-Op (RSC) started in 2021 with three homeschooling moms and a vision. Amanda, Gita, and I (Michelle) decided to start a little co-op in our homes to enrich our homeschool year. It was one of the most rewarding homeschool experiences we had ever had. I got to teach a class about botany and another about cooking, Gita taught our children beautiful hymns and anatomy, Amanda used tea and goodies to supplement a poetry and art course, and taught physics too! We even had holiday parties together! Our kids (both school-aged and not) loved learning together, we moms got to use our talents and passions to teach and bless each other’s kids, and we got a beautiful taste of real, Gospel homeschool community. Co-op was the highlight of our week, and we knew God had given us something so good that we had to share it with other like-minded and like-hearted homeschoolers.


Michelle Hering

Director and RSC Co-Founder

Michelle has been a homeschool mom for 7 years. Before homeschooling her kids, she was an English teacher, teaching everything from English 7 to AP English. She has her BA in English and her MA in Education. She believes good education covers the whole student, including their heart, soul, mind, and body.  Michelle loves a good book, a hot cup of Earl Grey Cream Tea, and her garden. She also strongly believes playing Christmas music in July is crazy.

Amanda Sayles

Middle School Coordinator and RSC Co-Founder

Amanda is married to her cool husband, Josh. They have four kids. She has been homeschooling for 9 years, using Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education the last 4. She enjoys curating books and reading them with her kids, while drinking espresso. She loves coffee, but it's usually cold before she finishes her cup. She also firmly believes Christmas music can officially begin to be played in July.

Gita Thompson

Chapel Coordinator and RSC Co-Founder

Gita has been homeschooling for 6 years now. Prior to staying home with her kiddos, she was a Registered Nurse, working in the NICU. She and her hubby, Jonathan, have two littles with whom they enjoy camping. She has a big heart for family discipleship and seeing little ones come to know Jesus. Giving, receiving, and eating food is her favorite pastime.

Kari Zauner

Financial Coordinator

Kari has been homeschooling her two sons for 3 years. She loves getting to experience the "aha!" moment when one of her boys grasps a new concept. Kari has a knack for spreadsheets and a keen eye for details, and she keeps our co-op's financials in order. Her favorite pastime is going for a solo walk and listening to a good podcast, while enjoying some fresh air. She will gladly drive a few cities over just to find a good dessert.


OUR GOALS


  1. To create Gospel community with like-minded and like-hearted people for both adults and children
  2. To prepare a space where our kids can be enchanted with learning and learn with and from one another
  3. To act as the body of Christ, offering our talents and passions to support one another as we disciple and teach our children
  4. To help our kids see how the Bible spans all things and all school subjects
  5. To show our children that our minds are of God and He is in our school subjects
  6. To support Christian homeschoolers
  7. To train our kids in godly character, uniting their spiritual and intellectual growth





 OUR PROGRAM

Once a week, your student will come to our program and get to take two enrichment classes with a nutrition break and recess time in between classes. Your student's day will begin with chapel, where we will worship, hear from God's Word,  memorize Scripture together, and even build community with Show And Tell time. Do you have younger kids over the age of 3? We have an awesome preschool class with a gentle curriculum and play-based approach to learning available to you too. There will also be class parties and optional field trips  class parties.

 

  • Enrichment Classes 
  • Chapels
  • Holiday Class Parties
  • Field Trips
  • On-Campus Class for Younger Siblings 3+ and Potty Trained


 

OUR CURRICULUM

We provide enrichment classes, designed to be supplementary to what you are already doing with your kids at home. So quite simply, we don't have a curriculum. You are your kids' teacher; we're just here to help!

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