If you lead a homeschool co-op, you know that February is when next year quietly begins.
Not officially.
Not publicly.
But mentally.
You start replaying this year in your head.
What worked beautifully.
Which classes felt great.
Which ones felt like a stretch.
Which mentors thrived.
Which ones were overwhelmed.
And slowly, decisions begin forming.
By spring, those decisions will be solid. Mentors will start training. Curriculum will be purchased. Schedules will be set.
But right now — you’re still shaping it.
And this stage matters more than most leaders realize.
The Hidden Pressure of Planning
Planning next year’s co-op schedule carries a quiet weight.
You’re not just choosing classes.
You’re deciding:
- What your community will spend its time studying
- Which mentors will carry responsibility
- How sustainable your leadership load will be
- Whether next year will feel energizing or exhausting
It’s tempting to default to what you’ve always done.
Reuse last year’s lineup.
Adjust a few titles.
Hope it works again.
But thoughtful planning now can prevent burnout later — for you and for your mentors.
Questions Worth Asking Before You Decide
Before you finalize your class list, consider:
- What classes truly served your families well last year?
- Where did mentors feel confident — and where did they struggle?
- Are you offering a healthy balance of literacy, numeracy, science, arts, and enrichment?
- Is there space for something fresh?
- Are you choosing curriculum because it’s familiar — or because it’s best?
- What is unique about next year’s student Cohorts? What do they need most?
These questions create clarity.
But clarity also requires exposure to options.
It’s difficult to make wise decisions if you only see what you’ve already used.
Why Exploring New Curriculum Matters
For co-op leaders, curriculum is different than it is for single-family homeschoolers.
You need materials that:
- Work in a group setting
- Respect varied ability levels
- Support mentors who may not be subject experts
- Create meaningful discussion and engagement
Not every resource is designed for that.
Previewing curriculum — especially hearing directly from creators — helps you evaluate:
- Scope and sequence
- Preparation expectations
- Supply needs
- Teaching support
- Flexibility for your unique group
That kind of insight is hard to get from a product description alone.
A Better Way to Plan
The Creator’s Market was created for this exact stage of leadership.
It’s not just an event.
It’s a planning tool.
It allows you to:
- See brand-new curriculum designed for co-ops
- Talk directly with creators
- Ask detailed questions
- Compare options
- Gather ideas before decisions are finalized
Instead of guessing, you gain perspective.
Instead of settling, you choose intentionally.
Instead of scrambling in August, you move forward with confidence.
Planning with Clarity
The goal isn’t to overhaul everything every year.
The goal is thoughtful alignment.
When your class offerings:
- Fit your community
- Support your mentors
- Reflect your values
- And are sustainable for leadership
Next year feels lighter.
If you’re still shaping your class lineup, this is the perfect moment to explore what’s available.
Registration for the Creator’s Market is free, and you’re welcome to invite potential mentors from your school as well.
Planning doesn’t have to be reactive.
It can be steady. Intentional. Clear.
And February is the right time to begin.