Homeschool Co-op

The Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine Homeschool Co-op was founded in September of 2018 to provide an atmosphere to pray together in a traditional Catholic setting while educating our children in wisdom and virtue. Through the Holy Mass, rosary, and co-op classes, we hope to cultivate truth, goodness, and beauty in the hearts of the students who attend.

The children in our co-op are divided into five groups:

• Ages 0-2: playroom
• Ages 3-5: Savio group
• Ages 6-7: Francisco group
• Ages 7-8: Bosco group
• Ages 9-10: Goretti group
• Ages 11-14: Aquinas group

2020-2021 School Year

Registration is now open for all previously enrolled families. New families may contact Heather Stein on our contact form to inquire about openings for the coming school year.

Please note that plans for the coming school year are contingent on public health regulations.

Our co-op meets three Thursdays per month. We are in session during the months of September through November, and January through April.

Schedule:

• 9am Traditional Latin Mass
• 9:50am Morning classes
• 12:05pm Angelus and optional lunch/playtime
• 1:15-2:45pm Optional afternoon classes

Annual co-op fees:

• $100 registration fee per family
• $25 per student fee for morning classes
• $25 per student fee for afternoon classes  
• No fee for children ages 0-2

Co-op class days:

• Sept 10, 17, 24

• Oct 8, 15, 22

• Nov 5, 12, 19

• Jan 14, 21, 28

• Feb 11, 18, 25

• Mar 11, 18, 25

• Apr 15, 22, 29

Bonus activities for the year:

• August  - Saturday picnic with families
• December - Thursday advent gathering
• May - Saturday showcase and end-of-year party for co-op families

Classes and course descriptions:

• Literature - Francisco (morning): Beautiful picture books are read aloud and discussed in this literature class for ages 6-7. Picture books are selected from genres such as: Catholic stories, fairy tales, folk tales, beautiful poetry and/or beautiful artwork. Our guided discussions of each story center on our Catholic faith, virtues, essential truths, and the beauty of art and literature.
   

• Literature - Bosco (morning): Beautiful stories are read aloud and discussed in this literature class for ages 7-8. Each week, we read a selection from the Once Upon A Time Saints stories. The second story we read each class session is a picture book selected from genres such as: Catholic stories, fairy tales, folk tales, beautiful poetry and/or beautiful artwork. Our guided discussions of each story center on our Catholic faith, virtues, essential truths, and the beauty of art and literature.
   

• Literature - Goretti (morning): Chapter books, short stories, and poems are read aloud and discussed in this literature class for ages 9-10. Students may follow along in their own books at the teacher reads. Our guided discussions center on our Catholic faith, symbolism, virtues, essential truths, and the beauty of art and literature.
   

• Literature - Aquinas (morning): This class uses elements of literature to learn about and interpret primarily classical literature in the form of novels, short stories, and poetry to help us better understand truth, morality, goodness, beauty, and our Catholic Faith. Students are given reading assignments as homework that should take no more than half an hour for average readers, as well as very small writing assignments to help them not only remember what they read, but also to begin digesting the week’s reading. Students also complete a final project both in co-op and at home as the culmination of their work in class.
   

• Art - Francisco, Bosco, Goretti, Aquinas (morning): In art class we learn both to appreciate art and to create it. This year we will begin with the Renaissance and continue working our way through art history and, as much as possible, we will incorporate art with Catholic theme. We will learn about artistic concepts and methods of creating art, putting them into practice in our own creations. We get a little messy but have a lot of fun! Please note: this year we are dividing the art class into four age groups rather than just two. The classes will all learn about the same periods, pieces, and artists but their projects will vary based on age level so that each group's strengths and abilities are maximized.
   

• Music - Francisco, Bosco, Goretti, Aquinas (morning): This class teaches the fundamentals of music through a singing-based approach based on the methodology of Justine Ward. Children learn how to sing with a healthy technique, how to think musically, discern pitches, rhythm, and read musical notation though pedagogical exercises, traditional Gregorian Chant, Catholic hymns and appropriate secular folk songs. The seasonal votive antiphons to the Blessed Virgin Mary are be included in the repertoire. Please note: although this course is mostly the same for these two age groups, the students are separated into two levels (Francisco/Bosco and Goretti/Aquinas) in order to better tailor the work to these two age groupings.
   

• Preschool/Kindergarten Learning Center - Savio (morning): This class consists of a short story time, an art project, and snack time. Age-appropriate free play activities are also available for the children.
   

• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Savio (morning and afternoon): Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Sacred Scripture, Catholic doctrine, the liturgy of the Church, prayer, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. In this unique class, children use hands-on materials to understand the meaning of Baptism and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, reflect on Gospel passages describing important moments in the life of Christ as well as several Parables, develop their personal prayer, and come to know and love Jesus, the Good Shepherd. This class is be taught by a trained catechist who is certified through the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and is specifically adapted to the Traditional Latin Mass and traditional liturgical calendar.
   

• Crafting the Liturgical Year - ages 6-14 (afternoon): Teachers and students will survey the liturgical calendar, highlighting special feast days and saint days throughout the year. The students will learn about the various feasts and create crafts to complement their significance and provide a meaningful keepsake from the class.
   

• Latin - ages 6-9 (afternoon): Students will be introduced to the Latin language with the fun and engaging Song School Latin program. Short videos, songs, fun worksheets, and games are used to teach children about the language of the Church.
   

• Ballet - ages 6-8 (afternoon): The instructor will present basic technique and terminology in a fun way! Ballet attire such as leotards and ballet shoes are not required; children will need socks if not using ballet shoes.
   

• Beginning Speech & Debate - ages 10-14 (afternoon) This class will help the children to practice the art of presentation and communication. Using activities and critical thinking, the students will be able to write and present on many different topics as well as respond to questions about their topics. Debate will be briefly introcuded in these activities.
   

• Theater - ages 8-14 (afternoon): Students will work together on a production to be performed for family and friends!
   

• Needlework - ages 6-14 (afternoon): Students may choose projects involving crochet, knitting, embroidery, and quilting.
   

• Board games - ages 6-14 (afternoon): Children may choose from a variety of board and card games during a supervised game time. Parents will be present to help instruct the students in games which are new to them, and to help as moderators for the games.