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As homeschooling rates continue to rise, organizations that foster the educational needs of young people continue to grow in Warren County.
The intention of ECHO (Enrichment + Christian Homeschool Opportunities) is to serve Christian homeschool families by creating consistent opportunities for connection, social interaction, and enrichment through group activities, shared experiences, and intentional encouragement for both children and parents.
A cooperative program that fosters a thriving community, this nonprofit's purpose is to enhance a parents’ right to educate their children. Families handle the core academics, while ECHO offers opportunities that go beyond the basics. From field trips to group learning, the co-op strives to support families with enriching subjects and opportunities that enhance the homeschool journey and foster a well-rounded education.
Over the past four years, Sarah Dispenza had an idea for a homeschool co-op in the back of her mind when she and her family moved to the area.
In March, Dispenza arranged for a speaker from the Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania, (CHAP) to visit Warren County. After a successful parents’ night, a handful of families next met to discuss different details on how to go about having a homeschool cooperative and it was decided to form it as a nonprofit.
When the decision was made to jump in to get started, Dispenza did not waste any time.
She noted, "Through my research of how to start with a larger group, I was kind of led to it. It makes the most sense to form a nonprofit because it’s cleaner, it’s easier, it’s just more straightforward." Dispenza added, "I want to do everything that I can to make sure that this co-op is not exclusively mine. I want it to be a thing that lasts for potentially a very long time and can grow and is not limited to me."
After forming a board and writing bylaws, it was decided that Dispenza will operate as the co-op director. Operating separately from the church, the classes will take place at the Warren Alliance Church at 278 Kinzua Road in Warren.
The group will meet for classes on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. On the fifth Friday of each month, extra things including field trips will be carried out. This fall, there will be six sessions. Dispenza explained, "Every family that is involved will have one parent that is actively participating and in an assigned role for co-op days."
Activities are available for all school aged children including nursery and preschool activities along with elementary classes in art, physical education, and STEM. Secondary students can participate in Christian ethics and debate.
Applications are being accepted now until Friday. For more information, visit echowarren.com Follow ECHO on Facebook, or send an email to: echowarrenpa@gmail.com