No.  It’s important to understand that the group seeks Christian-based learning environments for our children and that participants are expected to be involved in all aspects of the experience as their consciences and beliefs allow.  Those with beliefs that are counter to broad Christian tenets will find it difficult to participate fully and may wish to look elsewhere for their educational experiences; however, those whose spiritual beliefs and practices, though not Christian, allow for participation in things like prayer and meditation, study of Christian faith traditions, the study of Christian scriptures, and following the examples of Jesus in terms of inclusiveness and a lifestyle that embraces peace, justice  and non-violence will feel comfortable in this environment.

Home schooling parents are expected to be fully involved in their children’s education.  They will be available to teach or supervise one class/activity per semester, either on- or off-campus.  Parents attend the meetings of the SWGAHS group and at least one parent should be on a standing committee.  Parents agree to tutoring, administrative and other fees as required.  Families will participate in an orientation to the home school group and the Koinonia Community prior to becoming part of the home school group.  This ensures that all families understand the educational and spiritual environment to which they will be committing. Families are encouraged to participate in the life of the Koinonia Community by attending community meals at noon, potluck suppers, study sessions and/or chapel in the mornings. 

It costs nothing to be part of SWGAHS; tutoring and other fees set by the Koinonia Cooperative Home School (KCHS) will change as the number of students and available tutors change.  Tutoring fees requested this year (09-10) did not exceed $70/month per child, while administrative and other fees maxed out at $100/month per family.  Fees for 2010-11 will be posted soon.

Yes.  SWGAHS is an organization of home schooling parents who have chosen to pool their resources to find tutoring and cooperative alternatives for the education of their children.  For the past two years, this has meant participating in KCHS and helping to develop KCHS cooperatively with Koinonia into the group that best suits our needs.

Families in SWGAHS represent both ends of the political spectrum.  The group has no declared political agenda or leanings.  The Koinonia community has a history of being misunderstood in its own home of Sumter County.  It was a racially diverse community long before the civil rights movement and was a cultural and spiritual pariah during the movement.  Basing their practices on Jesus’ teachings of love, justice and peace, Koinonia community members lived in direct opposition to racism, militarism and materialism.  This unpopular and misunderstood lifestyle made them the target of bombs, boycotts and labels like “communists” and “dirty hippies.”  These names led many to believe that Koinonia was a leftist or anarchist community.  However, Koinonia members did not nor do they now embrace political labels, but rather choose to do what they believe is being faithful to the teachings of Jesus, however the culture around them chooses to label it.

Yes.  All families in SWGAHS have unique circumstances that may require special attention.  It is at the discretion of the group that a family may be allowed to adjust their participation as necessary.  We all have special needs from time to time and want to treat each family with the flexibility and understanding that we would wish for our own families.