About Us
Eastern DuPage for Godly Education (EDGE) and their Friday co-op group Gym and Enrichment (G&E) were founded over twenty-five years ago to support, encourage, and instruct like-minded Christian Homeschool Families. EDGE began as a small gathering of families who met for gym activities but has since expanded to offer enrichment classes such as art, tumbling, dance, drama, science, and writing. Our group consists of Christian homeschooling parents and their children who volunteer their time and talents, collectively pooling their abilities so that many may benefit from a varied curriculum. EDGE has since been "relaunched" as EDGE Homeschool Cooperative. Same purpose and ideals, new(ish) name!
We are a group of approximately 40 families (with around 90 children) who meet at a church in Glen Ellyn on Fridays during the school year and hold a full day of classes: 2 periods in the morning, assembly, and lunch, then one more period in the afternoon. For more information, check out the FAQs below.
Have Questions?
What is a typical day at Edge Homeschool Cooperative like?
Our days are similar to a conventional school in some ways. We meet each Friday and hold classes with two periods in the morning and one in the afternoon, with an assembly and lunch period in between. Although some academic courses are offered, many of our offerings are enrichment-type classes such as art, music, and gym. Altogether, there are about 20 to 25 classes offered each semester. Check out a recent schedule of classes here to see examples of the courses offered and the timing of the day.
How much does it cost to join?
There is a registration fee for each child of $45 per semester in addition to the cost of class fees, which vary according to teacher and type of class. Also, each child registered for classes is required to purchase our uniform, an EDGE t-shirt, for approximately $10. A sample schedule from a recent semester is located here and will help you understand class fees.
Payment plans are available on an as-needed basis.
What is required to join the group?
Gym and Enrichment is a 12-week commitment each semester. Parents are required to help during two of the three class periods and take a turn once a semester to clean the building at the end of the day. Parents must also be in the building while their children are in classes. Class helper substitutions are the parent's responsibility if a family is home sick or out of town. Children are also expected to treat the teachers, fellow students, and the building with respect. Please get in touch with us for specifics on the rules of conduct and disciplinary code, which are outlined in the Parent Handbook. Being a born-again Christian is not required to join our group, but all teachers must sign our statement of faith.
What types of classes are offered?
We operate on an entirely volunteer, cooperative basis. Classes are taught by parents who submit their ideas to the committee. For this reason, we have an eclectic mix of classes that vary greatly from semester to semester. Some of our past offerings include Animation, Cross Stitch, Movie Critics, Concoctions and Contraptions, Mapping the World by Heart, Self Defense, as well as a variety of Gym classes, Craft and Art classes, Creative Writing, Science Lab classes, Music, Stories & Games for Preschoolers, and Public Speaking. Check out a recent description of classes here to see specific examples of classes offered.
Are there age or grade level divisions?
We attempt to offer classes to all age ranges, from preschoolers to teens. Each teacher determines the age group for their class. Students should be at the required age before the first day of the class. Check out our sample schedule to see how children are grouped. There is a nursery available which parents also staff.
Where do you meet?
We meet at a church in Glen Ellyn. If you would like to visit, please contact us for the address.
We are interested in joining. How do we proceed?
Before a new semester begins, there will be one or more parent meetings for interested families. Attending a parent meeting is mandatory for both parents before registering. We also welcome families to visit during one of our school days. Please use the contact form to request future dates or for any other inquiries.
