North Dakota homeschool co-op logs impressive growth in first year

Capstone, a faith-based homeschool co-operative in North Dakota, has already reached impressive heights within one year of its formation.

“The group has expanded so much that they’ve currently capped the number of elementary-age students involved and will be meeting at two separate locations in the fall,” writes RubyAnn Stiegelmeier for The Dickinson Press. 

The program caters to all grade levels, with over 70 students participating in projects including crochet sculptures, civics studies, cooking, and life skills classes. 

“We are not the kids’ primary educators,” said Lisa Aune, one of Capstone’s leaders. “As parents, you are their first educator, and you know them better than any brick-and-mortar school will know them. We spearhead topics and then the parents take it from there.” 

‘We are a Christian group’ 

Kari Roller, a parent who teaches the co-op’s civics class, led students in researching House Bill 1151, which contained regulations against cell-cultured proteins. 

Part of their hands-on experience involved finding a legislative sponsor and testifying at committee meetings at the state capitol, according to Stiegelmeier. 

“Our bodies are natural, and our foods should be too,” said homeschool student Cooper Rosenquist in a testimonial supporting the bill. He was featured in an article written by Jenny Schlecht for Agweek.  

The co-op meets weekly at Hillside Baptist Church and requires families to sign a statement of faith before joining. 

“We are a Christian group,” Roller said. “We vet tutors and you have to be a professing Christian to be part of the group.” 

While co-ops may not work for every homeschooled student, they can help families draw on the collective strengths of parents with a range of teaching backgrounds, Aune said. 

“We wanted to have an option for families who have a desire for deeper educational opportunities on a variety of subjects. Some students choose which topics they study through the co-op, and some parents choose for their students.” 

Parent Erika Kubas also praised co-op organizers for providing a safe space for her family to learn and grow. 

“We were on a search for something more,” she said, “not just an activity, but something to be part of.”