Brazos Valley Co-op Handbook
Please read carefully. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by the following guidelines.
Brazos Valley Co-op Statement of Faith
Parents’ Service Hours Requirements
Thank you for your interest in Brazos Valley Co-op (“BVC”). We are a Christian organization with teachers who teach from a biblical perspective. This handbook contains information and forms necessary to register for the school year. An online class catalog with full class descriptions completes the registration information.
The Brazos Valley Co-op exists to provide quality classes for homeschooled students that will enrich their overall educational experience. Our co-op is not designed to take the place of students being educated at home but to provide valuable opportunities to homeschooled students. We are a co-op, not a school, and not a business. Legal guardians (i.e., the person or persons legally responsible for the student(s) being enrolled) are ultimately responsible for their student’s education. Our co-op depends on the cooperation and participation of parents (or legal guardians), students, and teachers. (Hereafter, “parents” will include the role of “legal guardian.”)
Brazos Valley Co-op serves only full-time homeschooling families.
Each teacher strives to offer beneficial and superior classes. Our teachers have a degree and/or experience in their field of study. You, as the parent, are hiring the teacher as an individual. The co-op committee merely facilitates and organizes the class schedule. Teachers are independent and completely responsible for their course content. Some teachers may issue grades for their students, but parents are solely responsible for maintaining all records. Parents must decide if the work in a class is sufficient to meet their requirements as well as the state’s standards to classify as a credit. We make no representation as to any BVC course’s sufficiency to meet any standard for any student. Since we are not a school, we will not provide a transcript.
Parents have the primary responsibility to communicate directly with teachers about any concerns. Likewise, the teachers will notify parents directly with problems or students’ needs. Effective communication between parents and teachers is the key to a successful year. Failure to comply with the agreement below could result in dismissal.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
As a parent participating in BVC’s enrichment classes, I acknowledge that we are a Christ-centered community striving to serve one another in love. By enrolling my child in any class, I agree to the following:
1. Trust and Respect: I am entrusting my child to the care and leadership of the instructor during class time. I recognize that I am not present in the classroom, and I will refrain from criticism or judgment based on secondhand information. I trust the instructor to lead with the gifts and calling God has given them.
2. Christlike Communication: If I have a concern, I will follow the Biblical model of addressing it directly and respectfully (Matthew 18:15), seeking clarity and unity rather than division. I will assume the best and approach conversations with a spirit of grace and truth.
3. Honor and Encouragement: I will honor the time, effort, and prayerful preparation the instructor offers by encouraging them, not critiquing from the sidelines. I will teach my child to do the same, modeling gratitude and a heart of service.
4. Recognizing What I Don’t See: I understand that classroom responsibilities, challenges, and decisions may not always be visible to me. I trust that the instructor is doing their best to serve and shepherd the students well.
5. Unity in the Body of Christ: I recognize that we are one Body with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12–27), each serving in unique ways. I will strive to protect the unity of this co-op and support those serving in leadership with my prayers, words, and actions.
6. Grace Over Perfection: I acknowledge that no teacher, student, or parent is perfect. I will extend grace to others, just as I hope to receive it when I fall short. I will prioritize relationships and encouragement over control or complaint.
Parents are expected to model the behaviors expected of all students at BVC. They should be respectful to authority and kind and thoughtful in word and deed. They should not gossip, make disparaging remarks, or cause dissension. They should maintain a pleasant, cooperative attitude toward others. At all times, it should be remembered that co-op is a privilege which may be revoked if their own attitudes and behaviors are not acceptable. They should maintain an attitude of gratitude rather than entitlement. Parents should not be tardy in bringing their student to classes, and parents are responsible for ensuring that their student is completing their assignments and participating in class with a cheerful attitude.
The BVC Committee handles all issues through email. Please send any questions or concerns to our email address at co-opcommittee@brazosvalleyco-op.com. We make all decisions prayerfully as a group, and email provides the best mode to hear issues in the same manner, containing the same details. Please do not attempt to contact us on Fridays to discuss any issue that is not an emergency. Our mission on Fridays is to be with BVC students! Please do not call us during the week or ask for in-person meetings. We all have our own children to educate and households to maintain, so please respect our time by respecting the email only policy. We want to hear from you! We just need to do it in the most efficient manner that protects our own family time.
Please remember that we are unpaid volunteers who spend countless hours working to make BVC special and safe. There may be issues that we just do not have the time to afford proper consideration. The committee reserves the right to dismiss any student or family without due process in all issues which demand a greater investment of committee time than is actually plausible.
Brazos Valley Co-op will be successful only if everyone (parents, teachers, students, and co-op committee members) does their part. Parents are, of course, responsible for getting students to co-op on time, making sure any homework is complete, and paying the teachers promptly. We are fortunate that our co-op does not require extensive time involvement by all parents, BUT we do require that every family sign up for six (6) hours of duty during the school year (three (3) hours for families only enrolled in Pre-K). Just because the time commitment is minimal does not mean that it is not important. We cannot have co-op unless everyone helps.
Parents are completely responsible for their student(s) even while they are at co-op. This being said, we have instituted rules and guidelines which are to be enforced by teachers and parents.
The Brazos Valley Co-op began in 1994 when several moms wanted to find a way to enhance their home education programs. Our co-op has always been God-directed and has grown and changed over the years as He has led. Because of the growth in numbers of families involved, we were led in 2006 to seek a place where we could expand the number and variety of classes we can offer. In 2021, we again moved as we continue to grow, and we are privileged to use the facilities at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church.
The phone number, should you need to reach your student, is (254) 262-6611. This number is only operational on Fridays during co-op hours. Please DO NOT call the Columbus Avenue Baptist Church office for co-op issues.
A volunteer committee of homeschooling parents organizes the Brazos Valley Co-op. The BVC committee receives no compensation of any kind for their time. The co-op leadership committee evaluates the policies and classes annually. The committee is always available for suggestions. Decisions made are based on what the committee feels will benefit the co-op as a whole.
What the co-op committee does:
What we don’t do:
It is very important that we demonstrate a positive example of homeschooling and protect the facility we have so graciously been allowed to use. Observance of the following guidelines will ensure that co-op’s objectives will be met. They can be summed up in this way: Show thoughtfulness and respect toward the teachers, parents, other students, and our host church facility and staff. At all times our actions and attitudes should honor our Lord Jesus Christ. “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...” Col. 3:17.
We wish to thank the staff and congregation of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco for graciously opening their building to our co-op for the school year. We ask for the prayers and co-operation of each student, parent, and teacher to make the co-op a safe and God-honoring place. May the Lord bless each of you.
We believe the Holy Bible, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of man, and the Divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
We believe in one infinite, true God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Having lived without sin, He truly died and was resurrected in His own body for our atonement and resurrection.
We believe that only through His death, by the shedding of His blood, and His resurrection are we provided justification and salvation.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all mankind, for the believer to an everlasting dwelling with God, for the unbeliever to an everlasting, conscious hell without God.
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, to convict men of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service.
We believe that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman). We believe God has ordained and created marriage to exist between one man and one woman, with absolute marital fidelity. The Bible sets forth specific home and family values, which include the distinct roles of husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and children. It is our firm conviction that we uphold the dignity of each individual as we embrace the unchanging and long-standing principles of scriptural truth.
We believe in the imminent, bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Note: All teachers and families are required to sign this statement indicating their agreement with it.
Students promoting or participating in lifestyles, choices, or habits contrary to the BVC statement of faith will be dismissed. This applies to all students whether this conduct occurs inside or outside of co-op hours.
If an adult tells a student of a problem and he/she responds respectfully and corrects the problem, no further action will be taken. If the student is told of a problem by an adult and he/she responds disrespectfully, does not correct the problem, has repeated corrections, or if the offense is considered serious by the observant adult, the following procedures may be implemented:
Step 1: Parental Notification
A Co-op Committee member or the teacher will inform the parent of the situation and expect this adult to discipline the student accordingly.
Step 2: Parental Supervision
If a student requires further discipline, the student can be required to have a parent with him/her at all times (and walked to each class, the lunchroom, etc.). The student and adult are both expected to accept this discipline measure with good attitudes.
Step 3: Dismissal
Failure to comply with Step 2 or continued misconduct can result in dismissal.
Also, at the discretion of the co-op committee, some offenses, including but not limited to, possession of firearms or drugs; bullying; racial, vulgar, or sexual speech; etc., can result in immediate dismissal from co-op. Remember that dismissal for behavioral problems does not release the family from drop fee obligations. Area co-ops reserve the right to share the names of negligent families.
We, the committee, reserve the right to impose additional penalties at our discretion such as, but not limited to, community service hours, letters of apology, etc. Some of these may require parental involvement.
All disciplinary decisions made by the committee are final. We thank you in advance for your support and for partnering with us to provide a safe, Christian learning environment.
“It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself, if his conduct is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11
Co-op classes last twenty-eight (28) weeks from September 2025 through April 2026, and we meet on Fridays only. Please carefully consider your commitment when registering your student for co-op classes.
A non-refundable registration fee and lunch fee is required at the time of registration. This fee covers our rental agreement with Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, costs to maintain the websites, printing costs, parent and student ID cards, cleaning costs, insurance, security guard, and costs for various other supplies such as the following: tables, chairs, vacuums, etc.
You will also be required to pay a deposit for each class at registration. This deposit will essentially be your last month’s tuition for that class. You will need to write a check to each teacher for this deposit or submit payment via Venmo or Zelle (depending on teacher preference). This deposit is non-refundable, as teachers need this commitment to buy supplies and plan for their classes. **We will only accept the exact deposit/fee amount at registration. We will not accept semester or yearly fees at that time.**
Students may not enroll in a class outside of their grade level. If this occurs, the student will be moved out of class and the supply fee/deposit are non-refundable.
The fees for any class in which you register are due within 24 hours, even if you enrolled by accident or if you changed your mind about the class. You can drop/add, but you will lose those fees.
Midnight on September 12, 2025, is the last day to remove your student from a class without a drop fee penalty. (We must receive a drop form via email before midnight on this date.) Please note that the class deposit paid at registration is non-refundable. Please be considerate of the teachers and other students, and do not sign up for classes until you are sure your family will continue them throughout the year.
There is a thirty dollar ($30.00) drop fee per student, per class. Failure to pay these drop fees will result in forfeiture of the right to register for classes in the future until all accounts are current. Fees from the fall semester must also be paid in full to attend classes in the spring semester. You must inform the teacher that your student will be dropping a class. After informing the teacher, you must also contact the co-op registrar. (registrar@brazosvalleyco-op.com) Choosing to withdraw your student from co-op in the middle of the year, a disciplinary dismissal from co-op, or a disciplinary dismissal from class by a teacher does not relieve you of the responsibility to pay the drop fees for the classes. By registering for co-op, you are agreeing to pay these fees should a drop situation occur. Please refrain from asking the teachers to refund or waive these fees. If you have paid tuition for the semester or year, that tuition will not be refunded with a drop, but the drop fee will be deducted from that amount. The drop fee will be deducted from that amount once the current monthly payment amount is deducted. Any remaining payment due to cover the drop fee will need to be paid to the teacher at the time the drop form is received. (Drop form can be found on our website under forms tab. Please email this completed form to drop/change/add classes.)
***Drop fee for Pre-K is sixty dollars ($60.00) because it is a three hour class.***
Fees are due WITH the drop form. You can find the drop form on our website. Please email the completed form to co-opcommittee@brazosvalleyco-op.com. Your family is not removed from the roster until drop forms AND payments are received, and tuition accrues until you are officially dropped from the BVC records for the year. You are also responsible for all parent-duty requirements until the drop process is complete. Failure to pay fees may result in BVC taking appropriate legal action.
In the event of a teacher change for any class, all supply fees and deposits will be transferred to the new teacher. No refunds will be given in the event of a teacher change for the same class. If a class is canceled by co-op for any reason, the deposit for that class will be refunded. If you register for only one class and that class is canceled, then your registration fee will be refunded.
Tuition is based on the total cost of the class for the year and may be paid yearly, by semester, or by month. The semester payments are due the first of September and the first of January. The monthly payments are due on the first of each month. These monthly payments do not reflect the number of times the class meets in any particular month; they are installments for the year. ***If payment is not received before the tenth (10th) of the month, there will be an automatic ten dollar ($10.00) late fee applied to your tuition per student/per class. Remember that you can always mail tuition to your teachers, pay via Venmo, Zelle, and some accept Paypal. Tuition is not prorated by week. If you join midyear, you will pay tuition for the full month in which you are starting classes, even if it is not the first week of the month. (For example, if you begin classes the third week of September, you still owe for the full month of September.) You are not required to pay tuition for the months that you missed before you joined. (For example, if you join in December, you will pay the full month of December, but you will not owe for September - November.)
Tuition is paid directly to each teacher, on the first day of each month. In April, no payment will be due since you have already paid for that month with your deposit. If you prefer to pay by cash, please put it in an envelope with your student’s name and the class name on the outside.
If for any reason your student cannot be in class one day, do not expect the teacher to give you credit for the class. Teachers spend time preparing and are present teaching whether you are there or not. There will be no refunds for inclement weather or other unplanned cancellations.
If a teacher is absent without a substitute teacher present, you may subtract an amount for their payment based on the yearly scale. Please check with the teacher for the correct amount. Remember, class prices are based on yearly amounts divided by the number of classes in a year. Monthly payments are installments as a convenience to you. If you have already paid for the semester, the teacher will give you a refund.
BY ENROLLING YOUR STUDENT, YOU ARE MAKING A COMMITMENT TO PAY FOR THESE CLASSES FOR THE FULL YEAR. WE TRUST THAT EACH FAMILY WILL FULFILL THIS COMMITMENT.
Study hall tuition is $40.00 per semester (payable to BVC) and is paid the first Friday of each semester. You may find the payment amount and teacher information on the class description page. We do accept drop-ins for study hall for five dollars ($5.00) per class.
Please carefully read all the information in the Brazos Valley Co-op Handbook before submitting your registration. Only the parent or legal guardian(s) may register a student (not grandparents, etc.). Students must be five (5) years old on or before September 1st to enroll at BVC. (Pre-K students must be three (3) years old on or before September 1st and completely potty trained.) Take one class or a full day; it's up to you!
Only REGISTERED members of Brazos Valley Co-op will be allowed to register onto waiting lists. To be a registered family, parents must sign up for their entire year of parent duty, pay registration fee, owe no fines from previous years, and be accepted into the co-op after committee review. Without completing these items, a family is not considered a member of the Brazos Valley Co-op. Fees are not refundable unless the committee decides on review to reject a family application.
You may only add your student to a waitlist if they are NOT registered for another class that hour. In addition, please only add to one waitlist per hour (and only if you have not registered for another class). If the class you desire is full, and you do not want a different option that hour, you may put your student in study hall and then add to the desired waitlist.
Re-enrollment of current families is not guaranteed. The BVC committee reserves the right to refuse enrollment to any previously enrolled family if they have not complied with all BVC policies and guidelines as required. Families owing fines or drop fees from previous years will not be approved for registration. Fees from the fall semester must also be paid in full to attend classes in the spring semester.
If your student will be assisting in a certain class, we must have written approval from the teacher with your class registration form before this will be approved. Students must also fill out the online form using the “Classroom Assistant Form” on our website and agree to and sign the BVC Statement of Faith.
You are responsible for listing all special needs of your student on the Family Enrollment Application form. BVC is not equipped to handle special education needs, and the BVC committee reserves the right to revoke co-op registration to any student if it is found that the needs of that student are more than any teacher can handle without extra assistance (this includes educational or behavioral issues).
Enrollment is not final or complete until references are checked by the BVC committee. If registration is denied, all fees and deposits will be refunded. All previous schools will be contacted as references and for input into character and behavior, as well.
Parents will also be required to sign up for their parent duty service times.
If you are interested in registering for a class outside of your child’s grade range, please contact us after the August orientation meeting. If there is room in the class, and if the teacher has approved your request, we can add your student to the roster. Students may not enroll in a class outside of their grade level before the August orientation, AND you must have teacher approval. If this occurs, the student will be moved out of class and the supply fee/deposit are non-refundable.
The fees for any class in which you register are due within 24 hours, even if you enrolled by accident or if you change your mind about the class.
There is a mandatory Parent/Student Orientation Meeting on August 22nd, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Parents and students must attend. This meeting provides an opportunity to meet teachers, locate classrooms, and receive supply lists or syllabi. Failure to attend this meeting for ANY reason will require an additional two hours of parent duty. If you must miss this important gathering, we will contact you to help you sign up for the alternative duty option.
Student bag checks (including purses, jackets, etc.) may be performed at any time without prior notification.
Registration for co-op classes will not be considered complete without a specific service hour commitment for the school year. Only the parent or legal guardian may perform duty hours (not grandparents, etc.). Each family participating in co-op classes is required to contribute six (6) hours of duty time per year (three (3) hours for families only enrolled in Pre-K). A list of duties and hours counted is below.
Families who refuse to participate in these service hours will not be enrolled in co-op. Please check your email regularly and respond to the Duty Coordinator quickly so that she will not have to spend extra time tracking you down. BECAUSE OF THIS EXTRA BURDEN TO REACH FAMILIES, THERE WILL BE A FIFTEEN DOLLAR ($15.00) FINE IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THE DUTY COORDINATOR'S MESSAGE BEFORE NOON ON WEDNESDAY OF THE WEEK YOU ARE SCHEDULED. Fees from the fall semester must be paid in full in order to attend classes in the spring semester, and all fees must be paid in order to register for classes in the future.
Exact duties during the service hours are noted on the Parent Duty page of the website and will be available to you at co-op on the day of your service. You will sign up for all six hours (divided between fall and spring semesters) at the time of registration, so please bring your calendar for the entire school year. The service hours coordinator will honor the parents’ preferences as much as possible.
Cancellation of duty cannot be accepted unless you switch duties with someone. Both parties must notify the service hours coordinator. (servicehours@brazosvalleyco-op.com) Email reminders will be sent out each week to those who have duty. Failure to show up for duty leaves over three hundred (300) students unsupervised. A fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) for set-up, clean-up, lunch duty, and pick-up line duty; and one-hundred dollars ($100.00) for half day duty times will be assessed for failure to show for duty, and you must make up the day you missed. Repeated absences will result in dismissal from co-op. Remember that this dismissal does not exempt one from drop fees.
Please note that these requirements may change depending on the number of families enrolled in the co-op. We are very blessed to have such a small service requirement, and we will keep this requirement as low as possible while ensuring proper supervision of the students and monitoring of the facilities.
Monitors should also be familiar with the “Discipline Policy”, “Code of Conduct”, and “Dress Code” found in this handbook. All monitors should be watchful for safety issues, noise control, and maintenance of the church building and grounds. We do ask monitors to stay alert and focused on their responsibility and to be watchful of the entire area to which they are assigned. Doing other tasks, visiting with friends, etc., can interfere with the monitor’s primary responsibility to help ensure that the co-op is safe and orderly. All monitors have the authority to correct any student. Should a student not respond appropriately, please refer to the Co-op Discipline Policy detailed in this handbook. Diligent and responsible fulfillment of these monitor positions makes a significant impact on our co-op environment and enables BVC to function at its best in its service to the students, parents, and teachers.
Because of habitual tardiness for duty hours, there is a two dollar ($2.00) fine for EACH MINUTE that you are late. We cannot function without cooperation from each of our families. When you arrive for duty, be sure to do the following:
The committee will check this log each week and notify you if you owe a penalty. Thank you for your cooperation. Fees from the fall semester must be paid in full in order to attend classes in the spring semester, and all fees must be paid in order to register for classes in the future. |
**Parents may indicate on the registration form if they are willing to substitute for a set fee. All parents are still responsible for their service requirement, but they may call a parent on the list to cover for them. If you choose to call a substitute, you pay them directly. Both parties must notify the service hour coordinator about the substitution.
Substitute fees will be as follows:
The Duty Coordinator does not arrange for subs; the committee will only maintain a list of willing substitutes. There is a link to contact substitutes located on our homepage at www.brazosvalleyco-op.com. Parents who know in advance they will be unable to serve duty should arrange for a substitute well in advance (weeks or months in advance, not the week of duty). If you are unable to serve duty due to work, existing family situations, or recurring personal reasons, plan ahead. Locate substitutes now for your spring duty times. Don’t wait until the last minute. Arranging a substitute during your duty week is only permitted for parents with emergency situations preventing them from serving parent duty.
Parents will drop-off and pick-up students on the side entrance of the church on 13th street near the corner of Columbus and 13th (under the skybridge). For the safety of students exiting vehicles, BVC traffic will be one way on 13th Street. You will need to follow the proper flow of traffic for drop-off and pick-up. Please do not park in front of the entrance and wait for your student to come to the door at pick-up. If they are not ready to meet you, drive back around, and wait in line again to get them. The line will be on 13th Street, NOT blocking Columbus Ave. The BVC route goes along 14th Street, turns onto Barnard, and then turns again onto 13th Street. Drivers should not come down Columbus to turn onto 13th. NO DROP-OFF BEFORE 8:50am. Teachers will not be ready for students until that time.
Cones will block cars from parking next to the entrance. Do not park in the marked off spaces. All parking must be in the lots along Columbus across the street from the building. To ensure safety and efficiency during pick-up, there will be a parent outside communicating with the parent on duty inside the building. Parents must show their BVC ID card to the outside monitor who will then relay the student’s name to the indoor monitor. If you do not have your ID with you, you must park and present your driver’s license to a committee member inside the foyer to pick-up your student. There is a $10 fine if you do not have your ID for pick-up or for any other reason. If your student does not immediately come to your vehicle when their name is called inside by monitor, you must pull back around to the end of line, or you may park and come to the entrance to pick-up your student.
If you are sending someone else to pick up your student from co-op, you may send your BVC ID for pick-up with that adult, or you may contact the committee via email to let them know in advance that someone other than a parent is taking your student home. The committee member will let the pick-up duty monitor know this information.
“Tickets” will be given by security guards for any parent who parks outside of the designated area or who cuts into the line of traffic mentioned above.
This Enrollment Contract (“Contract”) is entered into and effective as of the date indicated below; this Contract must be executed by all legal guardians on behalf of each incoming student.
I understand that Brazos Valley Co-op is neither a school, nor is it a business. Therefore, I, not Brazos Valley Co-op, will be responsible for keeping all records, grades, and deciding if the work being assigned in class is sufficient to meet my standards and the state’s requirements to classify as course credit for my student. I understand Brazos Valley Co-op owes no duty to my student with respect to my student’s education requirements.
I understand that I must submit a Registration Fee of two-hundred, twenty-five dollars ($225.00) with this Contract and $10 per child/per year for the lunch fee if my child will be staying for lunch at any time during the year. By signing this Contract and submitting my non-refundable Registration Fee and lunch fees, I recognize that I am registering for a school-year-long commitment and that co-op classes are held weekly from September 5, 2025, until April 24, 2026 (28 weeks). I further understand I am guaranteeing I will pay all monthly or semester tuition in accordance with the payment policy. If I withdraw my student before the end of April 2026 from any class for any reason, I agree to pay the designated Drop Fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) per student, per class, regardless of the reason for withdrawal. If monthly tuition is not paid before the tenth (10th) of the month, each school month, a ten dollar ($10.00) late fee will be added per student, per class, per week.
I further understand that with the privilege of participating in the Brazos Valley Co-op comes the responsibility to perform service hours. I will check my email regularly and respond quickly to the Duty Coordinator. I will perform my service hours as required. If I am unable to perform my service hours on my original designated day, I understand I am responsible for locating another student’s legal guardian to perform my hours for me and I also understand I shall notify the Service Hours Coordinator of this change. I understand I will not be able to register my student for co-op next year if I am delinquent in paying tuition, the appropriate drop fees, any duty fines, or if I have not fulfilled my service hours. I further understand that I will be fined for missing my set duty time and that multiple absences will result in dismissal of my student from Brazos Valley Co-op. Fees from the fall semester must be paid in full in order to attend classes in the spring semester, and all fees must be paid in order to register for classes in the future.
I have received, read, and understand the entire, current Brazos Valley Co-op Handbook, and I have reviewed the same, in its entirety, with my student. I agree to abide by all guidelines and understand that my failure to do so may result in dismissal from Brazos Valley Co-op. I understand Brazos Valley Co-op reserves the right to deny participation to any student or family.
I agree to model respectful, kind behaviors in my interactions with teachers, other families, other students, as well as the Brazos Valley Co-op Committee. If there is conflict, I will not gossip, cause dissension, or spread malcontent within the Brazos Valley Co-op community. I understand and agree that inappropriate behavior on my part or on my student’s part may result in the dismissal of my family from co-op without recompense. I understand and agree that the decisions of the co-op committee regarding discipline, including disciplining of non-compliant adults/families, are final.
I will remember that the moms involved in the administration of Brazos Valley Co-op are volunteers and are not being compensated for their time. I understand that their decisions are for the good of BVC as a whole and are always prayerfully considered. Furthermore, in the case of an accident that results in injury to my student or myself, I agree to hold harmless Brazos Valley Co-op Committee members or Columbus Avenue Baptist Church for any damages or medical care/expenses. I further agree to pay for any item that my student damages or breaks at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church.
I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT AN EXPRESS PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO EXEMPT, WAIVE, AND RELEASE COLUMBUS AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH, BRAZOS VALLEY CO-OP, THEIR ADMINISTRATION, TEACHERS, AND VOLUNTEERS FROM LIABILITY FOR PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND WRONGFUL DEATH CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE, INCLUDING ANY NEGLIGENCE BY COLUMBUS AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH, BRAZOS VALLEY CO-OP, THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES, EXECUTORS, OR ANY OTHERS.
(This contract is signed digitally upon registration.)
Please read through this contract with your parents or legal guardian(s) and sign at the bottom.
(This contract is signed digitally upon registration.)
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among students that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems. Bullying and/or intentional cruelty in any form will not be tolerated at the Brazos Valley Co-op. Those discovered bullying will be subject to the disciplinary policy stated in the Brazos Valley Co-op, but might also have further and more severe consequences including the possibility of dismissal from Co-op without refund of any fees with withdrawal fees incurred as well at the sole discretion of the BVC committee and depending on other factors such as age, severity of the action, etc. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.
Medication/Medical Care Policy
If your student needs medication during the co-op day, a parent must bring the medication to the student and administer it. Do not send medication to co-op with your student. If your student has been diagnosed with a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment and/or continuous, daily administration of medication of any kind, please advise BVC upon registration. Likewise, if your student has an allergy that requires the potential use of Epinephrine (i.e., an EpiPen) or anything similar, please advise BVC upon registration.
Do I have to pay for classes?
Our co-op is fee-based. Teachers are paid monthly.
Do I have to sign up for a full day of classes?
Take one class or a full day; it's up to you!
My student is almost five, how can I register?
Students must be five years old on or before September 1st in order to register for classes. (Pre-K students must be 3 by September 1st and completely potty trained.)
How will I know about parent duty dates, special events, and general information?
You can always find all information on our website (find link on parent duty page), but the way we communicate with parents through email. Please check your email often so that you won’t miss important announcements! We also send out brief text messages with reminders.
May I send my student to study hall even though he isn’t officially enrolled that hour?
Yes, we do accept drop-ins for study hall for five dollars ($5.00) per class.
What if I can’t be there for my lunch duty or hall monitor duty?
You need to find another parent who is willing to trade/sub for you (click link on homepage to email sub list); then both parties must notify the service hours coordinator (email servicehours@brazosvalleyco-op.com). If you fail to arrive for your assigned date and time, there will be over 300 students without proper supervision. You also have the option of paying another parent on our substitute list. Failure to fulfill your set duty time will result in a fine. Multiple absences will result in dismissal from co-op. Fees from the fall semester must be paid in full in order to attend classes in the spring semester, and all fees must be paid in order to register for classes in the future. Parents who know in advance they will be unable to serve duty should arrange for a substitute well in advance (weeks or months in advance, not the week of duty). If you are unable to serve duty due to work, existing family situations, or recurring personal reasons, plan ahead. Locate substitutes now for your spring duty times. Don’t wait until the last minute. Arranging a substitute during your duty week is only permitted for parents with emergency situations preventing them from serving parent duty.
What does the registration fee cover?
The BVC registration fee covers our rental agreement with CABC, security, insurance, the cost of the websites, database, parent and student ID badges, any mailings, printing costs, tables, chairs, vacuums, whiteboards, cleaning fees, etc.
Some months only have 3 co-op classes and other months have 4 or 5 classes. Do I still have to pay the same amount each month?
Yes. Class fees are based on yearly prices, which are broken down into monthly payments as a convenience to the parents. Please read our complete payment policy.
Will co-op classes be canceled if there is bad weather?
BVC closures will be prayerfully decided upon by the BVC committee. If there is inclement weather, we will not delay classes but will close for the day. We watch to see the decisions of Baylor University and Waco ISD, but the final decision is made by the BVC committee, as some of our teachers and many of our families drive long distances to get to Waco. You will find closure announcements on our website, through email, and text. Teachers will not refund any fees for classes canceled due to weather. Please check the website before contacting committee members. Additionally, if we must cancel for any other unexpected reason (such as flu outbreak or facility issues), tuition will not be refunded.
What if my student leaves something at co-op?
There is a large plastic tub that is kept in the foyer during co-op hours. Any found items will be placed there. BVC donates items several times a year, so please check the lost and found often. Neither CABC nor BVC is responsible for lost or stolen items.
My student has special needs. Can I still register him for classes?
There is an area on the Family Enrollment Application form in which all special needs should be listed. Please contact the teacher before you register. You and the teacher can discuss whether your student will be able to take the class. It may be that the parent needs to stay with the student during class. BVC is not equipped to handle special educational or behavioral needs, and we reserve the right to revoke the student’s enrollment if we are unable to adequately handle these issues.
Why do I have to pay a deposit for each class?
Your deposit is needed by the teacher to guarantee your student’s spot in the class, to buy supplies needed, and make plans for a certain number of students.
Where is the link to download the Brazos Valley Co-op Handbook?
The link is on the top bar under Registration on every page of the web site.
Can I send a cell phone with my student so I can reach him?
Students may have cell phones with them, but they are not to be used during any class. If cell phones ring or are used during class, they will be taken by the teacher and returned at the end of class. Study hall is an exception, and the use of phones will be determined by the teacher. If your student requires the use of a cell phone for medical reasons, please advise BVC upon registration.
What about other electronic devices?
The best place for all electronic devices is at home. Students are less distracted during class and can have more social interaction between classes and at lunch if they don't have these devices. BVC reserves the right to remove electronic devices if the same are being used inappropriately at any time.
Can my student leave to go out for lunch?
BVC is a closed campus. If you would like your student to leave during lunch, you must be present to leave with them. You may not send written permission for your student to leave, even if they are driving themselves. If they leave the building, they need to leave for the day. No coming and going. Students loitering in the parking lot (even in a vehicle) is prohibited.
If the need arises for your student to leave for lunch with another adult (not another 18 year old student), you must email the BVC committee at least one week prior, requesting permission for the same, providing the adult’s full legal name as the same will need to be verified against a valid driver’s license on the day of pick-up for lunch. The BVC committee will consider the request and respond as quickly as possible. Permission will be granted only by committee and not the monitor on duty. The safety of all students is our top priority!
High school students have the opportunity to earn volunteer service hours. After successful completion of your service, we will give you a letter stating your hours of service and a letter of recommendation. This letter is valuable to your student when applying to college. Almost every college wants to know what incoming freshmen have to offer outside academics. Volunteering for a semester or a year shows a great deal of commitment.
No experience necessary. You must have transportation to be able to arrive early or stay late. Hardworking, reliable students may apply.
Service is needed in the following areas:
See committee member, Christi Vaughan, for an application to volunteer.
August 22, 2025 | Mandatory parent/student meeting 10:00am |
September 5, 2025 | Co-op classes begin – monthly and semester payments due |
September 12, 2025 | Last day to drop classes without paying a drop fee (before midnight) |
September 19, 2025 | |
September 26, 2025 | BVC Shirt & Mustache Day |
October 3, 2025 | Monthly payments due |
October 10, 2025 | |
October 17, 2025 | |
October 24, 2025 | |
October 31, 2025 | Literary or Historical Character Dress Up Day |
November 7, 2025 | Monthly payments due |
November 14, 2025 | |
November 21, 2025 | |
November 28, 2025 | Thanksgiving Break - No classes |
December 5, 2025 | Monthly payments due |
December 12, 2025 | Last day of classes for first semester - Christmas Shirt Day |
December 19, 2025 | Christmas Break - No Classes |
December 26, 2025 | Christmas Break - No Classes |
January 2, 2026 | Christmas Break - No Classes |
January 9, 2026 | Class schedule resumes (Tuition due before 1/10 unless paying by cash/check) |
January 16, 2026 | |
January 23, 2026 | |
January 30, 2026 | Pajama Day |
February 6, 2026 | Monthly payments due |
February 13, 2026 |
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February 20, 2026 | |
February 27, 2026 | Crazy Hair/Hat Day |
March 6, 2026 | Monthly payments due |
March 13, 2026 | Spring Break - No Classes |
March 20, 2026 | |
March 27, 2026 | Backwards Day |
April 3, 2026 | Good Friday - No Classes (No payments due – deposit covers the last month) |
April 10, 2026 | Open House 10am-1pm (come and go) |
April 17, 2026 |
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April 24, 2026 | Last day of co-op - BVC Shirt & Crazy Sock Day |