We are a Homeschool Co-operative located in Orange County, NY; Pike County, PA and Sussex County, NJ right where the the states meet.
L.E.A.P. (Learning Excellence Academic Program) is a community of Christian homeschool families cooperating since 1996 to educate, stimulate, and support one another in our calling to educate our children at home to “…bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4)
As a cooperative, of occasionally twenty-thirty families, L.E.A.P. meets every other week for a day of class group academics (“Regular Day”). On the alternating week a member family has the option to meet for a second day of various activities both academic and extra-curricular (“Alternate Day”). This also allows for some High School Credit classes to meet every week.
Classes are provided for children of all ages and grades, from Nursery through High School.
One of the purposes of L.E.A.P. is to provide experiences that homeschooled children can only experience in a co-op situation. Students experience being part of an academically oriented class in a classroom situation with a teacher other than their parent; they have a ready audience for their academic achievements; they receive report cards each semester; and practice group cooperation and appropriate competitive skills.
Regular Day Classes
Core classes include those best done in a group setting such as Gym, Drama, and hands-on Science. Electives may include art, book discussions, or home economics. Electives vary yearly.
The Alternate Day Classes
Alternate day classes provide enrichment courses such as Health, Writing classes, 4-H and additional classes in Art and Gym. Some academic classes may also be offered. While this day is designed for second grade and above, interested moms may develop a playgroup for the younger children.
High School
High School courses are often offered in addition to the above core classes and electives. These have included Spanish, English Composition, and High School Science Labs.
The L.E.A.P. Schedule
L.E.A.P. begins fall classes in early September and continues meeting every other week for six weeks, ending in late November or early December. Spring classes begin in late January and continue every other week for six weeks, through the month of April ending with a closing program and sometimes a formal Graduation Ceremony. There are a variety of additional annual events.
What is your responsibility if you join L.E.A.P.?
As a parent of a L.E.A.P. student, you will be assigned as a teacher’s assistant for three or four classes during the L.E.A.P. day. After your initial probation period, you will be assigned as a teacher for at least two classes, and continue assisting in other classes. You would be required to serve on one or more committees to assist with annual events.
If you join the L.E.A.P. co-op, you would be committing to being there every L.E.A.P. day. You would be committing to making sure your children have completed their L.E.A.P. assignments and arrive on time and prepared for classes.
L.E.A.P. requires a pastoral recommendation from every applicant, and the affirmation of a simple statement of faith.
What will it cost me?
Our basic fee is approximately $125/family/year. This basic fee includes individual membership to NYS L.E.A.H.
Additional smaller fees may apply based on which courses are chosen for your children or for elective field trips. A nominal fee of $7-$14 allows your family to join Orange County 4-H. An upfront fundraising fee may be required on an annual basis.
If you wish to attend on the Alternate Days, additional fees or responsibilities apply.
Those choosing to take lessons from outside instructors scheduled at LEAP will make payments to LEAP or directly to the individual teachers as instructed.
Location
L.E.A.P. will be meeting this year at First Assembly of God, Port Jervis, New York. Regular and Alternate Day hours are from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 2 or 3:15 p.m. depending on class choices.
Registration
Registration for all members takes place annually in June.
New applicants for membership should apply by July 1 (December 1 for spring) and attend an interview/orientation. All forms must be returned LEAP in their entirety by August 1 (January 1 for spring applicants.) Families will then be considered for membership.
“Back to School Night” for parents only is the evening of the last Thursday in August.
