About St. Augustine Co-op

Combining the best of homeschooling and in-person learning

Equipping Kids

We encourage curiosity, play, and problem-solving, enabling kids to develop skills to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and enthusiasm.

Empowering Families

Our program prioritizes partnerships with parents and guardians, recognizing them as the primary educators, and supporting them with enrichment programs and support.

Embracing Individual Growth

Your students will not be restricted or measured by grades. We focus on individual strengths, interests, readiness, and personal progress.

St. Augustine Co-op Programs

The co-op offers drop-off enrichment programs for kids ages 7-13 from September to May. The programs are structured into three semesters: Fall, Winter, and Spring (check out the 2024-2025 co-op calendar here). Each day's program runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • 2-Days/Week

    Our two-day-per-week program, "Foundations in Learning," is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and emphasizes core subjects. Each day features a blend of hands-on learning activities that cover a wide range of topics, from math and language arts.

    Homeschool Co-Op

  • 1-Day/Week

    Our one-day-per-week program, "STEAM Enrichment," is held on Fridays, and offers Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math learning experiences designed to inspire creativity and critical thinking.

FAQs

Don't see the answer you're looking for? Reach out to us at STAcooperative@gmail.com, and we'll gladly assist you.

  • The co-op meets at the Riverview Club located in St. Augustine Shores. The address is 790 Christina Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32086.

  • Before serving children at St. Augustine Co-op, all personnel and volunteers must:

    - Complete a screening application.
    - Pass a background check.
    - Complete a sexual abuse awareness training course.
    - Complete a first-aid training course.

    These steps ensure the safety and well-being of the children in our care and maintain the trust placed in our organization by families and the community.

  • The co-op's learning environment is not religious.

  • A supply list will be provided and will include items such as notebooks and pencils. Anything else needed for the co-op is included in your tuition. From time to time we might ask you to bring something for a special activity.

  • No. The co-op is designed to supplement your homeschooling experience, not the other way around.

  • While there won't be regular homework, occasional memorization practice may be helpful, and older students may have research or writing assignments from time to time. Additionally, if students participate in science and history fairs, they will need to work on their projects outside of co-op.

  • No! We love our traveling families. We may even take a day to learn about where you're going or what you're doing! When you get back, kids will have the opportunity to share about their experiences.

  • The co-op is designed as a drop-off program, but parents are welcome to stay anytime. The safety of our kids is paramount, so we kindly request the completion of our screening and child safety training protocols beforehand. If you plan to stay consistently, please reach out to STAcooperative@gmail.com.

  • As this is our first year, we are not adequately prepared to support the needs of kids who require significant support beyond general education.

  • We promote healthy lifestyle choices, and as such, we encourage parents to ensure their kids have a good breakfast before dropping them off and refrain from sending sugary treats unless it's a special occasion. Additionally, please avoid sending items containing Red Dye 40. This helps us maintain a conducive environment for learning and supports healthy habits.

    We ask about allergies during enrollment and will let you know if there are certain foods to avoid bringing.

Meet Melissa Albanes, Director

Hi, I'm Melissa, a homeschool grad and homeschool mom here in St. Augustine. My husband, Gabe, and I have been co-homeschooling while co-working in the tech space since 2019. In other words, and like many parents, we've been human ping-pong balls! And, as it turns out, there are a few of us human ping-pong balls down here in St. Augustine, and the ability to lean on a "village" is a real need.

That's why, along with our co-op families and board of advisors, we decided to create St. Augustine Co-op. We're excited about our mission to foster an environment that supports homeschool families, helping kids master core subjects, explore their interests, and pursue their unique paths to success in a FUN and friendly setting. I hope you'll consider joining us!

Melissa's Professional Biography for Step Up for Students:

Melissa holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Geneva College in Pittsburgh, PA. She is the director of St. Augustine Co-op and co-founder of Valyr, a local web and software development company. Before Valyr, she spent over a decade in product marketing and solution architect roles in the tech space. Additionally, she supported the National Children's Study at NICHD and has over 20 years of experience serving in church programs for kids.

We are excited about the possibility of your family joining our community and will reach out to you as soon as space becomes available.