Core Classes & Pods
Core Classes
Core Day meetings are the heart of NorthGate Homeschool Co-op. Core Day students participate in enriching courses from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, September through May. Please note we do not meet the first week of January.
Tuition for Core Members:
$125 (1 child)
$150 (2 children)
$175 (3 children)
$200 (4+ children)
Core Day 1
1st Thursday
Music, STEM,
Life Skills Lab
Core Day 2
3rd Thursday
Music, Art,
Story Studio
Pre - K
1st & 3rd Thursday
Pre-K (1st & 3rd Thursdays)
Our Preschool offers a joyful and enriching environment for children 3 to 4 years old to learn, play, and grow together. Sessions include hands-on crafts and activities, lesson themed snack times, lively music and movement and engaging story time designed to spark imagination and social connection. Parents with preschool kids will rotate in helping facilitate activities and providing snacks, creating a fun, community-driven experience for both kids and caregivers.
Music (1st & 3rd Thursdays)
Get ready to rock and roll in Music class! We will explore music in a variety of styles, learning about composers, instruments, and some basic music theory along the way. For 2025-2026, we will be focusing on ragtime, jazz, rock, and other popular genres. Students will listen to great music and enjoy creative rhythm exercises, singing, and fun hands-on activities. Come join the fun with Dr. Emma James, who holds a PhD in Music Theory and brings many years of experience teaching music to this class.
STEM (1st Thursdays)
In this hands-on STEM class, students will explore the exciting world of engineering and design through creative building challenges. Using a variety of materials, they’ll experiment with balance, stability, and strength as they construct bridges, towers, and other imaginative structures. This class encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking through fun, engaging projects.
Life Skills Lab (1st Thursdays)
Join us in Life Skills Lab, where students learn practical skills for everyday life! This hands-on class introduces students to the basics of independence and responsibility through fun, age-appropriate activities. From simple food preparation to basic home repairs, personal organization, money sense, and public speaking, students will explore real-world skills that build confidence and problem-solving abilities.
Art (3rd Thursdays)
Come get creative in Art class! Students will be exposed to a variety of styles, art techniques, and artists, building a solid foundation for future art lovers and artists alike! We’ll work with a variety of media, including tempera and watercolor paints, pencil, and paper arts while exploring art movements from around the world. Each class will include hands on lessons and the chance for students to bring their ideas to life!
Story Studio (3rd Thursdays)
Step into Story Studio, where creativity takes center stage! In this class, students will explore the power of storytelling through writing, performance, and collaboration. From crafting original stories and comic strips to scripting and performing skits, puppet shows, and short plays, students will bring their ideas to life in imaginative ways.
For families with babies and/or toddlers:
Our toddler room is a nurturing, play-based space designed for children ages 2 and under to safely explore their world with the support of loving caregivers. Through age-appropriate toys, sensory activities, music, and story time, toddlers develop early social, emotional, and motor skills in a gentle and engaging environment. Parents of children aged 2 and under will rotate as leads in the toddler room to provide all parents a place to serve in the co-op.
Pods
Pods are exciting additional opportunities offered by NorthGate Homeschool Co-op. Both Core Day members and other families are welcome to join our pods. (See pod descriptions below for pricing.)
Nature Pod
free for Core members; $25 for a la carte
Explorer Pod
free for Core members (+ field trip fees); $25 for a la carte (+ field trip fees)
Middle School
Meet-ups
$50/child for the year
Nature Pod
Nature Pod provides an opportunity for students to make real connections with God's Creation, building upon their understanding through hands-on experiences. Each session includes instruction on a specific topic with a related activity.
Designed for various ages (4-12 years)
For all seasons (dress for the weather!) Meets on 2nd & 4th Fridays at 1PM at Amherst State Park
Additional nature-based field trips & experiences will be scheduled throughout the school year
This pod membership is free for those enrolled in Core Day programming, and offered at a low cost of $25 for everyone else.
Explorers Pod
Get ready to hit the road with Explorers Pod—a field trip-focused group where learning comes to life beyond the classroom! Each month, students will embark on exciting adventures to local destinations such as museums, nature centers, cultural sites, and community landmarks. These experiences spark curiosity, build real-world connections, and inspire a deeper understanding of the world around us.
This pod membership is free for those enrolled in Core Day programming and offered at a low cost of $25 for everyone else. The cost of Explorer Pod field trips is the responsibility of each individual family. Note- Must have Venmo or PayPal to transfer field trip fees to organizing parent.
Middle School
Meet-Up
Join us each month for Middle School Meet-Up—a fun, relaxed gathering where students grades 5-7 can connect, unwind, and build community! Each gathering features a unique theme with engaging activities like games, crafts, challenges, or mini-projects, all designed to spark creativity and teamwork. Enjoy tasty snacks, make new friends, and participate in team-building experiences that strengthen individual social skills and a sense of belonging.
Membership is $50 per child for the year, the cost of which covers food, prizes, and other supplies. This is a drop off program from 5:30-7:00pm.