Join Queen of Angels Cooperative Academy
Our Service
Invigorating Classes
Restful Catholic Classical Education
Integrated Humanities Program
Natural Sciences & Technology
Sacred Music & Art
Living Latin
Performing Arts
PLUS yearly Tutor Training Sessions
Restful Routines
Five 6-week learning terms
Exclusive Morning Time plans designed for our co-op families
Liturgical Lunch end-of-term celebrations
Advent-Epiphany, Holy Week-Easter, and 1-week breaks between terms
Vibrant Community
Queen of Angels Home Educators network membership required
Field Trips, Service Projects, & Feast Day Gatherings
Fellowship & Support from experienced homeschoolers and new friends
Your Commitment
Honor
Abide by and teach Catholic Doctrine. Homeschool in accordance with State Law. Honor commitment, both yours and others. Do what you say you will do. Ask for help if you need it. Help others to the best of your ability. Keep a positive attitude. We are here to support each other. Be flexible. We are a diverse group. We try to honor everyone’s needs and opinions, but we can’t be everything to everyone. We do our best for the good of everyone. Try to always extend grace first. Pray for us and we will pray for you. Be joyful in all you do and do all for the glory of God!
Prepare
Be prepared for your weekly responsibilities. If you are leading a class, have all materials ready prior to arriving on Academy days. Arrive early to give yourself time to setup, to help others set up, and to give your students time to settle in for the day. Make arrangements for times you can’t be there. Ensure your students are also prepared. Purchase the required books and materials. Reading assignments and projects need to be completed on time. You are still in charge of your child’s education and may make adjustments to meet their needs. Just inform the tutor of any changes. Tutors put a lot of time and effort into their classes. Honor them by doing your part.
Serve
One parent is expected to serve for two class periods every week by leading one class and co-leading another. Other volunteer opportunities include planning field trips and service projects or coordinating end-of-term liturgical lunches. New parents are not expected to lead their first year, but we do encourage you to learn beside your students and our guides in the classes you co-lead. The rest of the time you are free to do as you please…enjoy quiet prayer in the chapel, sit in on a class, or just chat with other parents. All volunteers are required to submit proof of Virtus training through the Diocese of Gary and complete a background check.
Instruct
At home. Parents have the flexibility to choose and maintain their personal curriculum at home, while still enjoying a "group learning" experience in a restful Classically Catholic environment. Parents are expected to provide their students’ core education in mathematics and language arts in the Beginner and Grammar levels. Our Logic and Rhetoric levels feature a complete "just add math" curriculum. Allow your students adequate time and offer the necessary support and resources to complete assignments. We highly discourage families from enrollment in other complete academic or full-day programs or tutorials (Seton, MODG, etc) as we have found the workload in conjunction with Academy expectations to be contrary to our goal for restful education. Maintain records. We do not provide grades, only feedback. Parents are responsible for tracking grades, attendance, transcripts, and any other records required by State Law and college applications. Parents of Logic and Rhetoric students will receive access to our grade and transcript tracker, through which they can view and edit their student's coursework. Pursue your own education, too. Participate in our Tutor Training Retreat and Coffee & Conversations. Read the Great Books. Our members also receive summer access to ClassicalU, a powerful training tool for Classical Educators!
Your Investment (2023-2024)
Registration Fee
Due at Registration, deadline June 1st$215/family
Tuition
Includes Book Rental, Due August 1stLittle Angels Preschool (3-5 years): $100/student
Open only to families with older students enrolled
Beginner Level: $150/student
Grammar Level: $250/student
Logic Level: $400/student
Rhetoric (High) School Enrollment Options
Include Book Rental, Due August 1stFull Co-op Tuition: $600/student
Drop Off Tuition: $800/student
Rhetoric students may choose the drop off option, which exempts families from teaching expectations. This option is only for Rhetoric students without younger siblings enrolled in Cooperative Academy.
A la Carte Tuition: $200/hour
Rhetoric students may choose to enroll in classes a la carte, which exempts families without younger siblings enrolled in the Cooperative Academy from teaching expectations.
Refund Policy
Family registration fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Withdrawals prior to the first day of class are eligible for a 75% TUITION refund. Withdrawals after the first day of class but prior to Christmas break are eligible for a 50% TUITION refund (less deposit for a la carte classes). No refunds will be issued for withdrawals after the Christmas break. Refunds are not automatic and must be requested within 30 days of withdrawal.
Where do my fees go?
Insurance
QUACA carries liability insurance for which we pay an annual premium.
Administrative Expenses
We incur costs for accounting services, office supplies, postage, and equipment maintenance.
Facility Fees
We often are required to pay a rental fee when using a facility or venue for our events.
Sponsorships
To the degree that we are able, QUACA seeks to financially help families that would otherwise be unable to participate in our activities and classes.
Curriculum, Supplies, and Activities
The list of items needed for all our classes and special events is long, but includes things like books and equipment, food, paper products, cleaning supplies, and much more. We provide everything our students need for class, so you won’t need to search for items on a long supply list or restock pencil cases mid-year.
Gratitude
We often provide small gifts to thank the priests, tutors, and volunteers who support our mission.
Hired Tutors
Occasionally, we hire a tutor to teach in special areas outside of volunteer abilities.
COVID-19 Contingency Plan
Aug 10: Contingency Plan Assessment
Aug 17: Withdrawal Deadline (Registration refund $135 after July 1)
Procedures:
-Sterilize desks, door knobs, and bathrooms before and after co-op day
-Public Mass resumed, gathering limits of 50 or greater: proceed as planned
-No Public Mass and/or gathering limits of less than 50: We will proceed with decisions on a term by term basis.
Only RCHistory will be taught for K-8 via Zoom sessions and liturgical lunches at an alternative location. No tuition will be charged until we can meet in person weekly and then it will be prorated for the remainder of the year at a rate of $15/term per student and full course offering will resume.
High School classes will be decided individually based on teacher preference and may proceed in person if an alternative location is available and class size meets gathering limits, online via Zoom, a hybrid of in person and Zoom sessions, or cancelled altogether. Full tuition will be adjusted for final class offerings.
Family Handbook
Mission Statement
Queen of Angels Cooperative Academy believes in a rich and generous education, seated deeply in truth, beauty, and goodness, that nourishes the whole child - mind, body, and soul - and gently trains him up, ordering his affections to Our Lord. We seek to rebuild a thriving Catholic culture, in our community and within our Domestic Monasteries, by creating a gathering place for families to join in the Great Conversation, a warm and inviting environment that ignites the flames of wonder and fires the moral imagination. We engage in Sacred Traditions and Liturgies through an abundant and cohesive curriculum, embodying a strong Catholic identity, and immersing ourselves the Monastic Liberal Arts.
Statement of Faith
“The performance of an action is worthless in itself, if it is not done out of charity. Charity must be our motive; then everything we do, however little and insignificant, bears a rich harvest.” ~ The Imitation of Christ, Book I, Chapter 15.
As a member of the Queen of Angels Cooperative Academy, I acknowledge the authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, in accordance with Holy Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Nicene Creed.
Statement of Pedagogy
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” ~ Philippians 4:8
Education is the transmission of Culture and the cultivation of Virtue. It is a continual feast for the soul that endures through lifelong learning. Queen of Angels Cooperative Academy has adopted a contemplative approach, known as scholé, to the Classical Liberal Arts pedagogy as it is the educational tradition and heritage of the Catholic Church.
I agree to follow the principles and methods of Classical Education as pursued by Queen of Angels Cooperative Academy in leading classes and applying the curriculum at home. I agree to continue my own education in both the Classical tradition and its methods for the benefit of my own, my child(ren)’s, and my students’ academic and spiritual formation.
Expectations of parents
“It must be borne in mind also that the obligation of the family to bring up children, includes not only religious and moral education, but physical and civic education as well, principally in so far as it touches upon religion and morality.” ~ “On Christian Education,” Pius X
Parents remain the primary educators of their children. It is tempting for parents to let their part slide because of the role of the class guides. However, if this happens, classroom dynamics quickly suffer because students tend to not be prepared for class. Specific expectations of parents are:
Use QUACA-provided materials to keep informed of what your students are studying. Part of mastery is using quality learning materials and resources. ALL TEXTBOOKS, MATERIALS AND SYLLABI EMPLOYED BY A CLASS GUIDE MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD.
Should you have concerns over any textbooks or materials, any topics in them, or other course content or classroom behaviors, bring these concerns to the class guide. Any changes that need to be made accordingly should be presented by the class guide to the Board for approval, so that all families can be notified and cooperate in any material change to the course, and so that new texts or materials may be vetted properly.
Ensure students are prepared for class by asking questions about their reading; making sure the proper amount of time is spent investigating and completing notebook activities, papers, etc.; holding students to due dates; listening to students rehearse presentations; and providing additional instruction.
Provide instruction for your students’ core language arts and mathematics education. We HIGHLY DISCOURAGE families from enrollment in other complete academic or full-day programs or tutorials (Seton, MODG, etc) as we have found the workload to be superfluous, overwhelming, and directly contrary to our goal for restful, contemplative education.
Arrive early to allow time to settle in and prepare for class
Pay all fees on time
Remain aware of and take responsibility for your student’s behaviors, upholding the rules of the group - remember, building virtue in our young people is as important as supporting their education
Provide direct, line-of-sight supervision for your students when not in class. We are not responsible for students outside of class times.
One parent from each family is required to serve in some capacity, either as a board member or lead class guide (at least 1 class), for two (2) class periods on Academy days. First year members may serve as apprentice guides for both class periods.
All participating adults must complete Virtus training through the Diocese of Gary and submit proof to the QUACA secretary prior to the start of classes in the fall.
All participating adults must complete a background check through Protect My Ministry
Remain at classes throughout the day - no drop offs allowed! Rhetoric students without younger siblings enrolled may be dropped off for a volunteer waiver fee (i.e. “drop off fee”). Only the primary homeschooling parent is allowed to bring students to class. The non-primary parent may substitute twice without training or background check, provided prior notice is given to the Board, but no other relatives or friends may substitute.
Maintain records/transcripts according to your state’s laws
Expectations of students
“It is by way of obedience that we go to God” ~ St. Benedict
Come to class on time and prepared with work completed to the best of your ability
Regularly and frequently review feedback provided by class guides and parents
Revise your work based on feedback provided in the pursuit of mastery
Be positive and encouraging to your classmates - destructive criticism, name-calling, pushing, hitting, jumping on others, etc. will not be tolerated.
Show respect to class guides and classmates; for example, raise your hand to speak, take turns, use good manners, don’t leave the room without permission, address others with their proper name (For example, class guides can be addressed as “Mrs., Mr., Miss _____”)
Be attentive to those teaching
Do not bring toys or electronics, including cell phones and tablets, unless otherwise instructed by class guide. Nursery and Preschool level students may bring one comfort toy.
Respect others’ property by asking permission to use and/or touch something that does not belong you
Allow other students to concentrate on their work by not distracting or disrupting the class
Clean up after yourself
Show cheerful obedience by obeying the first time you are asked.
Expectations of class guides
“Try to be dependable even in little things. Dependability is one of the most enviable characteristics you can possess, for it includes unselfishness, punctuality, thoughtfulness, loyalty, and charity.” ~ The Hidden Power of Kindness, pg. 18 Fr. Lovasik
Class guides are divided into teams for each academic level. Teams consist of one Board member and three lead subject guides, plus any apprentice guides. Specific expectations of class guides and teams are as follows:
Part of mastery is using quality learning materials and resources. ALL TEXTBOOKS, MATERIALS, AND SYLLABI EMPLOYED BY A CLASS GUIDE MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD.
Should a parent bring concerns over any textbooks or materials, any topics in them, or other course content or classroom behaviors to the class guide or should the guide have any such concerns, any changes that need to be made accordingly should be presented to the Board for approval, so that all families can be notified and cooperate in any material change to the course, and so that new texts or materials may be vetted properly.
Design activities to aid students in reaching level goals, while promoting cross-curricular integration through historical time periods and moral themes.
Lead guides are expected to spearhead planning & activities, while training new members who are expected to gradually take on more responsibility throughout the year.
Teams will meet once per term with a Board Member for continuing education, to collaborate on planning activities, and to share ideas across the curriculum. All members are required to participate in the planning process and be aware of the daily plan, in case of an absence.
Activities and homework should be planned for the entire term prior to the end of the previous term, or two weeks prior to first Academy Day.
Homework for the entire term should be posted by week to Lesson Log in iGradePlus (online gradebook) no later than the last day of previous term, or two weeks prior to first Academy Day.
Completion and feedback on assignments should be posted to iGradePlus no later than the day following its due date.
Two guides (Lead or Apprentice) should stay in the classroom at all times.
Be ready to start class on time with all materials prepared
Teach children in a manner that is open, attractive, and gracious
Model proper behavior by not talking to other parents during class, not checking cell phones, etc.
Adhere to disciplinary procedures
It is your responsibility to find a substitute class guide and provide them with materials and lesson plans needed to complete the day’s work, in the case of your absence. Board members are not able to fill in every absence.
Assessment
“He that loveth correction, loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is foolish.” ~ Proverbs 12:1
Assessments are used, not as an end, but as a means to gauging mastery - the goal and expectation of all students. Mastery is built incrementally over time through much review and revision. Both parent and class guide feedback is vital to your student’s success.
Parents are expected to:
Engage and cooperate by reviewing work at home and communicating with class guides
Be aware of your student’s ability and adjust assignments as needed to meet the student at their learning level and help them progress appropriately
Communicate with class guides any changes you have made to the student’s assignments
Provide your own feedback and assessment to your student
Review feedback provided by the class guide with your student and assist them in revising work as necessary to achieve mastery
Adjust your student’s final grade on transcripts, as needed, bases on your own goals and expectations for your student
Class guides are expected to:
Regularly provide clear, constructive feedback on written assignments, class discussions and activities, projects, and presentations, using means provided by QUACA as relevant to your classes
Track and record completion of assignments in iGradePlus (online gradebook)
Review final assessment and/or portfolio, and recommend a mastery achievement level
Readiness Reviews:
Parents will make the final readiness decision.
The parent of any student planning to level up the following year will meet with their child’s class guides and a board member during Term 4. Direct feedback on readiness will be given, as well as a review of the next level’s expectations.
The purpose of these reviews is to assist the parents in making an informed readiness decision and provide an opportunity to address any questions or concerns regarding their student.
Readiness Guidelines and Goals
Beginner: 5-8 years
Primary Interest: Wonder
Primary Virtue: Charity
Readiness Checklist:
Able to color & cut
Follows simple directions
Communicates needs
Answers basic questions
Sits 15 min to complete an activity
Cleans up after self when prompted
Trivium Focus:
Phonics
Handwriting
Read Alouds, Picture Books, & Simple Readers: Folk & Fairy Tales, Fables, & Bible Stories
Narration
Literary Characters & Setting
Discovery of different times & places
Quadrivium Focus:
Nature Study: Observation & Inquiry
Basic Arithmetic
Classroom Activities:
Crafts
Music
Games
Narration
Play Acting
Simple memorization
Timelines
Drawing
Nature Journal
Home Expectations:
Catechism
Phonics
Handwriting
Narration
Memorization
Basic Arithmetic
Grammar: 8-11 years
Primary Interest: Skill-building
Primary Virtue: Faith & Hope
Readiness Checklist:
Novice reader*
Gives short narrations
Copies a 3-sentence paragraph accurately & legibly
Expresses simple opinions
Stays on topic while engaging in a simple conversation
Focuses on an activity for 30 min
Cleans up after self with minimal prompting
Trivium Focus:
English Grammar & Spelling
Copywork
Simple textbooks, Biographies & Nonfiction, Historical Fiction
Written Narration
Literary Plot & Conflict
Short, Informal Research Projects
Overview the story of history & geography
Quadrivium Focus:
Nature Study: Observation, Inquiry, & Reasoning
Intermediate Arithmetic
Classroom Activities:
Fine & Common Arts
Hymns & Folk Music
Book of Centuries
Copybook
Informal Presentations
Memory Work
Written Narrations
Science Demonstrations
Nature Journal
Home Expectations:
Catechism
English Grammar, Spelling, & Vocabulary
Written Narration
Memory Work
All History & Literature Assignments
Intermediate Arithmetic
*See: What are the Five Stages of Reading Development? - The Edvocate (theedadvocate.org)
Logic: 11-14 years
Primary Interest: Reasoning
Primary Virtue: Justice & Temperance
Readiness Checklist:
Fluent, comprehending reader* (read The Hobbit)
Writes a 2-3 paragraph narration
Able to make connections between actions and motives
Expresses thoughts and ideas conversationally
Takes independent responsibility for cleaning
Completes majority of work independently with instruction and guidance
Trivium Focus:
Latin Grammar
Commonplacing
Textbook spine, Primary Sources, Biographies, & Classic Literature
Literary Themes & Style
Material Logic
Progymnasmata
Formal Research
Connecting cause/effect & movement of events through time & place
Quadrivium Focus:
Introduction to the Scientific Method & Lab Work
Life, Physical & Earth Science
Advanced Arithmetic
Classroom Activities:
Fine & Common Arts & Music
Commonplace
Formal Presentations
Memorization
Progym exercises
Note-taking & Outlining
Socratic Discussions
Simple Science Labs
Register of Effects
Home Expectations:
Catechism
All Assignments in Humanities, Latin, & Science
Language Arts support, as needed
Advanced Arithmetic
Rhetoric: 14-18 years
Primary Interest: Poetics
Primary Virtue: Fortitude & Prudence
Readiness Checklist:
Maturely wrestles with challenging historical and societal topics through literature & discussion
Composes 3 paragraphs of descriptive and 5 paragraphs of expository writing
Draws connections & makes inferences from multiple sources during conversation
Completes majority of work independently without instruction or guidance
Trivium Focus:
Latin Grammar
Commonplacing
Great Books
Formal Logic
Formal Rhetoric
Long- term Formal Research
Integrating events, ideas, and influences across the humanities & expressing conclusions clearly
Quadrivium Focus:
Formal Lab Work
Physics, Biology, Chemistry, & Astronomy
Advanced Geometry & Mathematics
Classroom Activities:
Fine & Common Arts & Music
Commonplace
Formal Presentations
Memorization
Rhetorical Composition & Senior Thesis
Socratic Discussion
Formal Science Labs
Register of Effects
Home Expectations:
Catechism
All Assignments in Humanities, Latin, & Science
Advanced Geometry & Mathematics
Dress Code
“How beautiful then is modesty and what a gem among virtues it is.” ~ St. Bernard, Confessor and Doctor of the Church
Clothing must be clean, neat, and modest.
No derogatory words or pictures allowed on clothing; clothing should not dishonor God or disrespect others.
Dresses, skirts or shorts should be longer than your fingertips. Leggings are allowed ONLY under a skirt, dress, or long tunic. Tops must cover shoulders, chest, and waistline (NO skin-tight clothing, belly-buttons, cleavage, open backs, or spaghetti straps). We highly recommend that girls wear shorts underneath their dresses and skirts, since the children will be engaged in active play at times.
Comfortable, clean, closed-toed shoes are highly recommended
“Natural look” makeup should only be worn to enhance the beauty of God’s children and not be worn heavily or to attract attention.
Bring appropriate outerwear for the weather and a change of dry shoes in wet conditions
Sick Policy
“Always entrust your cause to me, my son; when the proper time comes, I will see that things turn out for the best.” ~ The Imitation of Christ, Book III, Chapter 39
If you or a child has a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above, vomiting, or diarrhea within 24 hours before the scheduled co-op meeting or event, please stay at home.
If your child has a croupy cough or a colored nasal discharge, please consider keeping that child at home, especially if he/she is very young and not able to wipe his/her own nose or able to cover his/her mouth.
This is to be taken into careful consideration due to pregnant mothers at the co-op. You know your child best. If you believe your child is sick, please err on the side of caution.
Attendance Policy
“He who is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in that which is greater: and he that is unjust in that which is little is unjust also in that which is greater.” ~ Luke 16:10
Important Dates for 2023-2024:
Academy Days: Tuesdays
Tutor Training (required for all parents): July 18
Orientation (required for Logic & Rhetoric students and parents): Aug 22
Term 1: Aug 23 - Oct 3
Term 2: Oct 11 - Nov 21
Term 3: Jan 3 - Feb 6
Term 4: Feb 14 - March 19
Term 5: April 3 - May 21
As a cooperative, everyone needs to be present in order to function properly. Participation is a commitment. Absences put more work on others.
One (1) absence will be allowed per term for the family, due to illness per Sick Policy, emergency, or funeral of a close family member. Please communicate ongoing or extenuating circumstances to leadership, such as births or extended illness.
Planned absences must be communicated to leadership at least two (2) weeks prior. Due to the hardship that absences put on others, we ask that you try to avoid planned absences and limit them to two (2) per year. These absences will not be excused.
It is your responsibility to find and prepare a substitute teacher in your absence.
If a family accrues more than five (5) absences in one school year or more than two (2) unexcused planned absences, they will not be eligible for priority registration and will be required to wait till general registration is open, risking the forfeiture of their seat in the Cooperative Academy.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, a post in the Mighty Networks group will be made alerting all members to any cancellations or delays. Due to advances in e-learning technologies, we can no longer rely on the local school's procedures for these events. Decisions will be made in coordination with traffic reports and the most rural and furthest outlying members. Further instructions for make up days and assignments will be communicated as soon as these decisions are made.
Behavior Policy
“Crux Sacra sit mihi lux” (May the Holy Cross be my light) ~ St. Benedict Medal
Clean up after yourself; leave the building cleaner than you found it.
Please see that all your family’s belongings are gathered before leaving the building. QUACA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Be respectful of the facility’s property. You will be held accountable for any damages caused by your actions.
No yelling. Be respectful of others working in the building by keeping your voice at an appropriate volume.
No running or climbing indoors
All participants (parents included) must remain in the designated area
Every family is responsible for facility cleaning at the end of the day.
After their classes have ended, we are not responsible for supervising students remaining on the premises. No children should be left outdoors unsupervised, per agreement with the host parish. Children must stay within the parent’s line of sight at all times. Failure to provide supervision will result in children being required to leave campus when not in class.
Disciplinary Procedures
“A true understanding and humble estimate of oneself is the highest and most valuable of all lessons.” ~ The Imitation of Christ, Ch. 2
The following procedures will be used for classroom disturbances:
Student receives one verbal warning (two for Beginner level and below)
Student is removed from class and escorted to his/her parent; student can return to class after that class period is finished IF escorted by a parent
As a class guide, if you encounter a student who is consistently unprepared for class or is causing regular classroom disturbances, it should be handled accordingly:
Talk to the parent(s) to make sure they are aware of the problem
Discuss with the student (outside of class) the impact being unprepared has on the class and give a verbal warning; make sure parents and leaders are alerted of the conversation
Have student sit off to the side or leave the room while the others do the class activity the student was not prepared for
If a problem persists, a parent must attend class with the student until class and group leaders determine that the situation is resolved.
Matters of grave infractions (as determined by the leaders) may result in immediate expulsion.
Conflict Resolution
“Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes.” ~ St. Dominic de Guzman
When conflict arises amongst or between students or adults within QUACA, all are encouraged to follow Biblical principles: be slow to anger and quick to forgive, overlook much, and pray before you speak or act. Concerns or complaints should first be addressed directly with the adult, or the parent of the child, with whom there is an issue. Parents should utilize mediation to help students grow in wisdom and virtue. They may request a neutral party to facilitate mediation, if needed. If the adults cannot reach a mutually agreeable and friendly resolution, we ask that they seek the help of the Board to mediate the dispute. If the issue still cannot be resolved and is causing disruption during Academy Days, all involved parties may be asked to remove themselves from QUACA for the remainder of the year.
Refund Policy
Family registration fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Withdrawals prior to the first day of class are eligible for a 75% TUITION refund. Withdrawals after the first day of class but prior to Christmas break are eligible for a 50% TUITION refund (less deposit for a la carte classes). No refunds will be issued for withdrawals after the Christmas break. Refunds are not automatic and must be requested within 30 days of withdrawal.
Our Schedule
2023-2024
The Cooperative Academy meets Tuesdays, starting at 8:45am, at the St. Michael Byzantine in Merrillville, IN.