Frequently Asked Questions
Despite our name, we welcome families from all Maryland counties.
Yes, we offer in-person tours alongside our open houses. Click here to book yours.
Co-op students attend group classes up to twice weekly for social learning and are given homework assignments via Teach N' Go.
Our enrichment courses include STEM, Art, Music, PE, Foreign Language, and ELA. View the classes we regularly offer for Sprouts, Lower School, and Upper School.
We offer regular field trips across the Baltimore–D.C. area, blending co-op learning with a Charlotte Mason approach.
Click here to view our social calendar on Meetup.
School uniform is enforced, and students are strongly encouraged to wear FTO attire on field trips. REF. Policy 08.
Click here to access the Parent Portal. Co-op members receive the password.
Parents are expected to join a committee and volunteer twice per semester, with an option to opt out.
Restoration Church (Frederick, MD) | Christ Episcopal Church (Columbia, MD)
We follow the HCPSS holiday calendar and post weather-related closures by 7 AM on Facebook, Meetup, and Twitter. SEE: HCPSS Calendar
Yes! Our certified instructors are fully vetted, and some classes are led by knowledgeable parent-professionals. SEE: Staff
Click here to learn more.
We accept students ages 5 to 17.
Yes, HCHC Leadership Academy is an approved Maryland Umbrella Group registered with MSDE, offering virtual and annual home instruction reviews statewide.
Partial tuition refunds are available through the third week of classes. View the School Handbook (pg 15) to learn more.
Parents volunteering may stay on campus; otherwise, please remain in the lobby during co-op hours. You may also wait in the parking lot or playground, or opt for drop-off only.
As a nature-based school, we provide classroom settings at both campuses but teach outdoors whenever weather allows. In spring (April and May), the Columbia campus operates on an organic farm.
Click here to explore our standardized test prep provider.
Click here to view the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) testing schedule.
Yes, HCHC is both a co-op and tutorial. We supplement home learning with enrichment classes in a nature-based setting, blending structure with child-led play.
If you’re unable to volunteer, a $97 opt-out fee applies.
HCHC values your privacy and does not request or require medical history or immunization records.
Yes, we’re currently accepting new families. Co-op members receive a discounted annual rate for Umbrella membership. Click here for more details.
No, families are not required to sign a Statement of Faith.
Our Umbrella Group is recognized and certified by the MSDE to oversees home education. (see approved list) Its portfolio reviews fulfill the state’s requirement for regular, thorough instruction under COMAR 13.10.01. Learn more...
Yes, you can. Click here to purchase a drop-in punch card and pay as you go.
We offer open enrollment with pro-rated tuition available through October 31st. Click here to enroll.
Frederick Campus: Wednesdays 10:00 - 2:00pm
Columbia Campus: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10-2PM
DROP: 9:45am, PU: No later than 2:15pm.
Yes, teachers assign homework and project-based work as part of the curriculum via Teach N' Go.
30% Sibling Discount (up to 2 siblings)
15% Military Rebate (veterans & active duty)
10% Loyalty Discount (returning families)
Yes, we have a playground.
Thank you for supporting HCHC’s mission! We appreciate your volunteer efforts, ongoing support, and financial contributions. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made via Paypal.
While attendance is important, there are no penalties for tardiness or absences. We ask families to arrive on time and notify us of any missed days. Tuition is not refunded or prorated for absences. REF. Policy 01.
Yes. Children must be picked up and signed out by 2:15 PM. A $35 late fee will be charged via PayPal for each incident of late pick-up. REF. Policy 02.
Students can buy a $25 pizza card for hot lunch, which includes pizza, a side (like applesauce or chips), and a drink. No child will be denied lunch. If a student is served without a valid card, a new $25 card will be issued and billed to the family via PayPal.
Yes, students may bring cell phones but must keep them in their backpacks. Phones should not be visible or used during class unless the teacher allows it. Phone use is permitted only during lunch and recess, but we ask students to avoid apps like TikTok and YouTube. Personal laptops and tablets are allowed in class for educational use. REF. Policy 05.
HCHC has zero tolerance for bullying. First offense requires a meeting; second leads to suspension; further offenses cause expulsion. Tuition is non-refundable. All students must sign the Anti-Bullying Pledge. REF. Policy 10.
Please keep your child home if they have a yellow or green runny nose, acute cough, or high fever. To prevent spreading illness, children should stay home until fully recovered. Staff may ask students who are sneezing or coughing to wear masks indoors. REF. Policy 13.
Withdrawals for military relocation or medical reasons are accepted with a completed Withdrawal Request Form and release from the contract. All other withdrawals incur a $450 termination fee. REF. Policy 14.
