New Family Guide
Answers to the questions we hear most from prospective families — read this before you apply, and most of your questions will already be answered.
Who we are
MedinaCHF is a family-led, Christ-centered social community for homeschool families in and around Medina, Ohio. We exist to help homeschooling families build meaningful friendships through shared experiences.
We're the icing on the cake for homeschooling families — not another weekly commitment. Relationships come first, and every family participates as their own schedule allows.
No. We're a social community, not an academic co-op — there are no classes, no curriculum requirements, and no weekly teaching commitments. Your homeschool stays entirely yours; we're here for the friendships and fellowship around it.
Families with children of any age are welcome — from little ones to teens. Our events are designed so the whole family can take part together.
Joining & applying
Membership opens in late spring each year. We first invite current members to renew before opening applications for new families if space is available.
Keeping membership on an annual cycle lets us plan the year thoughtfully with a known group of families, rather than onboarding on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Yes — if space is limited when you apply, we keep a waitlist and reach out as spots open up.
Visit our Join Us page for the full application. A short form lets us learn about your family, and a coordinator personally reviews every application.
A coordinator reviews your application and reaches out with next steps. This isn't an automatic approval — please allow a few days.
You'll get an email the moment there's an update, whether that's a request for more information or a decision. If you don't hear back, reach out from our Connect page — applications are never silently ignored.
What to expect
No — MedinaCHF isn't an academic co-op, so there's no teaching expectation. Member families take on one small, time-bounded planning role over the course of the year instead.
We ask member families to attend at least three community gatherings during the year — Signature Events, Mom's Coffees, or other planned activities all count.
We love to have you participate in as many gatherings as possible. However, each membership year, we ask every family to attend at least 3 member events and to plan or co-plan at least 1 event — co-planning with another family counts toward this too. However, adult-only events don't count toward the planning requirement.
Life happens — every family participates as their schedule allows. Reach out to a coordinator if you have questions about staying on track for the year.
What to expect
Four Signature Events every year (Kickoff Picnic, Christmas Party, Teen Dance, and our End-of-Year Celebration), plus regular Mom's Coffees, park days, field trips, and other seasonal gatherings — see our Events page for the full rhythm of a typical year.
Yes — members RSVP for events through the member app, where specific dates, times, and locations are shared as they're confirmed.
Many of our gatherings welcome extended family — check the specific event details, since this can vary by event.
Absolutely — MedinaCHF is a whole-family community, not just a moms' group. Dads and kids of all ages are welcome at our gatherings.
Yes — our events are designed for the whole family, including younger siblings.
We'd love to help you get started. Rather than pointing you toward one specific curriculum, we encourage new families to explore different approaches and connect with experienced members who've been where you are.
Helpful starting points
Ohio requires families to notify their local school district each year and keep basic academic records. Requirements can change, so we recommend checking the Ohio Department of Education's current homeschool guidance directly, or asking a MedinaCHF member who's recently been through it.
There's no one right curriculum — every family's approach looks a little different. We encourage new families to explore a few different styles and ask experienced MedinaCHF members what's worked for their kids.
Medina County's local library branches often have homeschool-friendly resources and programming, and there are several local and state-level homeschool organizations worth exploring as you get oriented.
Your first year doesn't have to look perfect — it rarely does for anyone. Lean on other homeschooling parents (including MedinaCHF families) for real, honest encouragement along the way.
