Do Unschooling and Co-ops Mix?

Good question, right?!  Well, the answer isn't an easy one.  Lots of factors figure into the answer.  

Are the kids wanting to be part of the co-op?

Does the co-op meet the needs of the family?

Is the work/classes optional?

Will the teachers support the kids in their choices?

Currently, both children attend a homeschool co-op that meets their needs.  They enjoy the classes and choices they have within those classes.  Teachers are great facilitators who defer to parental wishes.  

It seems like a dream come true.  We enjoy the flexible schedule offered of attending 2 times a month (instead of 4) and many optional interest based classes.  These classes include: ballet, art, poetry, chess, knitting, sewing, kung fu, physical fun (workout class), and survival.  As you can see, the selections my kids highlighted were the project and play based ones.  There are other classes that weren't of interest but not required by the co-op.  And definitely not required by me, so this is our place for now.   

It goes without saying that at the beginning of our homeschooling journey, we had a less pleasant experience with a very strict homeschool co-op.  With that past, the kids were reluctant to try another one, but are so glad they did.  

My advice for finding a co-op:
Read their description (often you can read between the lines the flexibility offered)
Ask to visit or a trial day
Discuss class options with your kids to see if they have interest in what is offered.
Speak with like-minded parents who attend the given co-op