North Liberty - Potato Creek State Park

Frequently Asked Questions:

What ages can join Trailblazing Scholars?
We welcome children ages 4 through 18 in our multi-age, inclusive environment.

Is this a religious co-op?
No. Trailblazing Scholars is a secular co-op. We welcome families from all backgrounds and beliefs, and we strive to create a respectful and inclusive space for everyone.

What is your educational approach?
We follow a cooperative model where parents work together to create a rich, supportive learning environment. Children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.

Do I have to teach to be part of the co-op?
No, but every family is expected to take on a role that supports the group. Whether you’re hands-on with the kids, helping with clean-up and set-up, or prefer behind-the-scenes planning, there’s a role that will fit your strengths.

When and where do you meet?
We meet on Tuesdays at Potato Creek State Park, for 10 week semesters. Classes begin at 10:00 AM EST and run in three 45-minute blocks. Afterward, we share a packed lunch picnic and enjoy clubs or community events starting at 1:00 PM. Our Winter/Spring semester will be held at another location.

Are there membership fees?
Yes. While we are a 100% financially transparent for members, we do collect membership fees to cover building rental costs and insurance. Individual classes may also have supply fees. However we hold fundraisers throughout the year to help reduce costs and make participation accessible for everyone regardless of budget. We as a group do not keep a profit, but rather return unused funds back to our members.

Do you offer a scholarship or financial support?

We have a scholarship fund available to support educational growth in creative ways. Rather than covering basic fees, our scholarship can be used toward a wide range of educational opportunities—such as materials, classes, or learning experiences. For high school students, the funds are applied toward dual credit classes at Ivy Tech. Inquire here 

Is this a drop-off program?
No. Parents stay on-site and are active participants in our community. We build this co-op together.

What if we can’t attend every week?
That’s okay! We don’t have a strict attendance policy. We understand that life happens, and we want this to be a place families choose to be, not feel obligated to attend. Just let us know if you’ll miss a day.

What happens in bad weather?
With some of our classes taking place outdoors, weather can play a large factor, but we do have access to an indoor building for rainy or cold days. If the weather is severe enough to make travel unsafe, we may cancel for the day. During the Winter/Spring semester all classes will be held indoors. 

How do families stay connected?
We use a private Discord server where families can plan, coordinate events, ask questions, and support each other throughout their homeschool journeys.

Do I have to be a member to be involved in the group?

No! While membership is required to participate in weekly classes, field trips and some closed events, we welcome the broader local homeschool community to join us for clubs and community events. See our current clubs here

Can I sign up to be notified when membership opens or to hear about clubs and events?

Yes! Whether you're interested in joining when registration opens or just want to stay in the loop about upcoming clubs and events, we’d love to keep in touch. Click here to join our email list