Learning In Godly Homes Together

(LIGHT)

WHO WE ARE

Welcome to LIGHT (Learning in Godly Homes Together). We are a community of Christian mothers dedicated to privately homeschooling our children, K-12th grade. Here, we support one another while actively advocating for homeschooling freedoms and parental rights in Oregon. Our mission is to encourage one another to form lasting friendships and grow closer to God through shared community life. We operate as a family, holding one another accountable to biblical standards.

Because our primary focus is supporting independent home education, we do not allow students to enroll in home-based public charter school programs. While we firmly champion independent homeschooling, we recognize that individual family needs vary.  To accommodate these unique dynamics, we allow public/private on-campus schools under two specific conditions, provided that at least one student in the home remains a private, independent homeschooler:

• Early College Pathways: Students ages 15 and older who have previously been independently homeschooled within LIGHT may enroll in a public charter program if it is strictly required to access early college programs.

• Brick-and-Mortar Schooling: Siblings within the family may attend a traditional physical public or private school campus if that environment best serves their current educational needs.

In addition to privately homeschooling at least one child, it is also required that he/she is at least school age (meaning kindergarten or older).

SUPPORT

Moms meet monthly for fellowship, fun, encouragement, and to be equipped for this sacred calling.  We collaboratively organize field trips, holiday parties, and cultural activities for the children. We thrive on the unique creativity each family brings.  Moms are required to volunteer in at least one area and to attend at least five events per year.  

LIGHT is a homeschooling support group, not a co-op that offers academic classes. Many of our families belong to co-ops in addition to the LIGHT group, finding that both types of groups meet different needs. The LIGHT group offers year-round activities that keep us connected even when traditional co-ops are on break. We also host monthly Mom Support Meetings to talk through things like homeschooling, discipleship, parenting, and marriage. Because of this, some families use LIGHT to complement their academic co-ops, while others find that our community alone provides all of the connection and support they need for homeschooling.

HOMESCHOOLING THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL VISION

The LIGHT group champions, equips, and supports families looking to homeschool all the way through high school (K-12th grade). Christian homeschool families have been graduating students for decades, who go on to be very successful in their careers and also in full-time ministry. 

LIGHT offers support and education to families to prepare their children for high school and graduation. For families with great financial need, we suggest applying for Compassion Grants from HSLDA. 

PARTICIPATION

Your participation means everything to our group. You can participate and help the group grow in relationships by hosting an event, leading a field trip or activity, and/or helping to plan a holiday party. Each member is required to plan, lead, or help lead at least one activity per year and participate in at least five activities (which is approximately 20% of what is offered) during the year. There are many ways to help support the growth of our group, so find an area where your gifts, interests, and experience will be a blessing to others. 

MEETINGS

There is one mandatory mom’s meeting in late August where we will review our handbook together, collect yearly dues of $40/family, and create our calendar of events for the upcoming year.

YEARLY FAMILY DUES:

Here at LIGHT, we are a group of moms operating simply so that we owe no one anything but love. Your family dues of $40 each year go to several categories. We keep the list short on purpose, and there are always at least two leaders’ eyes on the dues balance, so that there is accountability. Dues go to: fees for our LIGHT website, copies/folders for LIGHT handbooks, and a yearly donation to both OCEANetwork and HSLDA to support our homeschool freedoms.