Yes. Watermark is, first and foremost, a group of parents who want to offer fun, engaging classes to our kids with Christ at the center. While most of our classes don’t focus on “Christian topics,” our teachers are Christians, as is our leadership, and we approach all areas of the group with this in mind. While we do not require you to adhere to all tenants of our Statement of Faith, we do require that you read them and understand that these tenants determine the worldview through which Watermark and its classes operate. We ask that while attending Watermark classes and events, participants be respectful of this position in behavior, speech and dress.
Please click here to read our Statement of Faith.
We are grateful to have 2 locations around the Orlando Florida area.
Our East Orlando Campus Meets on Mondays at :
Center Pointe Community Church, 9580 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32825
Our Oviedo Campus Meets on Thursdays at :
CrossLife Church, 45 W Broadways St. Oviedo, FL 32765
Watermark Homeschool Enrichment is committed to making our enriching programs accessible to all families. While we do not directly manage or distribute scholarships, our classes and associated fees have historically been eligible for reimbursement through major state-funded scholarship programs. We understand navigating the reimbursement process can be complex, and we’re happy to provide guidance on how to submit your documentation for potential reimbursement. However, it’s essential to note that all program fees must be paid according to Watermark’s established timelines, regardless of the status of your scholarship reimbursement. Reimbursement decisions and processing times are determined solely by the scholarship organizations, and Watermark cannot guarantee or expedite these payments. We encourage families to contact their scholarship program directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding eligibility and reimbursement procedures.”
We’re excited that you are considering joining Watermark! If you’ve looked over our Q&A information, agree to our Statement of Faith, read our list of classes and feel that Watermark might be a good fit for you, we’d love to hear from you. To be considered for membership with Watermark, we ask that you fill out our online application; read, understand and agree to adhere to our Statement of Faith; read and agree to our Guidelines and Regulations, making sure your children understand and agree to them as well; and fill out Medical Information for each child who will be attending Watermark.
An interview with Watermark leadership is the last step in the application process and is an opportunity for us to meet and get to know one another better. You may have questions about Watermark, and we want to ensure we address those questions, that our values line up and that we are a good fit for one another.
You can e-mail us at Watermarkhse@gmail.com to find out more information, or click here to start the process of joining or to see more details about the application process.
Registration for new families opens on June 1, 2020, at 10:00 AM for the 2020-2021 school year. Once you have gone through the application process, including an interview with Watermark’s leadership, and been notified if you’ve been approved for membership, you can begin registering for classes. Registration closes on June 30.
We’re so glad you found us! Unfortunately, registration is only open for a few months at the beginning of the year and closes on June 30. If you e-mail us, though, we’d love to put you on a wait list and notify you of our next Open House and when registration opens for the following year, and in the meantime, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have.
What ages are your classes designed for? How old does my child have to be to enroll in classes at Watermark?
We currently offer classes for Pre-K through 8th grade, as well as a nursery for babies 6 weeks and older. However, our nursery and preschool classes are reserved for families with children enrolled in one of our K-8 classes. We do not accept nursery or Pre-K only registrations.
To enroll in kindergarten classes at Watermark, students must be 5 years old by August 1, 2020. To participate in preschool classes, children must be 3 years old by August 1, 2020, and fully potty trained. Nursery enrollment is available for babies 6 weeks up to 3 years.
As we grow, we look forward to adding more classes for more age levels and are hopeful that we will be able to offer high school classes for the 2021-2022 school year. Please join us in praying as we seek wisdom and direction about this.
Can my baby or preschooler enroll in classes at Watermark?
If you have an older student who is enrolled in kindergarten to middle school classes at Watermark, we’d love to have your nursery or preschool age child join us! However, our nursery and preschool classes are reserved for families with children enrolled in one of our K-8 classes. We do not accept nursery or Pre-K only registrations.
We’re honored that you would inquire about classes at Watermark for the precious little members of your family, so if you don’t have older students enrolled in classes at Watermark, we would love for you to check back with us when your child is ready for kindergarten.
Cost and Payments
How much does it cost to participate in Watermark?
We do our best to keep participation costs as reasonable as possible.
When new families fill out an application for Watermark and schedule an interview, there is a $10 non-refundable application fee that should be submitted no later than 48 hours before your interview time.
Because of the pandemic this year, we have extended the timeline for our Early Registration Pricing. For those registering before June 15, an annual registration fee of $155 per family (for both returning and new families), due at the time of registration, is required to join Watermark for the year. The annual registration fee for those registering from June 16-30 is $175. You will not be able to register for classes until your registration fee is submitted. The registration fee covers costs such as use of the building facilities, utilities, website maintenance, printing, supplies, special events and other costs associated with running a co-op.
The registration fee includes a nonrefundable admin fee of $25 should you decide not to enroll in classes with Watermark after registering. Important Note: Beginning October 11, 2019, PayPal implemented a new policy that they will not refund PayPal fees. Therefore, should you need a refund of your registration payment, it will be less PayPal fees if you have chosen to pay using the business option instead of the Friends and Family option.
Watermark families sign up for each class they would like to participate in. Class and supply fees vary from class to class and range from about $150-$450 for the year. Class fees, in addition to contributing to the costs listed in the previous paragraph, pay for teachers and class materials. The supply cost of each class is typically factored into the total cost of the class, but some classes may also have additional supply fees, or parents may be asked to supply certain books or materials for their student. Classes that require an additional materials fee and/or book purchase will state this in the class description list.
Click here to see our class lineup and fees for the 2020-2021 school year.
When are class fees due? Do you offer payment plans?
Watermark offers two options for payments: you can either pay in full or make monthly payments.
If you choose to pay in full, all class fees are due by August 1. An initial deposit is due within two weeks of registering for classes, which holds your spot in the class. This deposit is due no later than July 1 (so if you register June 30, it’s still due by July 1). You can choose to pay your entire fee when registering, or you can make it by August 1.
If you choose to make monthly payments, please note that a convenience fee will be added to your total amount due for classes. A deposit is due within two weeks of registering for classes, which holds your spot in the class. This deposit is due no later than July 1 (so if you register June 30, it’s still due by July 1). The remaining balance will then be divided into 8 roughly equal payments. The payment schedule and terms are detailed in the Payment section of our Guidelines and Handbook.
Can I get a refund on classes once I’ve registered?
Your fee is non-refundable once you have taken a spot in our classes, so please carefully consider your decision before registering for a class.
As homeschoolers we enjoy a great deal of flexibility with our student’s educational plan, and we understand that situations in life often change. However, please understand that Watermark, as well as each instructor, invests a great deal of time and resources into planning for each class. When you enroll in a class, you are making a financial commitment to Watermark. Watermark relies on those commitments to budget and pay teachers’ salaries, purchase class materials, etc.; additionally, signing up for a class and then deciding not to enroll in it may prevent others who may truly want that class from being able to participate. Therefore, we ask that you make careful consideration of all your family’s and student’s commitments, classes elsewhere, sports, etc., as you sign up for classes.
Classes and Scheduling
When are classes held?
We offer classes every Monday from 9 AM to 1:20 PM. However, we do not require attendance for all four class hours. You have the flexibility to choose what hours work best for you. Join us for one, two, three or all four!
We also invite you to bring a lunch and join with other Watermark families in the café area after 3rd hour (from 11:50 AM-12:30 PM) for fellowship time. This is a great time to connect with other families and build relationships.
We meet for 25 weeks each year. There are 24 weeks of classes and one week dedicated to setting up and rehearsing for our year-end Program Showcase. The Fall Term runs from September to December, and the Spring Term runs from January to April.
For more specific dates, click here for the calendar.
What classes does Watermark offer?
Click here to see our list of classes for the current school year.
What if I can’t stay from 9 am to 1:20 pm or if I only want my child to take one class?
Watermark doesn’t have a set number of hours that you are required to attend each week. This a-la-carte style co-op allows you to choose the classes you want to take — even if that means you only come for the first hour. Take only the classes that work for you and your schedule. For example, you could choose to enroll your child in one class during the first hour, work on your own homeschooling curriculum in our cafe area during the second hour, and enroll your child in another Watermark class during the third hour. Or enroll one student in a class during first hour while you work one-on-one with another of your students, switch the child who takes a class and works with you during another hour, and enroll both of them during another class so you can relax! You choose the classes that work for you and your homeschooling schedule!
How long are your classes?
We offer four class periods with various choices in each slot. Each class will start at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM and 12:30 PM and run for approximately 50 minutes. There is a lunch break from 11:50-12:30 PM that offers a great time to connect with other families and students.
What size are your classes?
We intentionally keep most classes small, averaging about 10-12 students or less per class. The exceptions to this are classes with both more physical space and classes that are just plain more fun if there are larger groups (such as Musical Theater, PE, etc.).
Teaching
Do I have to teach? CAN I teach if I want to?
Watermark is not a traditional co-op in the sense that we do not require parents to teach, set up, tear down or clean bathrooms when the school day is done.
We want to honor the giftings that each of us possess and not put anyone into a teaching position if he or she is not comfortable with it or is unable to teach at this season of life. If you love teaching, though, and want to be a part of that element of our group, e-mail us, or click here or on the Teach button on our home page for more information. We’d love to talk with you more about teaching opportunities. Our classes have already been decided for this year, but let us know if this is an interest and we can talk to you about teaching with Watermark for the 2021-2022 school year.
Who will be teaching my child?
Watermark is unique because we provide teachers — some of whom are moms, dads, aunts, uncles, etc. of students who attend Watermark — who are passionate about a subject, as well as professionals who want to offer classes in their area of expertise. This means that tuition may be higher than other co-ops, but it also means that you do not have to prepare class material or be the main instructor.
When the class listings are posted, there will be bios of each teacher available so you can get a better idea of who will be teaching each class.
Each teacher also must have a background check before teaching with Watermark.
Parent and Family Expectations
Can I drop off my kids while they’re in class?
Watermark is not a drop-off program. Though there is not a long list of requirements for parents to do on a weekly basis, we do require that a parent or guardian stay on campus at all times throughout the day.
What do I do while I’m waiting for my kids during class time?
Sanctuary Church has plenty of tables and chairs, free Wi-Fi, and cafe space to sit and relax. A parent or guardian is required to stay on campus at all times during classes, but feel free to lock yourself in the car for some peace and quiet (Just keep your cell phone nearby and let us know at the Sign-In Table in case we need to reach you!), catch up on a book, pay bills, talk to other parents, do schoolwork with a child who isn’t in class that hour or even catch a nap in a cozy couch. It’s up to you!
Please note that our cafe and seating areas are designated as “quiet working spaces.” While quiet conversation and working with other students are encouraged, please refrain from running, yelling and loudly playing in the building, and please respect the quiet spaces for those who use the time to work, including the church office staff with whom we share a space.
If I register my children to attend classes with Watermark, are there any requirements for me, the parent, associated with Watermark? What are my parental responsibilities?
Yes. Because the leadership of Watermark consists of only a few moms who are homeschooling just like you are, to help ensure that the load for hosting various events and running Watermark does not fall on a few shoulders and result in burnout, we humbly require that all families commit to at least one area of service each year.
When you commit to helping with some of the needs our homeschool community has, we would love to help connect you with an area that you are gifted in or passionate about, whether that’s helping to plan our closing program with a committee of other parents, volunteering as a substitute teacher, or serving in some other area.
As a Watermark parent we also ask that you:
Are there any parent meetings that I need to attend?
Yes. All Watermark families are required to join us for our mandatory Meet the Teacher meeting. This year we’ll be meeting on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Sanctuary Church. For a portion of the meeting, students will also be given the option to attend a mini training session with Black Belts for Christ, the dojo who teaches our jujitsu class, during this time, after which they will do a small demo of what they’ve learned. There is no charge for students to attend this session. If your children choose not to attend this, or they are younger than 6 and thus unable to attend, please bring a quiet activity for them to do during the meeting portion of our time. There will also be a chance to see the facilities where Watermark holds classes and to meet the teachers of the classes your child(ren) will be taking.
Before joining Watermark, our leadership will also meet with you individually so we can get to know each better, answer any questions you have and help you decide if Watermark is a good fit for you and your family.
Other Offerings
Will there be any performances during the year?
Funny you should ask – why yes, there are some performances during the year. At the end of the school year in April, there will be an evening performance that includes all Watermark classes. Your children will have a chance to show off on stage and/or display what they’ve learned in class! You can find the exact performance date on our Calendar tab. Performance based classes, such as Musical Theater, will participate in the End of the Year Showcase as well but may also have their own performance night.
We’re also excited to connect with a local nursing home to do a performance at the end of our fall term in early to mid-December, enabling our students to connect with people in the community and to serve them.
Does Watermark offer anything besides co-op classes?
Watermark offers nature study outings, as well as various field trip opportunities and monthly middle school outings. There are also other opportunities that, while not officially Watermark events, are sometimes put together by Watermark parents.
Watermark also desires to see moms build community and connect with one another, so on Mondays we host a Mom Connect – a time for sharing, questions, praying and sometimes just hanging out – as well as various Mom events throughout the year. Homeschooling can be joyous but it can also be hard and lonely, so we’d love to connect with each other and walk this journey together
We currently offer classes for Pre-K through 8th grade, as well as a nursery for babies 6 weeks and older. However, our nursery and preschool classes are reserved for families with children enrolled in one of our K-8 classes. We do not accept nursery or Pre-K only registrations.
To enroll in kindergarten classes at Watermark, students must be 5 years old by August 1, 2020. To participate in preschool classes, children must be 3 years old by August 1, 2020, and fully potty trained. Nursery enrollment is available for babies 6 weeks up to 3 years.
As we grow, we look forward to adding more classes for more age levels and are hopeful that we will be able to offer high school classes for the 2021-2022 school year. Please join us in praying as we seek wisdom and direction about this.
If you have an older student who is enrolled in kindergarten to middle school classes at Watermark, we’d love to have your nursery or preschool age child join us! However, our nursery and preschool classes are reserved for families with children enrolled in one of our K-8 classes. We do not accept nursery or Pre-K only registrations.
We’re honored that you would inquire about classes at Watermark for the precious little members of your family, so if you don’t have older students enrolled in classes at Watermark, we would love for you to check back with us when your child is ready for kindergarten.
We do our best to keep participation costs as reasonable as possible.
When new families fill out an application for Watermark and schedule an interview, there is a $10 non-refundable application fee that should be submitted no later than 48 hours before your interview time.
Because of the pandemic this year, we have extended the timeline for our Early Registration Pricing. For those registering before June 15, an annual registration fee of $155 per family (for both returning and new families), due at the time of registration, is required to join Watermark for the year. The annual registration fee for those registering from June 16-30 is $175. You will not be able to register for classes until your registration fee is submitted. The registration fee covers costs such as use of the building facilities, utilities, website maintenance, printing, supplies, special events and other costs associated with running a co-op.
The registration fee includes a nonrefundable admin fee of $25 should you decide not to enroll in classes with Watermark after registering. Important Note: Beginning October 11, 2019, PayPal implemented a new policy that they will not refund PayPal fees. Therefore, should you need a refund of your registration payment, it will be less PayPal fees if you have chosen to pay using the business option instead of the Friends and Family option.
Watermark families sign up for each class they would like to participate in. Class and supply fees vary from class to class and range from about $150-$450 for the year. Class fees, in addition to contributing to the costs listed in the previous paragraph, pay for teachers and class materials. The supply cost of each class is typically factored into the total cost of the class, but some classes may also have additional supply fees, or parents may be asked to supply certain books or materials for their student. Classes that require an additional materials fee and/or book purchase will state this in the class description list.
Click here to see our class lineup and fees for the 2020-2021 school year.
Watermark offers two options for payments: you can either pay in full or make monthly payments.
If you choose to pay in full, all class fees are due by August 1. An initial deposit is due within two weeks of registering for classes, which holds your spot in the class. This deposit is due no later than July 1 (so if you register June 30, it’s still due by July 1). You can choose to pay your entire fee when registering, or you can make it by August 1.
If you choose to make monthly payments, please note that a convenience fee will be added to your total amount due for classes. A deposit is due within two weeks of registering for classes, which holds your spot in the class. This deposit is due no later than July 1 (so if you register June 30, it’s still due by July 1). The remaining balance will then be divided into 8 roughly equal payments. The payment schedule and terms are detailed in the Payment section of our Guidelines and Handbook.
Can I get a refund on classes once I’ve registered?
Your fee is non-refundable once you have taken a spot in our classes, so please carefully consider your decision before registering for a class.
As homeschoolers we enjoy a great deal of flexibility with our student’s educational plan, and we understand that situations in life often change. However, please understand that Watermark, as well as each instructor, invests a great deal of time and resources into planning for each class. When you enroll in a class, you are making a financial commitment to Watermark. Watermark relies on those commitments to budget and pay teachers’ salaries, purchase class materials, etc.; additionally, signing up for a class and then deciding not to enroll in it may prevent others who may truly want that class from being able to participate. Therefore, we ask that you make careful consideration of all your family’s and student’s commitments, classes elsewhere, sports, etc., as you sign up for classes.
Classes and Scheduling
When are classes held?
We offer classes every Monday from 9 AM to 1:20 PM. However, we do not require attendance for all four class hours. You have the flexibility to choose what hours work best for you. Join us for one, two, three or all four!
We also invite you to bring a lunch and join with other Watermark families in the café area after 3rd hour (from 11:50 AM-12:30 PM) for fellowship time. This is a great time to connect with other families and build relationships.
We meet for 25 weeks each year. There are 24 weeks of classes and one week dedicated to setting up and rehearsing for our year-end Program Showcase. The Fall Term runs from September to December, and the Spring Term runs from January to April.
For more specific dates, click here for the calendar.
What classes does Watermark offer?
Click here to see our list of classes for the current school year.
What if I can’t stay from 9 am to 1:20 pm or if I only want my child to take one class?
Watermark doesn’t have a set number of hours that you are required to attend each week. This a-la-carte style co-op allows you to choose the classes you want to take — even if that means you only come for the first hour. Take only the classes that work for you and your schedule. For example, you could choose to enroll your child in one class during the first hour, work on your own homeschooling curriculum in our cafe area during the second hour, and enroll your child in another Watermark class during the third hour. Or enroll one student in a class during first hour while you work one-on-one with another of your students, switch the child who takes a class and works with you during another hour, and enroll both of them during another class so you can relax! You choose the classes that work for you and your homeschooling schedule!
How long are your classes?
We offer four class periods with various choices in each slot. Each class will start at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM and 12:30 PM and run for approximately 50 minutes. There is a lunch break from 11:50-12:30 PM that offers a great time to connect with other families and students.
What size are your classes?
We intentionally keep most classes small, averaging about 10-12 students or less per class. The exceptions to this are classes with both more physical space and classes that are just plain more fun if there are larger groups (such as Musical Theater, PE, etc.).
Teaching
Do I have to teach? CAN I teach if I want to?
Watermark is not a traditional co-op in the sense that we do not require parents to teach, set up, tear down or clean bathrooms when the school day is done.
We want to honor the giftings that each of us possess and not put anyone into a teaching position if he or she is not comfortable with it or is unable to teach at this season of life. If you love teaching, though, and want to be a part of that element of our group, e-mail us, or click here or on the Teach button on our home page for more information. We’d love to talk with you more about teaching opportunities. Our classes have already been decided for this year, but let us know if this is an interest and we can talk to you about teaching with Watermark for the 2021-2022 school year.
Who will be teaching my child?
Watermark is unique because we provide teachers — some of whom are moms, dads, aunts, uncles, etc. of students who attend Watermark — who are passionate about a subject, as well as professionals who want to offer classes in their area of expertise. This means that tuition may be higher than other co-ops, but it also means that you do not have to prepare class material or be the main instructor.
When the class listings are posted, there will be bios of each teacher available so you can get a better idea of who will be teaching each class.
Each teacher also must have a background check before teaching with Watermark.
Parent and Family Expectations
Can I drop off my kids while they’re in class?
Watermark is not a drop-off program. Though there is not a long list of requirements for parents to do on a weekly basis, we do require that a parent or guardian stay on campus at all times throughout the day.
What do I do while I’m waiting for my kids during class time?
Sanctuary Church has plenty of tables and chairs, free Wi-Fi, and cafe space to sit and relax. A parent or guardian is required to stay on campus at all times during classes, but feel free to lock yourself in the car for some peace and quiet (Just keep your cell phone nearby and let us know at the Sign-In Table in case we need to reach you!), catch up on a book, pay bills, talk to other parents, do schoolwork with a child who isn’t in class that hour or even catch a nap in a cozy couch. It’s up to you!
Please note that our cafe and seating areas are designated as “quiet working spaces.” While quiet conversation and working with other students are encouraged, please refrain from running, yelling and loudly playing in the building, and please respect the quiet spaces for those who use the time to work, including the church office staff with whom we share a space.
If I register my children to attend classes with Watermark, are there any requirements for me, the parent, associated with Watermark? What are my parental responsibilities?
Yes. Because the leadership of Watermark consists of only a few moms who are homeschooling just like you are, to help ensure that the load for hosting various events and running Watermark does not fall on a few shoulders and result in burnout, we humbly require that all families commit to at least one area of service each year.
When you commit to helping with some of the needs our homeschool community has, we would love to help connect you with an area that you are gifted in or passionate about, whether that’s helping to plan our closing program with a committee of other parents, volunteering as a substitute teacher, or serving in some other area.
As a Watermark parent we also ask that you:
Are there any parent meetings that I need to attend?
Yes. All Watermark families are required to join us for our mandatory Meet the Teacher meeting. This year we’ll be meeting on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Sanctuary Church. For a portion of the meeting, students will also be given the option to attend a mini training session with Black Belts for Christ, the dojo who teaches our jujitsu class, during this time, after which they will do a small demo of what they’ve learned. There is no charge for students to attend this session. If your children choose not to attend this, or they are younger than 6 and thus unable to attend, please bring a quiet activity for them to do during the meeting portion of our time. There will also be a chance to see the facilities where Watermark holds classes and to meet the teachers of the classes your child(ren) will be taking.
Before joining Watermark, our leadership will also meet with you individually so we can get to know each better, answer any questions you have and help you decide if Watermark is a good fit for you and your family.
Other Offerings
Will there be any performances during the year?
Funny you should ask – why yes, there are some performances during the year. At the end of the school year in April, there will be an evening performance that includes all Watermark classes. Your children will have a chance to show off on stage and/or display what they’ve learned in class! You can find the exact performance date on our Calendar tab. Performance based classes, such as Musical Theater, will participate in the End of the Year Showcase as well but may also have their own performance night.
We’re also excited to connect with a local nursing home to do a performance at the end of our fall term in early to mid-December, enabling our students to connect with people in the community and to serve them.
Does Watermark offer anything besides co-op classes?
Watermark offers nature study outings, as well as various field trip opportunities and monthly middle school outings. There are also other opportunities that, while not officially Watermark events, are sometimes put together by Watermark parents.
Watermark also desires to see moms build community and connect with one another, so on Mondays we host a Mom Connect – a time for sharing, questions, praying and sometimes just hanging out – as well as various Mom events throughout the year. Homeschooling can be joyous but it can also be hard and lonely, so we’d love to connect with each other and walk this journey together
We offer classes every Monday from 9 AM to 1:20 PM. However, we do not require attendance for all four class hours. You have the flexibility to choose what hours work best for you. Join us for one, two, three or all four!
We also invite you to bring a lunch and join with other Watermark families in the café area after 3rd hour (from 11:50 AM-12:30 PM) for fellowship time. This is a great time to connect with other families and build relationships.
We meet for 25 weeks each year. There are 24 weeks of classes and one week dedicated to setting up and rehearsing for our year-end Program Showcase. The Fall Term runs from September to December, and the Spring Term runs from January to April.
For more specific dates, click here for the calendar.
Click here to see our list of classes for the current school year.
Watermark doesn’t have a set number of hours that you are required to attend each week. This a-la-carte style co-op allows you to choose the classes you want to take — even if that means you only come for the first hour. Take only the classes that work for you and your schedule. For example, you could choose to enroll your child in one class during the first hour, work on your own homeschooling curriculum in our cafe area during the second hour, and enroll your child in another Watermark class during the third hour. Or enroll one student in a class during first hour while you work one-on-one with another of your students, switch the child who takes a class and works with you during another hour, and enroll both of them during another class so you can relax! You choose the classes that work for you and your homeschooling schedule!
We offer four class periods with various choices in each slot. Each class will start at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM and 12:30 PM and run for approximately 50 minutes. There is a lunch break from 11:50-12:30 PM that offers a great time to connect with other families and students.
We intentionally keep most classes small, averaging about 10-12 students or less per class. The exceptions to this are classes with both more physical space and classes that are just plain more fun if there are larger groups (such as Musical Theater, PE, etc.).
Teaching
Do I have to teach? CAN I teach if I want to?
Watermark is not a traditional co-op in the sense that we do not require parents to teach, set up, tear down or clean bathrooms when the school day is done.
We want to honor the giftings that each of us possess and not put anyone into a teaching position if he or she is not comfortable with it or is unable to teach at this season of life. If you love teaching, though, and want to be a part of that element of our group, e-mail us, or click here or on the Teach button on our home page for more information. We’d love to talk with you more about teaching opportunities. Our classes have already been decided for this year, but let us know if this is an interest and we can talk to you about teaching with Watermark for the 2021-2022 school year.
Who will be teaching my child?
Watermark is unique because we provide teachers — some of whom are moms, dads, aunts, uncles, etc. of students who attend Watermark — who are passionate about a subject, as well as professionals who want to offer classes in their area of expertise. This means that tuition may be higher than other co-ops, but it also means that you do not have to prepare class material or be the main instructor.
When the class listings are posted, there will be bios of each teacher available so you can get a better idea of who will be teaching each class.
Each teacher also must have a background check before teaching with Watermark.
Parent and Family Expectations
Can I drop off my kids while they’re in class?
Watermark is not a drop-off program. Though there is not a long list of requirements for parents to do on a weekly basis, we do require that a parent or guardian stay on campus at all times throughout the day.
What do I do while I’m waiting for my kids during class time?
Sanctuary Church has plenty of tables and chairs, free Wi-Fi, and cafe space to sit and relax. A parent or guardian is required to stay on campus at all times during classes, but feel free to lock yourself in the car for some peace and quiet (Just keep your cell phone nearby and let us know at the Sign-In Table in case we need to reach you!), catch up on a book, pay bills, talk to other parents, do schoolwork with a child who isn’t in class that hour or even catch a nap in a cozy couch. It’s up to you!
Please note that our cafe and seating areas are designated as “quiet working spaces.” While quiet conversation and working with other students are encouraged, please refrain from running, yelling and loudly playing in the building, and please respect the quiet spaces for those who use the time to work, including the church office staff with whom we share a space.
If I register my children to attend classes with Watermark, are there any requirements for me, the parent, associated with Watermark? What are my parental responsibilities?
Yes. Because the leadership of Watermark consists of only a few moms who are homeschooling just like you are, to help ensure that the load for hosting various events and running Watermark does not fall on a few shoulders and result in burnout, we humbly require that all families commit to at least one area of service each year.
When you commit to helping with some of the needs our homeschool community has, we would love to help connect you with an area that you are gifted in or passionate about, whether that’s helping to plan our closing program with a committee of other parents, volunteering as a substitute teacher, or serving in some other area.
As a Watermark parent we also ask that you:
Are there any parent meetings that I need to attend?
Yes. All Watermark families are required to join us for our mandatory Meet the Teacher meeting. This year we’ll be meeting on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Sanctuary Church. For a portion of the meeting, students will also be given the option to attend a mini training session with Black Belts for Christ, the dojo who teaches our jujitsu class, during this time, after which they will do a small demo of what they’ve learned. There is no charge for students to attend this session. If your children choose not to attend this, or they are younger than 6 and thus unable to attend, please bring a quiet activity for them to do during the meeting portion of our time. There will also be a chance to see the facilities where Watermark holds classes and to meet the teachers of the classes your child(ren) will be taking.
Before joining Watermark, our leadership will also meet with you individually so we can get to know each better, answer any questions you have and help you decide if Watermark is a good fit for you and your family.
Other Offerings
Will there be any performances during the year?
Funny you should ask – why yes, there are some performances during the year. At the end of the school year in April, there will be an evening performance that includes all Watermark classes. Your children will have a chance to show off on stage and/or display what they’ve learned in class! You can find the exact performance date on our Calendar tab. Performance based classes, such as Musical Theater, will participate in the End of the Year Showcase as well but may also have their own performance night.
We’re also excited to connect with a local nursing home to do a performance at the end of our fall term in early to mid-December, enabling our students to connect with people in the community and to serve them.
Does Watermark offer anything besides co-op classes?
Watermark offers nature study outings, as well as various field trip opportunities and monthly middle school outings. There are also other opportunities that, while not officially Watermark events, are sometimes put together by Watermark parents.
Watermark also desires to see moms build community and connect with one another, so on Mondays we host a Mom Connect – a time for sharing, questions, praying and sometimes just hanging out – as well as various Mom events throughout the year. Homeschooling can be joyous but it can also be hard and lonely, so we’d love to connect with each other and walk this journey together
Watermark is not a traditional co-op in the sense that we do not require parents to teach, set up, tear down or clean bathrooms when the school day is done.
We want to honor the giftings that each of us possess and not put anyone into a teaching position if he or she is not comfortable with it or is unable to teach at this season of life. If you love teaching, though, and want to be a part of that element of our group, e-mail us, or click here or on the Teach button on our home page for more information. We’d love to talk with you more about teaching opportunities. Our classes have already been decided for this year, but let us know if this is an interest and we can talk to you about teaching with Watermark for the 2021-2022 school year.
Watermark is unique because we provide teachers — some of whom are moms, dads, aunts, uncles, etc. of students who attend Watermark — who are passionate about a subject, as well as professionals who want to offer classes in their area of expertise. This means that tuition may be higher than other co-ops, but it also means that you do not have to prepare class material or be the main instructor.
When the class listings are posted, there will be bios of each teacher available so you can get a better idea of who will be teaching each class.
Each teacher also must have a background check before teaching with Watermark.
Parent and Family Expectations
Can I drop off my kids while they’re in class?
Watermark is not a drop-off program. Though there is not a long list of requirements for parents to do on a weekly basis, we do require that a parent or guardian stay on campus at all times throughout the day.
What do I do while I’m waiting for my kids during class time?
Sanctuary Church has plenty of tables and chairs, free Wi-Fi, and cafe space to sit and relax. A parent or guardian is required to stay on campus at all times during classes, but feel free to lock yourself in the car for some peace and quiet (Just keep your cell phone nearby and let us know at the Sign-In Table in case we need to reach you!), catch up on a book, pay bills, talk to other parents, do schoolwork with a child who isn’t in class that hour or even catch a nap in a cozy couch. It’s up to you!
Please note that our cafe and seating areas are designated as “quiet working spaces.” While quiet conversation and working with other students are encouraged, please refrain from running, yelling and loudly playing in the building, and please respect the quiet spaces for those who use the time to work, including the church office staff with whom we share a space.
If I register my children to attend classes with Watermark, are there any requirements for me, the parent, associated with Watermark? What are my parental responsibilities?
Yes. Because the leadership of Watermark consists of only a few moms who are homeschooling just like you are, to help ensure that the load for hosting various events and running Watermark does not fall on a few shoulders and result in burnout, we humbly require that all families commit to at least one area of service each year.
When you commit to helping with some of the needs our homeschool community has, we would love to help connect you with an area that you are gifted in or passionate about, whether that’s helping to plan our closing program with a committee of other parents, volunteering as a substitute teacher, or serving in some other area.
As a Watermark parent we also ask that you:
Are there any parent meetings that I need to attend?
Yes. All Watermark families are required to join us for our mandatory Meet the Teacher meeting. This year we’ll be meeting on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Sanctuary Church. For a portion of the meeting, students will also be given the option to attend a mini training session with Black Belts for Christ, the dojo who teaches our jujitsu class, during this time, after which they will do a small demo of what they’ve learned. There is no charge for students to attend this session. If your children choose not to attend this, or they are younger than 6 and thus unable to attend, please bring a quiet activity for them to do during the meeting portion of our time. There will also be a chance to see the facilities where Watermark holds classes and to meet the teachers of the classes your child(ren) will be taking.
Before joining Watermark, our leadership will also meet with you individually so we can get to know each better, answer any questions you have and help you decide if Watermark is a good fit for you and your family.
Other Offerings
Will there be any performances during the year?
Funny you should ask – why yes, there are some performances during the year. At the end of the school year in April, there will be an evening performance that includes all Watermark classes. Your children will have a chance to show off on stage and/or display what they’ve learned in class! You can find the exact performance date on our Calendar tab. Performance based classes, such as Musical Theater, will participate in the End of the Year Showcase as well but may also have their own performance night.
We’re also excited to connect with a local nursing home to do a performance at the end of our fall term in early to mid-December, enabling our students to connect with people in the community and to serve them.
Does Watermark offer anything besides co-op classes?
Watermark offers nature study outings, as well as various field trip opportunities and monthly middle school outings. There are also other opportunities that, while not officially Watermark events, are sometimes put together by Watermark parents.
Watermark also desires to see moms build community and connect with one another, so on Mondays we host a Mom Connect – a time for sharing, questions, praying and sometimes just hanging out – as well as various Mom events throughout the year. Homeschooling can be joyous but it can also be hard and lonely, so we’d love to connect with each other and walk this journey together
Watermark is not a drop-off program. Though there is not a long list of requirements for parents to do on a weekly basis, we do require that a parent or guardian stay on campus at all times throughout the day.
Sanctuary Church has plenty of tables and chairs, free Wi-Fi, and cafe space to sit and relax. A parent or guardian is required to stay on campus at all times during classes, but feel free to lock yourself in the car for some peace and quiet (Just keep your cell phone nearby and let us know at the Sign-In Table in case we need to reach you!), catch up on a book, pay bills, talk to other parents, do schoolwork with a child who isn’t in class that hour or even catch a nap in a cozy couch. It’s up to you!
Please note that our cafe and seating areas are designated as “quiet working spaces.” While quiet conversation and working with other students are encouraged, please refrain from running, yelling and loudly playing in the building, and please respect the quiet spaces for those who use the time to work, including the church office staff with whom we share a space.
Yes. Because the leadership of Watermark consists of only a few moms who are homeschooling just like you are, to help ensure that the load for hosting various events and running Watermark does not fall on a few shoulders and result in burnout, we humbly require that all families commit to at least one area of service each year.
When you commit to helping with some of the needs our homeschool community has, we would love to help connect you with an area that you are gifted in or passionate about, whether that’s helping to plan our closing program with a committee of other parents, volunteering as a substitute teacher, or serving in some other area.
As a Watermark parent we also ask that you:
Yes. All Watermark families are required to join us for our mandatory Meet the Teacher meeting. This year we’ll be meeting on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Sanctuary Church. For a portion of the meeting, students will also be given the option to attend a mini training session with Black Belts for Christ, the dojo who teaches our jujitsu class, during this time, after which they will do a small demo of what they’ve learned. There is no charge for students to attend this session. If your children choose not to attend this, or they are younger than 6 and thus unable to attend, please bring a quiet activity for them to do during the meeting portion of our time. There will also be a chance to see the facilities where Watermark holds classes and to meet the teachers of the classes your child(ren) will be taking.
Before joining Watermark, our leadership will also meet with you individually so we can get to know each better, answer any questions you have and help you decide if Watermark is a good fit for you and your family.
Funny you should ask – why yes, there are some performances during the year. At the end of the school year in April, there will be an evening performance that includes all Watermark classes. Your children will have a chance to show off on stage and/or display what they’ve learned in class! You can find the exact performance date on our Calendar tab. Performance based classes, such as Musical Theater, will participate in the End of the Year Showcase as well but may also have their own performance night.
We’re also excited to connect with a local nursing home to do a performance at the end of our fall term in early to mid-December, enabling our students to connect with people in the community and to serve them.
Watermark offers nature study outings, as well as various field trip opportunities and monthly middle school outings. There are also other opportunities that, while not officially Watermark events, are sometimes put together by Watermark parents.
Watermark also desires to see moms build community and connect with one another, so on Mondays we host a Mom Connect – a time for sharing, questions, praying and sometimes just hanging out – as well as various Mom events throughout the year. Homeschooling can be joyous but it can also be hard and lonely, so we’d love to connect with each other and walk this journey together