How CEN Works
Choice Education Network, Inc is primarily a co-op, meaning all families are expected to participate and contribute in some way; however, we do offer drop-off courses within our ACADEMIC Co-Op and COMMUNITY PARTNER PROGRAMS. All social co-op/play school co-op courses are intended to be family- style with everyone helping in whatever capacity they can for a smooth community day.
We are a registered nonprofit organization, however, nonprofit does not equal "free" as operational costs still exist, even for a nonprofit (rent, insurance, supplies, software, websites, contractor fees, etc.) We strive to work within our local communities to find the best possible networking opportunities for our families to ensure the best quality programming for the best prices.
Fees & Supplies
Prices listed are for the semester. Families are responsible for the semester fees even if absent or choosing to cancel their enrollment.
NO annual fees or annual commitments for MOST programs. Some academic and community partner courses will expect an annual commitment, please read class descriptions.
Customized Schedules! No minimum enrollment limit. No sibling enrollment requirement. Take as many or as few courses as you desire.
Registration Fees are "INSURANCE FEES" and are non refundable and billed each semester.
Fall 2024 Registration Fees are: $75 first student; $65 second student; $55 each additional with $250 family max in registration fees. These fees are billed ONCE per semester per student enrolled. (not a "per class" charge).
Tuition Fees cover our rent and provide a BASELINE supply/operating budget.
Supplies: Please watch for our Sign Up Genius Supply List each semester and choose some items each month to help our teachers. Not all of our supplies are covered in our tuition prices. Families have voted and decided doing a SIGNUP is more cost effective on family budgets than a flat supply rate per student/class. Families may make monetary donations instead of purchasing supplies. The "suggested' monetary donation is $40 per student per class. Both supply and monetary donations are tax deductible, please see reception for receipts.
Flexible Payment Options. All Fees are due in full by NOVEMBER 10th of the fall semester and by April 10th of the Spring semester. Choose to pay-in-full or make monthly installments towards your semester bill within your parent portal or in person with reception.
Social & Play School Co-Op Fees: $50 per class, per student, per semester.
Academic Co-Op Fees: $100 per class, per student, per semester.
Community Partner Program Fees: Vary by course
Expectations &
Code of Conduct
It is expected that everyone will abide by "The Golden Rule" at all times. At Choice Education Network, Inc., we strive to bring "our best self" to our classes, workshops and events.
Co-Op / Cooperative Mindset. Choice Education Network, Inc. is a nonprofit organization run primarily by volunteers and a network of professionals offering their time, talent and resources at deeply discounted rates. It takes the effort of our entire community to ensure a smooth and organized experience. Your willingness to step forward and "fill a need" is essential to our success.
After enrollment, our administrators will reach out with opportunities to serve within the organization via sign-ups, general announcements within BAND APP, and/or direct requests. It is expected that each family will contribute to meet the volunteer needs of our organization to the best of their ability and availability. Opportunities to serve vary and include, but are not limited to: teaching, classroom assisting, child care rotations, substitute teaching, hall monitors, campus/event set-up, campus/event clean-up, lunch monitors, being an active contributor on our events committees for monthly socials, graduation events and fundraisers and etc..
YES, discounts are offered for families able to volunteer above and beyond the expected 1-2 hours each week. (Discounts do not extend to our community partner programs, which are already marked down to serve the homeschooling demographic.)
Semester Fundraiser: As a nonprofit striving to keep our costs low, we DEPEND on our fundraisers to help fill the financial gaps. Each semester CEN hosts a fundraising event in which each family is expected to participate in one or more of the following ways: 1) Staffing the event/running booths, 2) Donating supplies, concessions, raffle prizes, 3) Actively sharing information on social media to help advertise and ensure our events are well attended, 4) Assist in connecting CEN with talent and/or vendors as appropriate for the event.
Dress Code: Choice Education Network, Inc expects students, teachers and guests to arrive in attire generally considered suitable for school or the business-casual environments. Please note that some programs/events may have their own dress code expectations.
Behavior. Only those behaving as ladies and gentlemen are permitted on campus. NO bullying, NO foul language, NO rude behavior towards staff, volunteers or each other and absolutely NO reckless/dangerous behavior towards oneself, others or property. CEN reserves the right to refuse service to students and/or families no upholding respectful and safe behaviors. ALL teachers reserve the right to dismiss disruptive students from their classroom without refund.
Classroom Expectations: Our classes are just that; a classroom environment with a teacher, likely a volunteer, who has spent significant time and resources to create the classroom experience for your student. It is expected that youth arrive prepared to hear and respectfully TRY the activities presented.
Technology is generally not permitted in classroom, except where explicitly listed in the description as a technology class (film, zine, photography, minecraft history, etc). Please advise all youth to turn phones to silent and show respect for their instructor and the classroom by NOT pulling out phones/tablets/smart-watches, or other distractions etc during class. Teachers reserve the right to confiscate technology/toys/distractions until the end of class.
Tech on campus/events. A primary objective to holding community days is the opportunity to fellowship and make friends. Please encourage your youth to tuck their tech away until the end of the day. Please have conversations around safe technology, sharing devices, sharing media, etc with your youth. CEN cannot monitor tech usage and cannot guarantee your student will not come in contact with another student's phone/tablet/laptop, etc.
CEN encourages and promotes parental controls and oversight and holds the stance that if the PARENT has allowed their student access to technology, it is the responsibility of the parent to monitor and educate their youth on the appropriate use of their technology; HOWEVER, CEN reserves the right to restrict use when technology is used inappropriately, as a form of bullying, or is consistently causing a distraction in the classroom setting.
Report any issues or instances of abuse directly to AMY CHIODO to be handled with the individual family/families involved.
Neurodivergent Classroom Space. New to 2024! In an effort to assist families with various classroom and social needs, CEN is launching a new space this year especially for families needing accommodations and spaces for students of different needs and learning styles. These PARENT-LED classroom spaces are equipped with STEM, hands-on, sensory and calming activities in a relaxed classroom space intended for those who need to ease into a community settings, need to step away from the crowds or just need a place to "be." LIMITED ENROLLMENT is available as we launch this new program and learning space. Please speak with the director to see how this space make work for your family.
We do not have SpEd teachers or specialists on campus at this time, nor are our classes designed for "learning different" students other than the general tolerance for students to take care of their own needs (go to the restrooms at will, free to walk about the classroom, given time to visit in class, etc). If your student struggles in a classroom environment, please speak with our director PRIOR to enrollment to discuss your student's needs and if our courses are a good fit for your student. Parents of students with special needs will need to attend courses with their student to help with accommodations or needs as or teachers and assistants will not be properly equipped or trained to do so.
Religious or Not Religious Campus? Choice Education Network, Inc is a CONSERVATIVE, TRADITIONAL-FAMILY-VALUES organization. All are welcome who respect and uphold this campus standard at all times while attending CEN classes, events, field trips, etc., regardless of personal beliefs or home lifestyles. CEN is not "religious" in nature, nor are we affiliated with any religious denomination. We ARE hosted by a church, and, as such, respect their wishes for use of their space.
THREE NO'S IN THE CLASSROOM: There are three subjects in which NO teacher/volunteer/staff member may introduce into our CLASSROOM settings. 1) Political Debate. This is not the place to converse in the classroom your political stances. 2) Religious Doctrine. We are not a church, bible study or Sunday school. While it is normal to bring up belief systems in the day to day conversations, especially in the "Bible Belt" of the South, it is inappropriate to allow the conversation of the classroom to become a religious doctrine conversation. 3) Sexuality/Sex Ed. Our classrooms are not the place to be discussing sexuality. It is highly inappropriate for any classroom setting to turn to this topic of conversation at any time.
Teachers and assisting adults are expected to REDIRECT these topics back to the parent/home and remind students that will are to remain "on topic" in the classroom setting. Respectfully acknowledge the comment and re-direct the conversation back to the course subject.
What FAMILIES choose to discuss outside the classroom is not censored. Please keep adult conversations amongst adults and be mindful of little ears on campus
PEOPLE FIRST ALWAYS! It is our desire to have a community dedicated to supporting one another in the difficult journey of educating our children and parenting in the 21st century. Times are hard for everyone. Every family is working through their own storm and requires a SAFE HAVEN to find refuge, support, understanding and an ear to hear. Please remember to act with kindness.
General Media Release
We have a campus yearbook and we take A LOT of photos! These are shared on our private BAND APP for all our families to enjoy; however, from time to time we get some excellent footage and photography that we use for PUBLIC advertising. CEN will never share names of any participants.
By enrolling in Choice Education Network, Inc.,'s programming, you agree to general use of photography, video and audio clips. If you wish to decline participation in media content, please speak with the director so your family will be removed from any public sharing.
All public events (any event open to the general public) cannot be monitored for public posting. It is assumed that any family attending any public event understands that they can an will be filmed, photographed, videoed, etc and waives all rights to any an all media shared from public events.
Who to Contact for Help
Amy Chiodo is our founder and Executive Director. For any needs on campus, please CONTACT THE DIRECTOR by email, here.
Need to discuss larger issues with The Board of Directors? Send an EMAIL to the Secretary of the Board HERE.
BAND APP
Our community uses BAND APP to communicate, share schedules and report weekly news. It is expected and required that all families registered with CEN is active (checking at least once per week) on band. FALL 2024: JOIN US ON BAND APP by clicking here!
View our Fall 2024 Schedule
