We were called Branches Chandler from 2018 until May 2025. At that time we created our own group separate from Branches (with the same leadership team and members) and became Steadfast Homeschool Community. 

We're a Christ-centered homeschool co-op built on grace, community, and a love for learning. Our heart is to follow God's lead as we raise, teach, and train our kids together. We know what a privilege it is to homeschool our children and we want to come along side one another to ensure we are each successful. We offer enrichment and academic classes, fun activities, and a place to come together in fellowship and community with other homeschool families. 

If you have questions after you have read our FAQ's, Statement of Faith, and Guidelines - please reach out to [email protected]. 

STEADFAST HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITY

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 

Mission Statement

We're a Christ-centered homeschool co-op built on grace, community, and a love for learning. Our heart is to follow God's lead as we raise, teach, and train our kids together. 

We believe that each child is created by God with unique gifts and purpose, and that learning happens best in a space filled with love, encouragement, and support. As families, we come together to share our time, talents, and resources, so no one walks this path alone.

Our goal is to build a community where Jesus is at the center, grace is freely given, and relationships matter. Rooted in faith and fellowship, we aim to cultivate a space where parents and students can grow together—academically, spiritually, and relationally.  

Statement of Faith 

We believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God and is the final authority in all matters of truth, morality, and conduct. 

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe people are created either male or female, and are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character and purpose. We are designed then to be His representatives, pointing the rest of creation back to God. As such, people are the pinnacle of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude that separates people from God and causes many problems in life.

We believe the salvation of mankind is wholly a work of God’s free grace, 

We believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, made possible through the atoning death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, and received by faith alone. It is not the result of human works or goodness, and must be personally appropriated by repentance and faith. When God has begun a saving work in the heart of any person, He gives assurance in His Word that He will continue performing it until the day Jesus returns.

We believe that marriage is a sacred covenant instituted by God between one man and one woman, reflecting the union of Christ and His Church. Sexual activity is reserved for this covenant, and all other forms are outside of God’s design.

We believe that Christians are called to live holy and fruitful lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, and that sin, whether in practice or affirmation, dishonors God.

We believe that every person is deeply loved by God and should be treated with compassion, kindness, and dignity, reflecting the character of Christ in all our relationships.

Our philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12), and that Jesus alone is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). We uphold the unchanging nature of God (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8) and reject teachings that advocate for eternal progression, the authority of additional scriptures beyond the Bible, or a changeable God.

Statement on Education

We affirm that parents are the primary, God-appointed stewards of their children’s education—especially in sensitive areas such as:

• Political perspectives

• Doctrinal distinctives

• Human sexuality

• Dietary practices

In recognition of the diversity of family convictions and varying levels of spiritual maturity, we ask that teachers, volunteers, and students refrain from engaging in discussions on these topics outside of a clearly defined and approved classroom setting.

GUIDELINES and STANDARDS 

Parent Expectations:

• Steadfast Homeschool Community is a true homeschool cooperative community.  All member families are expected to pitch in and use their gifts and talents in order for Steadfast to succeed. All members must sign up for volunteer jobs (job credits) to participate in Steadfast. Members must earn a minimum of six job credits.

• Steadfast is not a drop-off program.  Parents are expected to stay on campus during the class day. In rare circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, we will allow you to have another parent on campus be responsible for your child(ren) ONLY with prior approval from the leadership team. If your kids are dropped off without approval, you will be asked to come and pick up your child(ren). Children attending Minis (ages 6 years old or under) must always have a parent or family member on campus. 

• All volunteering adults (18+) must have successfully completed a background check through the company recommended by Steadfast, have read and agreed to abide by the Statements of Mission and Faith, the Guidelines and Standards, and the Conflict Resolution Policy.

• Assigned parent jobs must be covered at all times. If you are unable to serve in your assigned role, or you will be absent, you must let the Parent Jobs Coordinator know as soon as possible so she can assign a floater in your spot.

• If a parent is absent more than three times in a semester*, they must find their own replacement with an on-campus friend or family member who has successfully completed a Steadfast background check; has read and agreed to abide by the Statements of Mission and Faith, the Guidelines and Standards, and the Conflict Resolution Policy; and is approved to work at Steadfast. *As a cooperative community, we depend on consistent attendance and a solid commitment from our member families. We cannot properly function without it. We understand life circumstances happen and will do our best to work with you, but we do take our attendance policy seriously. It is imperative to fulfill your parent job requirements or you may not be able to attend Steadfast in the future.

• All floaters are needed each week. If you are a floater, please keep your phone handy and be ready to receive your job assignment at any time during the period you serve. The Parent Jobs Coordinator will text you if you are assigned to work. Please respond so she knows you received this message.  

• Teachers, teachers assistants, floaters, and all time-sensitive jobs  must show up, be on time, and remain in the classroom (or at assigned job) for the entire class period.

• It is the responsibility of the parents to know where their kids are at all times. This includes making sure your children are in their classes, on time, and at lunchtime, cleaning up after themselves.  

• Cell phones are not allowed to be used by parents for personal use during class time. 

• All fees must be paid by the due date. Failure to pay, or to make special payment arrangements by the due date will result in membership suspension. Members with a remaining balance will not be allowed to register for the next semester’s classes. 

Student Expectations:

• All students must agree to follow and abide by the Student Code of Conduct.

• Students must show up on time and remain in class for the entire class period. If a student needs to leave, they are required to get permission from the teacher before they do so. 

• Cell phones are not allowed to be used by students during class time (unless they are being used for the purpose of the class). 

• Steadfast does not have a formal dress code, however we ask that members use their best judgement and make sure all private areas are completely covered.

• Aggressive and/or disruptive behavior in class will not be tolerated. If you have a child that has issues with aggression/is disruptive, that child will need to have an aide to help them. The parent will be responsible for finding the aide.

• Disrespectful behavior to any member of the group, cheating, stealing, bullying, drug use, profanity, obscenity, sexual immorality, public displays of affection beyond hand holding, conduct contrary to one’s biological sex, dishonor to the Word of God, disrespect to the leadership of the group, or continued disobedience to the established standards of this group will not be tolerated and may result in a temporary or permanent dismissal from Steadfast.

• Steadfast is a nut-free campus.  

If a member family does not follow these guidelines and standards, they may be asked to withdraw from Steadfast Homeschool Community immediately or not allowed to return the next semester. 

FAQs

Did Steadfast used to be called Branches Chandler?

Yes. We were Branches Chandler from 2018 until 2025. At that time we created our own group separate from Branches (with the same leadership team and members) and became Steadfast Homeschool Community. 

Why join a homeschool co-op vs. a drop off program?

ESA has changed the homeschooling landscape. Many new drop-off programs have popped up because homeschool families now have the money to spend on classes and sports. While drop-off programs offer convenience and have opened so many new doors for families, they miss one of the most valuable parts of homeschooling - community. 

The biggest benefit to joining a cooperative program, like Steadfast, is so much more than academic enrichment - it creates a space where both kids and parents can form meaningful connections. We feel the number one predictor of a homeschool family's success will come from being surrounded by other homeschool families, where they can find support and encouragement. Parents need support and friendships just as much as the kids do!

In a co-op, you’re not just outsourcing your kids' education, you’re joining a team of like minded families. There’s immeasurable value in learning from experienced homeschool moms who offer both wisdom and encouragement. Plus, you have the opportunity to share your unique gifts and talents to serve and work alongside other parents.

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be a lonely journey…and at Steadfast, it isn’t. 

LOGISTICS:

When and where does the Steadfast Homeschool Community meet?

We meet on Mondays, in Chandler - near Price and Ray, from 9:00 to 2:10. We meet thirteen weeks each semester with several Monday holiday breaks. 

Does my family need to stay all day?  

We only allow new families to come on a full-time basis. This is how you find your community! That means your kids will take five classes and be on campus from 9:00 until 2:10. 

If I have a fingerprint clearance card, do I still have to fill out your background check form?

Yes, we require anyone on campus that is 18+ to complete a background check with the company that we choose. This is included in the annual fee. 

FINANCIAL INFO:

What are the costs involved in joining Steadfast?

• We charge an annual membership fee per family of $100. This amount helps to cover our fixed expenses including the website, insurance, background checks, and accounting fees. 

• We charge an Administration fee of $50 per child, per semester for kids ages 5 and up. The cost for kids 4 and under is $25 per child, per semester.

• We charge a Building fee of $45 per semester, per child fee. This money goes straight to our rent and storage unit fees. 

• Each class has its own separate supply fee based on what the teacher deems necessary to run the class. 

Are you a Class Wallet Vendor?

We are not a Class Wallet vendor and we do not provide an attestation for our teachers; however, you should be able to submit your class fees for ESA reimbursement. Many of our parents have successfully submitted their fees for reimbursement and our finance director is happy to assist you as best as possible. 

We never want finances to be a reason a family can't attend. So don't let that be a reason you don't consider joining us. Just let us know! 

CLASSES:

What type of classes does Steadfast offer? 

Steadfast offers a variety of academic and enrichment classes. Classes are taught by members of our community. These classes change over time based on the talents and needs of our members. 

Do you have classes for my younger kids?

Yes. We have a fun Mini’s program designed for kids ages six and younger. This program is generally reserved for the siblings of kids taking classes. 

How do I sign my kids up for classes?

You sign up for classes (and parent jobs) on class registration day. After you are a member you will be notified of the registration process and the details pertaining to registration day. You will pay for the classes your child/ren take on the day of registration. Teachers get priority registration.

TEACHING/PARENT JOBS:

How do I contribute my talents to this co-op?

There are a few ways to contribute to Branches. Each parent signs up for "jobs."  Once you are a member you can sign up for these jobs through the website. Of course we always need teachers, but also teacher assistants, event coordinators, and help on our set up and clean up teams. Teachers do get priority registration.

Do I need to have a degree or be an expert to teach a class?

No way. Everyone has talents! Sometimes we don't feel like we do, especially moms, however God has gifted each of us with unique gifts. It's especially intimidating to put yourself out there, in front of a group, but we are in this together! If you have an area, background, or speciality that you think could help the Steadfast community in some way, please let us know. 

Required Job Credits:

• Families attending 3 class periods = 6 credit minimum

• Families attending 4 class periods = 7 credit minimum

• Families attending 5 class periods = 8 credit minimum

*New families must attend full time, which is 5 class periods.

Is it possible for me to leave campus if I have a doctor's appointment, special errand, or other unusual situation that comes up?

Steadfast is not a drop-off program. Parents are expected to stay on campus during the class day. In rare circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, we will allow you to have another parent on campus be responsible for your child(ren) ONLY with prior approval from the leadership team. If your kids are dropped off without approval, you will be asked to come and pick up your child(ren). Children attending Minis (ages 6 years old or under) must always have a parent or family member on campus.