Koinonia co-op
WHY FIT IN WHEN YOU WERE BORN TO STAND OUT.We are a full parental involvement, faith based homeschooling co-op located in Graniteville, SC.
What does Our name mean?
The name Koinonia was chosen by Tracy Walsh when she established the co-op in 2009 in Graniteville, SC.
In classical Greek, koinonein means “to have a share in a thing,” as when two or more people hold all things in common. It can also imply “sharing an opinion” with someone, and therefore agreeing with him, or disagreeing in a congenial way. Participation is vital as the members are sharing in what others have. What is shared, received or given becomes the common ground through which Koinonia becomes real.
Phillipians 2:1-2 declares, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”
"Koinonia"
In the spirit of Koinonia, we are a group of families coming together sharing the responsibilities of schooling our children, ministering to each other through life’s ups and downs, lifting each other up in prayer.
Through this process we form lasting friendships, experience fun field trips, and make precious memories.
We would love to have you join us! We welcome families from Aiken, Graniteville, North Augusta, Augusta, Edgefield, and further!
A Word
From Our Director
When I joined Koinonia in Aiken, South Carolina, over fifteen years ago, I never dreamed that one day I would find myself directing these fun-loving, energetic, precious moms. I had a large family with a small budget and I wanted — no, needed — support. I needed writing classes because I tended to not be objective enough with my own kids. I needed science classes because, let’s be real, who wants to dissect cow hearts in their kitchen? But I didn’t have lots of extra money to pay for IEW classes and science labs. Finding Koinonia was a blessing. We got the classes I wanted in addition to fun electives for my little guys and credit-worthy electives for my high-schoolers. The friendships both my kids and I formed are valuable treasures to our family.
Since taking the reins as director almost ten years ago, I have been moved way out of my comfort zone and found skills I never knew I had. I’ve also had the privilege of watching some of my now-grown daughters and daughters-in-law experience Koinonia with their own families — teaching alongside us — as well as my grandchildren attending classes with my younger children who are still in school. It is a true blessing. I’ve learned to see and thank God in all of life’s circumstances and various seasons.
– Kelly Massey
Calendar
Koinonia Events & Activities
August
First Day of Classes
November
Science Fair
Nov – Dec
Winter Break
March
Field Day
April
Spring Break
May
Project Fair & Awards Ceremony
More Than a Co-op
Our Ministry
At Koinonia, we believe in coming alongside our moms as more than just classmates — as sisters in Christ and a true support system. Our ministry efforts include:
- Secret Sister — a year-long encouragement program pairing moms together
- Diaper Showers — celebrating new babies with our expecting moms
- Meals for Illness & Life Challenges — showing up when life gets hard
- “Just Thinking of You” Gift Cards — arriving just when a pick-me-up is needed most
- Student Scholarship Fund — supporting families in financial need
- Prayer Ministry — lifting each other up consistently throughout the year
We truly want to be your village.
Our co-op
Forms and Important Documents
Here are some of the forms or documents you can access. Please download them. If you still have a question after reading this feel free to email us at themasseybunch@bellsouth.net
What do I need to join?
PLEASE READ HANDBOOK AND MAKE SURE YOU AGREE TO OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH AND CO OP GUIDELINES
Click here to fill out the registration form, commitment form, and release of liability.
If you have any questions you can email themasseybunch@bellsouth.net
Handbook
Handbook Highlights
- Conduct: All families are expected to uphold Christian conduct and treat all members with kindness and respect.
- Academics: Classes are offered across STEM, language arts, electives, and enrichment. Class availability varies each year.
- Attendance & Absences: Please notify us in advance of any absences using the Absent Board in GroupMe.
- Full-Day Commitment: All families commit to attending the full Wednesday schedule.
Our co-op
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most popular questions we get asked. If you still have a question after reading this feel free to email us at themasseybunch@bellsouth.net
What classes do you offer?
Our class offerings change each year depending on parent involvement and student interest. Each semester brings something new, but we typically offer a mix of STEM, arts, practical skills, and enrichment classes. Examples include science labs, computers, theater, art, writing, home economics, woodworking, and more that help students grow both academically and creatively.
How often do you meet?
We meet for 30 weeks, every Wednesday from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm in Graniteville, SC.
We have a break from Thanksgiving to the first of the year, and again for Spring Break.
Do I have to come all day?
Yes. Our schedule depends on full parent involvement throughout the day, so we are unable to offer half days or partial days. However, if you have a period where your child does not have a class, study hall hours are available.
How do you choose classes?
Science and IEW/English Language Arts classes are offered every year. Other academic classes and electives are based on a parent survey sent out the previous year and/or parent demand.
Do I have to stay?
Yes, at least one parent or guardian must stay for the full day. Parents may serve in a variety of roles — not just teaching — including hall monitor, lunch monitor, nursery worker, preschool helper, or cleaner.
How old do you have to be to attend co-op classes?
Nursery through High school.
Do you cycle your classes?
Some classes such as logic, government, economics, are cycled. Meaning they are offered every other year. Other classes such as sciences are offered every year.
Do you have to be a Christian to join?
All participants must sign a statement of faith.
Are there class fees?
Some classes charge a nominal fee for art supplies and project supplies. You also of course may be required to purchase a book.
What are the co-op fees?
Co-op fees are $200 per family per school year, plus books and class fees (which may include copies, dissection kits, costumes, or other supplies depending on the class). This fee is allocated to facility rent, science fair, awards day, field day, and holiday events.
What fun events do you offer?
Science fair, field day, valentines banquet, thanksgiving feast, awards day, dress up days, several offsite field trip opportunities.
How do I apply?
PLEASE READ HANDBOOK AND MAKE SURE YOU AGREE TO OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH AND CO OP GUIDELINES
You can download an application on the homepage or here:
You must fill out the registration form, release of liability and photo release form.
How do you communicate with members?
We use the GroupMe app, which all members are required to download. There are several group boards available as resources to our families, including prayer requests, homeschool chat, a field trip board, and a classifieds board for selling books and personal items. Many classes will also have their own GroupMe board.
Required boards for all members include:
- Admin Announcements
- Absent Board
- Forms Board — a resource hub for all downloadable informational sheets, including calendars and contact sheets.
What if I have additional questions?
Call or text Kelly Massey at 803-292-0881 or email themasseybunch@bellsouth.net
Being part of Koinonia has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences in my life. It’s not just a place where I go to learn—it’s a community where I truly feel like I belong. Koinonia has given me opportunities to grow academically, socially, and spiritually, and I am so thankful for everything it has brought into my life.
One of the things I love most about Koinonia is the sense of community. Everyone—students, parents, and teachers—genuinely cares for one another. I know that if I ever need help, there’s someone I can turn to. We support and encourage each other not just in our schoolwork, but also in life. Whether we’re working together on a project, playing games during lunch, or praying for one another, there’s always a sense of connection and kindness that makes Koinonia feel like a second family.
The learning environment is also something that sets Koinonia apart. The classes are interesting and engaging, and the teachers are passionate about what they teach. They don’t just want us to memorize facts—they want us to understand, ask questions, and grow. It’s refreshing to be in a place where learning is exciting and where faith can be a part of our education. I’ve learned so much not just about math, science, or history, but about character, leadership, and the importance of living with purpose.
Most of all, I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve made through Koinonia. Some of my closest friends are people I met in this group, and the bond we share is truly special. We’ve laughed together, studied together, and shared so many memories that I’ll carry with me for years to come. These relationships have helped me feel confident, valued, and understood.
In every way, Koinonia has been a blessing in my life. It has shaped who I am and continues to help me grow into the person God wants me to be. I’m so thankful for the experiences I’ve had, the lessons I’ve learned, and the people I’ve come to know through this amazing community. I love Koinonia, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What does Koinonia mean? According to Merriam-Webster, Koinonia means, “A Christian fellowship or body of believers.” This brotherly fellowship is the cornerstone of Koinonia Co-op, a place where I have grown both mentally and spiritually.
When my family moved back to South Carolina after four years in Arizona, I had very few friends and my walk with Christ was struggling. Then we discovered Koinonia Co-op. Over my three years at Koinonia, I made friends, grew outside my comfort zone, and through some friends my family and I were able to find a church we love. So, for me, Koinonia represents a place of acceptance, growth, and letting Christ’s love shine through us.
Education. This is a key component of any co-op, and Koinonia excels at teaching the next generation. Koinonia is the first co-op I have attended that offers quality classes, all the while maintaining a wide selection of classes to take. All of my main classes, from British Literature with Beryl Morgan, to Chemistry with Dr. Ryan Key, have been taught by extremely qualified individuals. Koinonia is not just a group of people helping each other, it is a true academic institution that I am proud to have attended.
So, to me, Koinonia is not just a group of people, but a fellowship of believers who will do anything to help others. Koinonia is a place of peace, learning, and friendship. Koinonia Christian Co-op, a place I will miss dearly as I leave for college this fall.
Students
Total Members
teachers
Years Est.
Get In Touch
Location: Graniteville, SC
Telephone: 803-292-0881
Email: themasseybunch@bellsouth.net
School Hours: Wednesday: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm