Here’s the short version, in the order most families think it through — four steps from “just looking” to “let’s visit.”
PTC is a Christian, parent-led cooperative — not a school and not a drop-off. You stay your child’s primary teacher; our caring, qualified tutors come alongside you one day a week. It’s the right fit for families who want strong academics from a Biblical worldview and are ready to be involved.
We meet Thursdays, September through May (34 weeks). Doors open at 8:00am, with most classes starting at 8:30. The day runs as four 90-minute blocks with a 45-minute lunch. Classes are à la carte — students take 1 to 4 — and there’s a supervised study hall for any open block.
Tuition is per class, per year: $450 for a 1.5-hour class, $550 for a 2-hour class. Add a family membership ($70–$100) and a $30 student fee (waived after your 3rd child). For example, one student in two classes runs about $1,030 for the year.
Membership opens March 2; class registration follows in April. You’ll share a short family testimony, agree to our Statement of Faith, pay the membership fee, and sign up for 4 volunteer slots. The best first step, though, is simply to come see a Thursday.
Everything above, plus the finer points — expand any question below.
Our year runs 34 weeks, beginning September 10, 2026 and ending May 20, 2027. We take one week off for Thanksgiving and two weeks off for Christmas.
Classes meet one day a week, on Thursdays.
We meet at Banner of Christ Church, 1111 68th SW, Byron Center, MI 49315.
No — PTC is a parent-led cooperative, not a school. You remain your child's primary teacher, and our tutors come alongside you one day a week to enrich and support the learning you're already doing at home.
Every class is taught from a Biblical worldview, recognizing God's truth as the foundation for all learning and encouraging students to think, speak, and act in ways that honor Him.
We pursue high academic standards through thoughtful instruction and meaningful coursework — building diligence, understanding, and a love of learning. Select high school courses also carry Davenport University articulation for college credit.
Our teachers are attentive, meeting students where they are academically while offering the guidance and encouragement to help each one grow and do their best.
We care about both academic development and character formation — nurturing students' minds, hearts, and habits in a Christ-centered environment.
Parents are the primary teachers, responsible for their child's education. The co-op works because families show up and invest together.
PTC was founded on The Principle Approach as its teaching model. Learn more about the Principle Approach ?
Classes are à la carte — you choose what fits your family. Students may take anywhere from 1 to 4 classes each week. If there's a break between classes during the day, students can use a supervised study hall.
It depends on the grade level and class. As a general guide, per class, per week:
| Grade level | Homework per class / week |
|---|---|
| Elementary (1st–5th) | 30–60 minutes |
| Middle School (6th–8th) | 1–2 hours |
| High School (9th–12th) | 2–3 hours |
For specific expectations, reach out to the individual teacher.
Before the numbers: PTC tuition covers small classes taught from a Biblical worldview by caring, qualified teachers, with college-credit options through Davenport University and a thriving community of homeschool families. Families consistently tell us it's one of the most worthwhile investments they make each year.
Tuition starts at $450 per class for the year — and because classes are à la carte, you only pay for what your student takes. Most families with one student in two classes spend about $1,030 for the whole year.
Tuition is per class, per year. Because classes are à la carte, your total depends on how many classes your student takes.
| Class length | Tuition / year |
|---|---|
| 1.5-hour class | $450 |
| 2-hour class | $550 |
A $50 admin fee per class is due at registration to hold your spot. The remaining tuition ($400 for a 1.5-hour class, $500 for a 2-hour class) is paid directly to the teacher.
You can pay the remaining balance in whichever way works best:
Some classes also have a small teacher supply fee ($5–$40), noted in the class description.
What these cover: your family's membership in the co-op and each student's enrollment for the year — there are no surprise add-ons beyond the small per-class supply fees noted in each class description. Membership and student fees are non-refundable.
Here's what a year might look like for one student taking two classes:
Questions about cost, or want to see if PTC fits your budget? We're glad to talk it through.
Plan a VisitYou are your child's primary educator — our tutors assist to help your child get the best education possible. As a parent, you'll:
Yes. PTC is a true co-op, so every family participates. Each family signs up for 4 volunteer slots across the year. A limited number of buyout slots are available if you're unable to fill all four.
Your child's safety is a priority. We maintain:
As Christians, we aim to create an atmosphere that encourages academic excellence and upholds a good testimony. Students should dress modestly and appropriately for our church environment.
PTC is a Christian co-op, and membership involves a shared statement of faith. To join:
The process is straightforward:
The best way to understand PTC is to see a Thursday for yourself. Reach out to arrange a visit — we're happy to answer anything.
