About ExCEL

Programs and Activities

ExCEL programs and activities are organized around six cooperative clubs – four extracurricular clubs that address academic interests, a support group for parents, and a social club for the entire family. Programs are organized and presented by the ExCEL Team. Club members contribute related field trips, workshops, projects, and other activities according to monthly themes.

Membership has its privileges, among them the opportunity to enjoy educational and social activities with peers, participate in programs offered exclusively to groups, and receive group discounts on tickets to various venues.

Requirements are minimal– simply share the activities you would normally enjoy with your family. Just make it a group experience. Discuss a book, tour a museum, visit the park, teach a craft, take a class… You decide!

While there are no set minimums or limits on the number of activities you share, it is highly recommended that each family shares at least one activity each program year. ExCEL thrives on the active participation of its members. Each member’s participation helps to expand the number, type, and location of opportunities.

Participation is free. Fees apply for selected activities.

Verification of active homeschool registration is required to browse and post activities.

Inspiring Excellence

ExCEL is Excellence in Cooperative Education Learning

ExCEL is an online cooperative community offering homeschooling families innovative ways to connect, communicate, and collaborate. Since September 2005, ExCEL has provided a forum for families to share information, resources, and support and create enriching educational and social opportunities.

Based in Prince George’s County, Maryland, ExCEL extends connections beyond its online presence by bringing local homeschooling families together for a variety of educational and social activities. Opportunities are organized around four student clubs that address academic interests, a support group for parents, and a social club for the whole family.

ExCEL is one of three units of TMNetworks (formerly Esourceful.net) – the first ever mutually beneficial network designed to

support the mission and goals of home managers, home educators, and entrepreneurs
pool resources to benefit communities, contribute to public education, and encourage business growth
promote healthy living, lifelong learning, community service, and entrepreneurship

LIVE LiFE, ExCEL, GROW!

Mission | Objectives

Mission Statement:

To enhance the homeschool experience for parents and children through unique social and educational opportunities that provide information, resources, and support to help homeschooling families succeed.

Program Objectives

Connect members to unique social and educational opportunities including "real-life" and "hands-on" experiences that address homeschoolers' interests and connect them to their communities
Facilitate completing legal and administrative tasks so that parents and students may focus on making the most of the homeschool experience
Address common concerns about homeschooling and help families achieve the benefits and rewards of learning at home.

Guiding Principles

Written by ExCEL Team

Aug

2009

ExCEL programs and opportunities are designed based on the academic definition of “co-op,” emphasizing hands on experience to supplement and complement a student’s curriculum.

Co-op

“A portion of an academic program that allows students to get hands on experience in their field of interest. A co-op program usually involves several work and study terms during the course of [ the student’s academic ] program.”

Source: The University of New Brunswick Glossary of Academic Terms

Three key principles are the foundation of all ExCEL programs and activities:

Students learn best when activities address their learning styles and interests.
Parent involvement has significant positive effects on student achievement.
Both parents and their children are lifelong learners.

Further, ExCEL regards parents as counselors and coordinators guiding their children’s intellectual and spiritual development to equip them with the life skills required for adulthood.

Last Updated on 28 August 2009