ROOTS & WINGS

Nurturing curiosity, growing together

A welcoming homeschool co-op in Indianapolis where families come together to learn, create, and build lasting connections. We believe every child deserves both strong roots and the wings to soar.

Kids and teens gathered at outdoor tables during a co-op activity
Tweens and teens cooking together in the kitchen with a parent volunteer
Kids posing outdoors by the trees during a co-op day
About Us

Where Community Grows

Roots & Wings Homeschool, Inc. is a secular, inclusive, parent-led homeschool cooperative serving families with preschool through high school students from the greater Indianapolis area. For more than 20 years, we've brought families together through hands-on classes, shared activities, and meaningful connections — all in a welcoming environment built on mutual respect. Today about 40 families call Roots & Wings home.

This is a true co-op — every parent leads or assists throughout the entire co-op day. It's not a drop-off program; it's a community we build together. Our facility includes classrooms, a kitchen, a large gathering space, playground, pavilion, and picnic areas that we use extensively — especially for our younger kids. You'll often find classes happening outside around a picnic table or under the pavilion, weather permitting.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

We are committed to creating an environment in which everyone's dignity is respected. We will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, religious affiliation or non-affiliation, age, parental or marital status, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, legal status, political beliefs, or physical or mental status. We are dedicated to fostering an empathetic, compassionate, and socially responsible community.

Parent-Led

Every parent teaches or assists — we do this together

Secular & Inclusive

All families welcome, no exceptions

Room to Roam

Indoor and outdoor spaces for every kind of learning

Enrichment Focused

Hands-on learning, not homework

What We Offer

A Day at Roots & Wings

Kids building and playing during a hands-on co-op class

At Roots & Wings, it's all about connection. We're a secular, inclusive co-op that welcomes all families — no matter your background, beliefs, or learning style. We gather every Wednesday from August through May for classes that spark curiosity, build friendships, and let kids learn alongside their peers. Our year is divided into five-week sessions with short breaks in between and a longer rest over the winter holidays.

Wednesday Routine

9:40 – 9:45 am Arrive
9:55 am Announcements in Fellowship Hall
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Morning Classes grouped by age
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch & Parent-Supervised Outdoor Play
1:00 – 1:55 pm 1st Afternoon Elective mixed ages
2:00 – 2:55 pm 2nd Afternoon Elective mixed ages
2:55 – 3:15 pm Clean Up

Delays and cancellations due to weather or calendar changes are posted to chat announcements.

Our Age Groups

Morning classes are grouped by age with a cap of about 12 students per class. Afternoon electives mix things up so kids can learn alongside different peers.

Note: Families with children both inside and outside this range may attend, but programming is only available for students within the co-op's age range.

Greenhouse

Ages 0 – 2 No programming

Saplings

Ages 3 – 5

Sassafras

Ages 5 – 6

Oaks

Ages 7 – 8

Maples

Ages 8 – 9

Birch

Ages 9 – 10

Willows

Ages 10 – 11

Cedars

Ages 12 – 13

Pigeons

Ages 14+

Beyond Wednesdays

Field Trips

Frequent optional outings during the week — museums, farms, nature centers, and more around Indianapolis.

Parents Nights

Time for the grown-ups to connect, plan, and recharge together.

Spring Camp

A 3-day outdoor adventure camp that's a highlight of the year for kids of all ages.

Passion Fair

Like a science fair, but for any subject! Kids get to display and present their current favorite topic — dinosaurs, crochet, robotics, ancient Egypt, you name it.

Maker's Market

Members of all ages — kids and adults — set up shop to sell their handmade wares. Jewelry, baked goods, art, woodwork, and more.

Field Day

Our end-of-year celebration with games, activities, and a whole lot of fun to close out the season.

And that's not all — we also host a school dance, ice cream social, and more! Our families are always dreaming up new ways to connect.

Young kids browsing colorful handmade crayon letters at the Maker's Market
Maker's Market
Kids playing in foam and bubbles at Field Day
Field Day Fun
Kid dressed up in a top hat, bow tie, and steampunk goggles at the annual co-op school dance
Annual School Dance
Student presenting her Passion Fair project on monarch butterflies
Passion Fair
Family Voices

What Our Families Say

Roots and Wings has been an amazing opportunity, for not only my children but for me as a parent. It has provided a safe container for us to show up as ourselves and be accepted for our unique lifestyle. Everyone here is so encouraging and willing to assist in any way they can. They have been patient but most of all been supportive to all the kids. We are blessed to have found a community that is truly wanting all kids to achieve success in the best way that is for them specifically.

Danielle Bolinger
New Member

I could not have dreamed of a better co-op experience. You all, and your kids, are so wonderful and I'm so grateful to be a part of this community. 💃🩷 Each session I'm excited to see what classes everyone is offering and I'm year round planning for future classes I'm eager to teach!

Shelly Bergman
Member since 2002
Tuition

Affordable, Year-Round Pricing

We ask for a yearly commitment — this is a community, not a drop-in. Fees are paid twice per year at the beginning of each semester and cover the full semester (generally 10 or 15 weeks).

🏠
Per Family

Member Fees

$70–90
per family / year
  • Covers rent & insurance
  • Website maintenance
  • Basic supply inventory
  • $35–45 per semester, paid twice per year

Varies by number of member families each semester

+

All class and member fees are nonrefundable. Fees for the entire semester are due before the first day of the session, as determined by the Finance Committee.

Financial assistance is available — cost should never be a barrier to joining our community. Reach out to membership@rootsandwingsindy.com to learn more.

Leadership

Board of Directors

Roots & Wings Indy is a registered non-profit led by a dedicated board of parent volunteers.

Molly Bellner

Molly Bellner

President
Colleen Raymont

Colleen Raymont

Vice President
Tiffany Smith

Tiffany Smith

Membership Director
Jessica Shewan

Jessica Shewan

Treasurer

Anna Billingsley

Sustaining Director
LeAnn Newlin

LeAnn Newlin

Secretary
Erin Bogan

Erin Bogan

Communications Director
Give Back

Ways to Support

Roots & Wings Indy is a non-profit run entirely by parent volunteers. Here are some easy ways you can support our co-op.

Kroger Community Rewards

Link your Kroger Card to Roots & Wings Indy Homeschool and every time you use your rewards card, donations are automatically given to our account. It costs you nothing extra. Search for organization RA139.

Link Your Kroger Card

Box Tops for Education

Download the Box Tops app, purchase qualifying items, snap a photo of your receipt, and the earnings are automatically deposited into our account. It's that easy!

Download the App

Donate Directly via PayPal

Want to make a direct contribution? Every donation goes toward keeping our co-op running — from supplies and materials to facility costs. Any amount makes a difference!

Donate via PayPal

Ready to Grow With Us?

We'd love to welcome your family into our community. Schedule a tour to visit during a co-op day, meet our families, and see if Roots & Wings is the right fit for you.

Schedule a Tour

We'd love to welcome your family! Fill this out and we'll be in touch to find a time for you to visit.