MISSION STATEMENT:   ETC exists to glorify God by providing support, encouragement and opportunities to homeschooling member families.

Statement of Faith

The following is a statement of faith to which all members of ETC agree and hold to as they participate in the group. In addition, ETC members agree not to teach or proselytize in any way contrary to these statements.

It is our intent to provide our children with a distinctly Christian worldview, and we therefore agree to the following guiding beliefs:

1. We believe the Bible is the only infallible, inerrant Word of God and it is the final authority for all matters of faith and life.

2. We believe there is one God--eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

3. We believe in the perfect deity and perfect humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His sacrificial death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension, and His bodily return in power and glory.

4. We believe that man was created in the image of God, but chose to sin and therefore is lost and only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone are saved.

5. We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and is received by personal faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, whose death on the cross paid the price for man's sin through His shed blood.

6. We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict man of his sin, indwell, guide, instruct and empower men for godly life and service.

7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers through our common faith in Jesus Christ.

8. We believe that marriage was ordained by God at creation as the sacred union of one biological man and one biological woman. (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:24)  We believe therefore all sexual relations must be reserved for that union.  We believe that any alteration or perversion of a one biological man and one biological woman union in marriage is sinful, and against God and His plan for humanity.  (Leviticus 20)  (Romans 1:18-32)

9.  We believe the family is the basic institution created by God to include members related by birth, legal adoption or guardianship, or biblical marriage.

10.  We believe in a literal six day creation by God, our Creator, as outlined in Genesis.

STATEMENT OF VALUES

Purity God calls us to lives of holiness, and to be pure of heart, mind, word and deed.  We are to reserve sexual activity for the sanctity of marriage, a lifelong commitment before God between one biological man and one biological woman.

• Sexual Identity – We believe that God created mankind in His image:male and female, sexually different but with equal personal dignity.Consequently, ETC members affirm their biological sex as either male or female and refrain from any and all attempts to physically change, alter, or disagree with their predominant biological sex.

• Sexual Orientation – We believe that God created and ordered human sexuality to the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal “one flesh” union of one biological man and one biological woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child.ETC Members affirm the sexual complementarity of man and woman and refrain from any behavior contrary to that affirmation.

Service  God calls us to become responsible members of our community and the world through selfless acts that contribute to the welfare of others.  ETC members commit to serving their fellow ETC members as well as the greater homeschooling community and public at large (non-members) through outreach and education about homeschooling and Christian education.

Stewardship  God calls us to use our God-given time, talents, and money wisely.  ETC is committed to being a good steward of its resources. 

Integrity  God calls us to live moral lives that demonstrate an inward motivation to do what is biblically right regardless of the cost.  ETC members commit to live as Christ-followers in thoughts, words, and deeds.

Code of Conduct

The Importance of a Code of Conduct

The Consortium is a supplement to parent-led learning and social training. Although each ETC family is bound to have slightly different standards of behavior, the ETC Code of Conduct outlines standards that are in keeping with Biblical guidelines on which the majority of us have agreed and/or are beneficial in a group situation.

Each person attending an ETC event, whether adult, youth, or child, will be expected to abide by the following standard of behavior. We have all agreed to be held to this standard and we are trusting one another to keep that commitment. Therefore, if you chose to leave your child(ren) under the supervision of ETC Instructors and volunteers, you should feel assured that these common standards of behavior will be expected of your child. It is each parent’s responsibility to be knowledgeable about, and to make their own child(ren) aware of, ETC’s standards of behavior. Likewise, enforcement of these standards is ultimately the responsibility of the parent(s) of each student. The Commitment Pledge that you and your children sign is your agreement to participate in all ETC events accordingly.

A standard of behavior that encourages everyone to act in a Christ-like manner will make Consortium classes manageable for everyone. We trust that this will open new opportunities for our group.

Standards of Behavior

1 Peter 3:8--Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous...

Behavior:

• Refrain from any careless, unkind, foolish, or rude behavior.
• Let the command to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” be your guide. Commit to representing Christ in your attitudes and behaviors toward others.
• Bullying by using power, strength, information, or popularity to control or harm others is unkind and is prohibited.

Speech:

• Honor others with your speech.
• Children and adults alike should refrain from making unnecessary noise or participating in off-topic discussions or activities during classes and assemblies.
• Curse words, any use of the Lord’s name in vain, and other offensive speech are unwelcome at the Consortium.
• Insults, and slamming will not be tolerated.
• Lying is defined as deliberate deception, is a serious offense, and is absolutely forbidden.

· Distortion or the attempt to distort or conceal a person’s inherent identity by representing him- or herself as a gender different than that which aligns with his or her biological sex, as a species other than Homosapien is deliberate deception.

· Misrepresenting a Biblically defined familial relation is deliberate deception.

Gossip can do a great deal of damage.

· Any small or idle talk about the personal affairs of others qualifies as gossip.

· Spreading someone else’s news or business, whether good or bad, is no one’s job but that person’s. If you’ve heard news that must be discussed, it should be discussed with the person to whom the news pertains. If you are unable or unwilling to go directly to the person involved, act as if you never heard it.

· If you are a party to a conversation that turns into gossip you have a responsibility to shut it down or walk away.

• Expression of support for an idea, a position, a behavior, or a lifestyle that the Bible defines as sin is not allowed at ETC.
• Proselytizing in favor of a belief system or religion other than Biblical Christianity is also not allowed.
• Talk of a sexual, sensual, explicit, or graphic nature is NOT allowed at ETC classes or activities. These prohibited topics include but are not limited to adultery, fornication, pornography, homosexuality, bisexuality, transgender or transsexual lifestyles, prostitution or other forms of sex “work”, or any form of sexual activity outside of Biblical marriage. The only exception might be for an Instructor-led, parent-approved, Leadership-sanctioned classroom activity.

Property:

• Show respect for others’ property by using only what you have permission to use.
• Keep personal items inappropriate for classroom activities at home or put away. Any violation of this rule may result in an item being confiscated and held until a parent retrieves it. A few examples of such items are toys, knives, cell phones, gaming devices, off-topic media, etc.
• Take care to leave every place in a better condition than you found it.
• Restitution for abuse or neglect of others’ property, including church property, will be the responsibility of the member causing damage.

Electronic Devices and Internet Access:

• Students should use electronic devices during class time ONLY for class activities as directed by the Instructor. Students should only access the internet under the direct supervision of their own parents or as directed by an Instructor for the purposes of approved class activities. Use in study hall for school work only would be considered an approved class activity.
• If a student believes it is important to use their electronic device they may ask Consortium adult for permission. If granted, the student must stay near the adult for supervision while using the device.
• The church Wi-Fi password is available only to Instructors and Leadership.
• Students should not share their Internet-ready devices, or any content on them, with any other student.
• There will be zero-tolerance for inappropriate Internet use, up to, and including dismissal from Consortium. Any electronic devices used contrary to these guidelines will result in the student’s parent being called to campus immediately. If the student's adherence to this policy is in doubt it is best for the student and/or parent to make the decision that the student will leave their device at home.
• There will be zero tolerance for the inappropriate use of media.
• ETC Leadership and Instructors will make no attempt to monitor or intercept any communication outside of ETC classes and activities. ETC Leadership and Instructors are not responsible for students’ online conversations outside of ETC-sponsored forums. Any online forum, chat, group, or other entity that uses the name of ETC without the express written consent of the ETC Board of Directors will be asked to immediately cease such use of the organization’s name or face disciplinary or punitive action.

Respect:

• Children should show respect for adults in speech, manners, behavior, and attitude.
• Organized group events are an ideal place for homeschool students to practice group etiquette by raising their hands before speaking, waiting for a turn, and occasionally standing in line.
• Parents are encouraged to instruct their children to use “Mr.” or “Mrs.” with last names when addressing adults, including Instructors and Class Assistants at the Consortium.
• Limiting interruptions, looking for opportunities to serve, and practicing first-time obedience are a few ways our children can show respect.
• Students should swiftly and happily comply with any instructions or requests from an ETC teacher, assistant or member of leadership as long as it is not illegal, immoral, or dangerous.

Attentiveness:

• Show your appreciation to Instructors, Class Assistants, and guest speakers by being obedient and respectful.
• All in attendance should listen quietly and attentively. The use of common manners will be expected.
• Children should raise their hands before making comments or asking questions.
• Part of showing respect for the Instructor is to come to class prepared. If preparation is required for the class and student comes to class unprepared, he/she may have to observe during that portion of the class which required preparation.

Being an Example:

• All members should be mindful that they will be looked to by younger peers for examples of the standard of behavior in a given situation.
• Set a good example and offer deference to younger members at all ETC events.

Modesty:

• Keep in mind general principles of cleanliness, neatness, modesty of dress, and good personal hygiene.
• Always dress modestly. This applies to males and females, children and adults, regardless of the activity you are in the middle of, coming from, or going to. Please cover up.
• Males and females, from young children to adults, should avoid being a stumbling block to others by being sure that their dress and conduct is modest at all times.
• Clothing should not be tight or revealing.
• Neither underwear, nor cleavage, midriffs, upper thighs, or other private areas of the body, should be exposed at ETC events.
• Do not expect that an exceptional activity or extreme weather will warrant an exception to ETC’s guidelines for modesty.
• When in doubt, please err on the side of modesty.
• Clothing worn at any ETC event may not display words, graphics, pictures, or symbols that are offensive or violate any ETC policy. Clothing may not support or promote an idea, belief, behavior, or lifestyle that the Bible defines as sinful.

Flirting/Dating:

• ETC events, including the Consortium classes, are not the time for coupling up.
• Since each family has different ideals and expectations about dating or courtship, ETC activities or discussions should not be a place for the practice of either.
• Obvious flirting and any public displays of affection should not take place at ETC activities.

Physical Contact:

The following guidelines have been implemented in an effort to eliminate any inappropriate touch, eliminate pressure some students may feel to touch or be touched, and to respect students who don’t want to be touched or have physical/emotional adverse reactions to touch.

• Physical contact should be limited to what is necessary. Consider if there is a good reason for the contact.
• Physical contact should be limited to minimal touch of minimum duration.
• Physical contact should be welcomed by all involved. Each person who initiates physical contact must first ask permission from the person with whom they would like to make contact. A decline of physical contact must always be honored.

Health Concerns

The use of products (perfume, essential oils, cleaning products, etc.) that are designed to or can easily become air born and in doing so may irritate another person in a way that creates discomfort or health issues is prohibited. Please refrain from using these products if you become away that it creates an issue for those you may be around. (Preference does not apply.)

As membership and health conditions evolve there may become the need to restrict food that is brought into common areas. If you are notified that a particular food is unsafe for someone at ETC please immediately exclude it from your lunch or snacks.


Enforcement of the Code of Conduct
Of course, we all understand that children misbehave at times. An advantage of homeschooling is that, in most cases, we get to be with our children to help train and guide them through new or difficult social situations. One of the reasons for participating in group activities, such as ETC Events, is to have opportunities for social training that we might not have within our own homes. Because we are partnering with other homeschooling moms we should be surrounded by friends who understand the trials and joys of this significant responsibility. Understand that minor infractions of the Code of Conduct will be handled in the following manner.

Offense #1 Verbal warning from the Instructor or Room Assistant
Offense #2 Verbal warning from the Room Assistant
Offense #3 Verbal warning and moved to sit by the Room Assistant
Offense #4 Removal from the class to sit by the Check-In/Out Attendant. In this case, the parent will be notified through an Incident Report completed by the Class Assistant.
Offense #5 If steps 1-4 occur more than once within an eight-week quarter, the parent will be asked to attend class with the child or withdraw the child from the class.

Steps 1-3 or 4 may be skipped in the case of a serious infraction of the Code of Conduct. A child may be removed from class, without warning, at the discretion of the Class Assistant and/or ETC Leadership. A student’s parent will always be notified in such cases.

We believe that we do one another a disservice by neglecting to make one another, as parents, aware of issues that might need to be addressed within our own families.

Handling an Offense
As we fellowship and build relationships, we trust that all will be thoughtful of others and display Christ-honoring attitudes and actions. When instances arise where there is an offense or concern, approach the matter prayerfully, first considering your own part in the matter. Then let the Matthew 18 principle be your guideline:

This means that you should speak directly, in a calm, friendly manner, to anyone who has offended you or caused you serious concern. If you are unable to resolve the problem between the two of you, please bring the issue to a member of ETC Leadership. They will assist you in further addressing the matter with the parties involved. If there continues to be a problem, the entire Leadership Team will be consulted and brought in to handle the problem from there.

Conclusion
It is our prayer that these guidelines will unify and protect our members. Ensuring that everyone is clear about what is expected and how ETC activities will operate, will hopefully prevent conflict.

2024/2025 Consortium Tuition & Fees

The cost of each class is listed in the class details in the Matrix.  Click on the title of the class to see tuition and all the details.

Member Account

• All fees, except supply fees, are included in the tuition.
• Study Hall is 50% of class tuition.
• Curriculum is not included.  Books and curriculum ranges in cost of approximately $15 for Kindergarten up to $200 for middle school through high school. 
• There is no tuition charged for Bible classes or Assembly.  

LEARNS - Education Freedom Account Information

Work for ETC

Service comes with big benefits! Pricing is the same for all members (no Co-Op and Drop-Off rate); ALL teaching and assisting are paid positions.

Apply for an Open Position:

• Teaching 1 Elective class all year pays $800-$1050; Teaching 1 Core class all year pays $2000-$2800.

• Assisting pays $15/hr

Many paid positions are filled every year.  If you would like to fill one of the many open positions at ETC just fill out our Instructor or Assistant Application.  If you'd like to earn a part time income to use to pay your Consortium bill or to bring in a part time wage for other purposes, just submit the application above. We'll be in touch. If you have general questions about employment email [email protected].

Contact our program directors with questions about assisting:

     CORE- [email protected]

     ELECTIVE- [email protected]

Contact [email protected] with any questions about assisting or teaching. 

Quarterly or Monthly Payment Plans are Available

• Tuition can be deferred with an award letter from LEARNS or a signed teaching or assisting contract of intent to provide services. Any tuition that exceeds expected income from EFA or ETC employment must be paid in full or set up on a payment plan.
• The 1st draft will be for the percentage that brings your approved payment plan up to date based on the payment schedule.
• Payments by check or website are welcome but must be paid in full at Enrollment.  Enrollment is not confirmed until tuition and fees are paid.
• If you withdraw your student, LEARNS will only pay through the date of withdrawal. You will be responsible for the balance of tuition for the quarter in which you withdraw.

• Tuition payments are due in FULL or Payment Arrangements made by August 1.

  Payments must be current for the student to attend class.  If tuition is unpaid the student will be moved to the waitlist

Note that each program is billed separately and each student is billed seperately.  

Financial Assistance

As funds are available, ETC offers a sponsorship program to cover the annual fee for membership for those families in need. If you would like more information about being sponsored, or about donating to that fund, you can request it online during your registration. It is important to us that no one is turned away because of the annual membership fee.

Sponsorships for tuition and other fees are limited and made available through donations and fundraisers. 

Requests for membership sponsorship or tuition assistance will be submitted to the Board of Directors.  As funds are available assistance will be prioritized for families who are experiencing temporary financial hardship and who are doing what their family is able to do to reduce their own costs through service.  A representative of the Board will notify applicants of the Board's decision as soon as one is made.  

In some cases a donation may be received with a designation for a recipient, in which case other criteria may not apply.  

To request a sponsorship complete the Request a Sponsorship form.

Donations

Additional donations to ETC will be tax-deductible. Membership Fees, Tuition, and Per Child Fees are not deductible, but any voluntary contributions will be acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt. Please consider making the ministry of ETC a part of your charitable giving.

General Budget

ETC's budget includes the fundamental expenses that are necessary to make ETC function, including basic administrative costs, website membership, liability insurance, and basic office supplies and postage, as well as minimal funding for the monthly ETC meetings.

Fee Payment Policies

• Membership fee payments must be RECEIVED no later than August 1^st.  If you have not paid by August 1^st you will be removed from the list of members.
• A simple, all-inclusive fee is charged for Consortium Classes. Please review the Consortium Information page for more details.  Some activities, such as field trips or group parties, may incur additional fees. 
• Please note your name and the event for which you are paying with each payment.  Envelopes are provided in the payment drawer in the Consortium Office or Check-In Desk. Payments must be received with the necessary information in order for your account to be properly credited.
• If you need proof of payment, please pay with a check or money order or via online invoicing, since receipts will not be issued for Fees.
• We cannot provide change.
• There are no refunds for tuition, professional services fees, or materials fees after the final due date for that semester. 

Tution Due Dates: 

• Fall Semester - August 1
• Spring Semester - January 1

Payment Options

You will have the option of several methods of payment for all ETC fees.

1. Online: You may pay through your ETC account on our website. Online payments incur a convenience fee from our financial processing service provider.
2. By Mail:  A check or money order can be mailed to ETC, PO Box 1757, Bentonville, AR 72712. Please include a note indicating what you are paying for.
3. In-Person: You may also pay with cash, check, or money order in person at Consortium. In the case of “in-person” payments, please put your payment inside an envelope and seal it. Then write on the front of the envelope your name, the amount, and a specific list of what you are paying for. You may put your payments in the payment box provided at the Consortium check-in desk.  Do NOT give payments directly to Instructors or to any member of leadership at Consortium classes or ETC events.  Please do not attempt to pay for activities at the events.
4. Payment Plan:  The only payment plan ETC currently offers is a Pre-Payment Plan. The entirety of Consortium Tuition can be made in installments by the schedule above.  Payments must be made by the due dates in order for a member to continue to be eligible for a future payment plan.

Reminders about your installment due dates will not be sent; please take responsibility for paying installments on time.   Contact the ETC Financial Director for more information.

Conclusion

The Financial Director, Event Coordinators, and Leadership Team Members are homeschooling moms just like you, and have a limited amount of time to devote to ETC business. Thank you for respecting their limitations by adhering to the ETC Financial Policies.

We are committed to being good stewards of our collective resources and welcome accountability. Annual Financial Reports are issued by the ETC Financial Director.

Dress Code

A general definition of modesty is freedom from vanity and boastfulness with regard for decency of behavior, speech, and dress. I believe we would all agree that that is something to aspire to, and to which we want to teach our kids to aspire.

If there is one, our disagreement likely lies in our view of what constitutes modesty.

Rarely does one take issue with anyone dressing too modestly. Therefore, erring on the side of modesty should be considered the least offensive and most acceptable within a group of people with varying opinions.

As much as we would like to limit our discussion of modesty to matters of the heart, there has been a wide spread request for more specific, concrete guidelines. So here goes…

ETC Code of Conduct – Dress Code

Modesty:

· Keep in mind general principles of cleanliness, neatness, modesty of dress, and good personal hygiene.

· Always dress modestly. This applies to males and females, children and adults, regardless of the activity you are in the middle of, coming from, or going to. Please cover up.

· Males and females, from young children to adults, should avoid being a stumbling block to others by being sure that their dress and conduct is modest at all times.

· Clothing should not be tight or revealing.

· Neither underwear, nor cleavage, midriffs, upper thighs, or other private areas of the body, should be exposed at ETC events.

· Do not expect that an exceptional activity or extreme weather will warrant an exception to ETC’s guidelines for modesty.

· When in doubt, please err on the side of modesty.

· Clothing worn at any ETC event may not display words, graphics, pictures, or symbols that are offensive or violate any ETC policy. Clothing may not support or promote an idea, belief, behavior, or lifestyle that the Bible defines as sinful.

A seperate webpage contains more specific details on the ETC Dress Code.

Visitor Policy

A student's family members and guests are always welcome to show support of the student's education by participating in group activities through ETC. Prospective members are allowed to attend most ETC activities at the invitation of a current member.  All visitors must check in with a member of leadership upon arrival and sign the "Visitor Log", which includes the standard liability waiver. Visitors must wear a "Guest" name badge and be accompanied by a member of ETC while in attendance.  Prospective members are allowed to visit twice during any school year before joining.

Illness Policy

Please show your fellow ETC members common courtesy by keeping sick or contagious children, or adults, at home. Children must be free of the following symptoms for 24 hours before the event to be attended.

1. Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more
2. vomiting or diarrhea
3. on-going cough, congestion, or colored mucus
4. skin infections or rashes
5. other signs of infectious illness (including loss of taste or smell, swollen glands, sore throat, etc.)

If you become aware that a member of your family has contracted a serious communicable disease and may have exposed other ETC families, please notify a member of ETC leadership. A general announcement about exposure at ETC (without personal identifying details) will be sent out so parents may be aware of potential infections in their own children.

Please notify the Director or Event Coordinator in the event of unexpected absences.

Vaccination

* Be aware that some ETC families chose not to vaccinate their children according to the immunization schedule recommended by the mainstream healthcare community.

Some Health and Safety Points to Remember...

ETC cannot guarantee that you or your family members will not become infected with any communicable disease. Participation in social activities, including ETC classes and events, inherently increases your risk of exposure.

Inclement Weather Policy 

Many ETC events are scheduled for the outdoors.  We want every member to leave these events healthy and safe.  Therefore, cancellations may occasionally be necessary when the weather turns bad or road conditions prevent safe travel. 

Bad Weather

In general, outdoor events will likely be cancelled or rescheduled when:

• Precipitation chances are predicted to be 50% or greater
• High temperatures will not reach 40 degrees 
• High temperatures will exceed 95 degrees
• Recent rains warrant a “Flood Watch” in the area where activities are planned
• A tornado or severe weather watch is issued for the area
• Any combination of these conditions would jeopardize the health of members

Road Conditions

All ETC activities will be canceled if fog, snow, ice, or sleet causes travel conditions to be unsafe in the area where the event is scheduled.

  Cancellationss  

Because ETC events may be planned anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, conditions may be favorable in one area, but prohibitive in another.  The Event Coordinator or a Leadership Team Member will make the final call based on the ruling of area school districts (during the school year), the forecast of various meteorologists, and the on-site conditions.  Always check your email or the ETC website for notices of cancellation before leaving your house.  If you are in doubt, contact the Event Coordinator. 

 Your Responsibility 

Regardless of the decision of the ETC coordinators and leadership, you are responsible for making the decision about attendance that is right for your family.  Trust your own judgment and stay home if you believe conditions warrant it.  Your participation in any ETC activity is at your own discretion and risk.