FAQs

General Attendance & Schedule

Q: Are members expected to be at the Center by 9 AM and to stay until 5 PM?
A: No. Drop-off is any time at or after 9 AM, and pick-up is any time up to 5 PM.

Q: Is there a minimum number of hours kids are expected to attend on a given day?
A: No. Since we are not a school, there are no attendance requirements.

Q: Are part-time members expected to pick certain days and stick to those days?
A: Yes. Part-time schedules are set at the beginning of the year, or when membership begins.

Q: Is there a choice of days to attend for part-time?
A: Yes. If space is available when membership begins, you may choose your preferred days. If we are close to full, we will tell you which days are available.

Q: Is there flexibility in the schedule if something comes up during the months Macomber is in operation?
A: Yes. You are free to take time away as needed, but we do not offer make-up days for missed days.

Technology Use

Q: Are there any restrictions on the amount of time children are allowed to use their digital devices?
A: We provide four desktop computers: One in the art room (digital art) one in the music room (music production) and two in the common room (general use). These computers are not used for videos, video games, or social media, which naturally limits the amount of time people spend on them.

Members are free to bring their own devices for videos, video games and social media. Parents who prefer limited device use can either keep the devices home or set their own rules with their kids. We leave this to each family’s discretion.

Q: Are there restrictions on the things kids can see/do online?
A: Yes. Both staff and members are expected to follow community norms consistent with respectful, shared public spaces like libraries and workplaces.

Academic Support

Q: If kids bring in academic work to do, are there staff who can help them with it?

A: Staff members are available to help members pursue their own education in whatever ways members deem useful. We do not administer curricula, instruction or tutoring on the behalf of anyone other than the members themselves. That said, if a member has academic work they would like help with, we are available to help.

Q: Do the staff offer classes?

A: Classes sometimes emerge from the interests of our members, and they may be taught by staff, kids or outside volunteers, but they do not play a central role in the culture of the Center the way they do in some self-directed learning centers.

Community & Support

Q: How do you support neurodivergent children?
A: The Macomber Center is a low-demand environment, which naturally supports a wide range of neurodiverse profiles. Self-Directed Education allows for flexibility, autonomy, and reduced stress—key benefits often cited by neurodiversity advocates.
👉 [Read more about neurodiversity and Self-Directed Education here.]

Q: How do you handle rule-breaking and conflicts?
A: Our “rules” are common-sense norms for shared spaces. If someone forgets or disregards them, others typically remind them. Most conflicts are resolved directly between members, often without adult involvement. When needed, adults are always available to help.

Macomber is a kind, respectful, and harmonious community. Because the adults behave respectfully towards each other and towards the kids—and don’t make unreasonable demands—kids tend to return that respect to adults and extend it to one another.

Q: What is the role of parents in your community?
A: We are a fully staffed, drop-off program, unlike a homeschool co-op where parent involvement is required. That said, we welcome parent conversations and are always happy to offer support on the Self-Directed Education journey. We also host several events—such as two annual potlucks, music shows, and parent nights—that give families opportunities to connect with staff and each other.

Q: Do parents ever teach classes?
A: No.

Membership & Fit

Q: Are there kids who are not a good fit for Macomber?
A: Macomber requires a high level of independence. Children must be able to respect others, function in a shared space, and take responsibility for their own behavior. It’s not a fit for children who are unable to meet those expectations.

Q: What’s the ratio of older kids and younger kids?
A: We have 80 members between ages 5 and 18, with a fairly even age distribution. Every age group is well represented, offering a socially rich environment for all.

Q: What’s the ratio of part-time and full-time members?
A: About one-third of members attend full-time. The rest attend part-time—two, three, or four days per week.

Q: Do you help parents navigate homeschooling requirements from their local school systems?
A: Not in any formal capacity, but we are always happy to offer informal guidance.

Becoming a Member

Q: What is the process for becoming a member?

A: Start by requesting a visit or setting up an interview. After the initial meeting, prospective members complete a five-day trial period. We’ll then meet with you and your child to determine if Macomber is the right fit. We offer rolling admissions as space allows.
👉 [See our How to Join page for more details.]