Central STEM
Central STEM (formerly S.T.E.M. of the Triad) is a homeschool cooperative — a group of homeschooling families who come together to share classes, resources, and community — and a ministry of Central Triad Church in Winston-Salem, NC. With over 300 students in grades K-12, Central STEM serves homeschool families from across the Piedmont Triad, including Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, Archdale, Clemmons, and surrounding communities.
Central STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) meets right here at Central Triad Church every Tuesday and Thursday. Since 2016, Central STEM has provided high-quality, hands-on classes led by passionate instructors — many of them parents themselves — offering core academics like language arts, math, science, and history, plus a variety of enrichment classes that have included foreign language, art, music, guitar, woodworking, culinary arts, Lego Robotics, and physical education. Course offerings vary each semester, so check the current class list for what's being offered now.
Central STEM runs on parental involvement — many families take on paid jobs within the co-op, from teaching to helping run day-to-day operations, which helps offset the cost of their children's classes. New family registration opens each spring for the following fall semester — check the current class list to see what's available and how to join.
Central STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) meets right here at Central Triad Church every Tuesday and Thursday. Since 2016, Central STEM has provided high-quality, hands-on classes led by passionate instructors — many of them parents themselves — offering core academics like language arts, math, science, and history, plus a variety of enrichment classes that have included foreign language, art, music, guitar, woodworking, culinary arts, Lego Robotics, and physical education. Course offerings vary each semester, so check the current class list for what's being offered now.
Central STEM runs on parental involvement — many families take on paid jobs within the co-op, from teaching to helping run day-to-day operations, which helps offset the cost of their children's classes. New family registration opens each spring for the following fall semester — check the current class list to see what's available and how to join.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a homeschool co-op?
A homeschool co-op is a group of homeschooling families who come together to share classes, resources, and community — helping provide a well-rounded educational experience that would be difficult for any one family to offer alone.
What ages or grades does Central STEM serve?
Central STEM serves students in grades K-12.
When does Central STEM meet?
Central STEM meets every Tuesday and Thursday.
Where does Central STEM meet?
Central STEM meets at Central Triad Church, 2935 Cole Road, Winston-Salem, NC
What classes are offered?
Central STEM offers core academics like language arts, math, science, and history, along with a variety of enrichment classes that have included foreign language, art, music, guitar, woodworking, culinary arts, Lego Robotics, and physical education. Course offerings vary each semester — check the Central STEM website for the current class list.
When does registration open?
New family registration opens each spring, for the following fall semester.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary and are explained in detail on the Central STEM website — check there for the most current information.
Do I have to volunteer or take a job to be part of Central STEM?
No, it's not required. There are several ways families can get involved at Central STEM if you'd like to, and more details are available on the Central STEM website.
Do I need to be a member of Central Triad Church to join Central STEM?
Not at all — Central STEM welcomes homeschool families from across the Triad, regardless of church membership.
Do you require a statement of faith or specific denomination to join?
No — Central STEM doesn't require a signed statement of faith, and families from many different Christian denominations are part of our community. Central STEM is rooted in Christian principles as a ministry of Central Triad Church.
Is Central STEM a full-time school replacement?
No — Central STEM is designed to support and enrich your homeschooling, not replace it. Parents remain responsible for their child's overall education; Central STEM provides classes, community, and enrichment to complement what's happening at home.
How is Central STEM different from a traditional homeschool umbrella school?
An umbrella school typically handles official recordkeeping, transcripts, and academic oversight for homeschool families. Central STEM is a cooperative — parents remain fully responsible for their child's records and academic oversight, while Central STEM provides classes, instruction, and community to support that homeschooling journey.
What if I'm new to homeschooling — is Central STEM a good fit for beginners?
Reach out to us! We'd love to talk with you and help you figure out if Central STEM is a good fit for your family.
Can I visit or observe a class before enrolling?
All new families meet with our admin team first to help determine if Central STEM is a good fit.
Do you offer any accommodations for students with learning differences or special needs?
Central STEM is not a traditional school and isn't equipped to provide specialized support or accommodations for students with special needs. If your child has specific needs, please reach out to our team before registering so we can talk through whether Central STEM would be a good fit.
Can siblings of different ages be in Central STEM together?
Yes! Siblings attend Central STEM together, placed in age-appropriate classes — they may not always be in the same class, but they're very much part of the same community.
Is there a minimum or maximum number of classes a student can take?
While many families choose to fill a full day of classes, that's not required — students can take as many or as few classes as fit your family's needs.
Is there a waitlist if classes fill up?
Yes, popular classes may have a waitlist.
Who teaches the classes?
Most classes are taught by parents of Central STEM students, along with additional outside instructors.
Is there a dress code or specific requirements for students?
Yes, dress code and other student expectations are outlined in our handbook, available on the Central STEM website.
Is there a code of conduct or behavior expectations for students?
Yes, our code of conduct is outlined in our handbook, available on the Central STEM website.
What safety measures are in place?
All instructors are background-checked, and all adults on campus must sign in, sign out, and wear a visitor badge. Instructors and workers wear badges identifying their role as well.
Are transcripts or records provided for high schoolers?
No — as a cooperative, parents remain responsible for their child's official records. Instructors do provide information about each student's performance to help parents maintain those records.
What happens on days when Central Triad Church has its own events?
Central Triad Church works to avoid scheduling events on co-op days. On the rare occasion there's a conflict, Central STEM uses one of its scheduled make-up days.
Are there field trips or special events outside of regular class days?
Central STEM families sometimes organize field trips and other events throughout the year — these vary, so keep an eye on the weekly family newsletter for what's currently being planned.
How do I get involved as a volunteer or instructor if I'm not currently enrolled?
Reach out to our admin team — you can find contact details on the Central STEM website.