The Co-op School is not a daycare program; enrollment begins at preschool age (2 years and up). Our early childhood program provides a nurturing, play-based environment where children build independence, social-emotional skills, and a love of learning. This foundation prepares them for a smooth transition into kindergarten and beyond.

No. Admissions and Equitable Tuition are separate processes. Families may be admitted to Co-op regardless of their Equitable Tuition application. Because the number of families requesting tuition levels below the top rate can exceed the tuition capacity available in a particular grade, some families may be placed on an Equitable Tuition waitlist. We encourage families to complete the application so that we can determine the tuition level available to them.

No. Equitable Tuition applies only to daytime, school-year tuition. Fees (Joining, Administration, Gala) and optional programs like After-School Enrichment and Summer Camp are billed separately.

Our classrooms are like families - students support one another, work through challenges together, and build strong, caring relationships. Collaboration and cooperation are emphasized, with group projects, problem-solving activities, and opportunities for children to share their voice and ideas daily.

We believe that it is important to consider the whole student throughout the assessment process. A test can provide a “snapshot” view of the moment, but it doesn’t show the student’s whole set of strengths and abilities. However, assessments do help us chart student progress over time, pinpoint specific areas of strength and growth, and make needed changes to curricula. Standardized test results are considered as one piece of data along with other performance evaluations, including teacher-made tests, projects, and creative assessments.

The Co-op School uses Northwestern Evaluation Association (NWEA) MAP Growth as a part of our assessment process starting in third grade. This adaptive web-based standardized assessment measures growth and proficiency. MAP is used in addition to other formal and informal assessments that take place in the classroom.

Students are screened three times a year with the DIBELs literacy assessment. Teachers also administer F+P running records during the year to get a better sense of reading level and skills. Our math curriculum has assessments at the end of each unit.