Co-Op School

The Co-op School describes its teaching philosophy as a progressive, constructivist approach in which children become protagonists in their own learning, with teachers honoring each student’s interests, strengths, and experiences. The school emphasizes joyful, inquiry-based, hands-on learning and a whole-child model that supports emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development. It also frames learning as collaborative and community-centered, aiming to build curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, compassion, and respectful cooperation. (thecoopschool.org)

The Co-op School asks prospective families to sign up for a tour (including in-person tours on Thursdays 9:30–10:30 a.m., plus evening tours and periodic open houses) and then apply through the Ravenna platform, where you submit the Enrollment Application and pay the application fee ($150). (thecoopschool.org) For the 2026–2027 school year, the school states that completed applications are due January 8, 2026, with decision/reply timelines that vary by division (e.g., Kindergarten decisions February 5, 2026 with replies due February 12, 2026; Grades 1–4 and Middle School decisions February 11, 2026 with replies due February 27, 2026; Preschool/Pre-K decisions February 26, 2026 with replies due March 5, 2026). (thecoopschool.org) Requirements noted on the site include age cutoffs (Preschool begins at age 2; Pre-K requires age 4 by September 1; Kindergarten requires age 5 by September 1) and a student playgroup/visit invitation after submitting an application (described for Kindergarten as a playgroup and for older grades as a student visit). (thecoopschool.org) For Grade 1 through Grade 8 applicants, the school also lists document steps in Ravenna (including uploading an ISAAGNY report and delegating teacher recommendation and records like transcripts and the most recent report card). (thecoopschool.org) The school’s website does not publicly spell out a formal waitlist procedure or any explicit admissions priority categories (e.g., sibling/alumni/staff priority), and for mid-year enrollment it says applications are accepted on a rolling basis and directs families to email admissions@thecoopschool.org. (thecoopschool.org)