In September 2021, we renovated our play yard to better support learning and play in an Outdoor Classroom. We currently offer a robust, whole child-inspired, urban nature and place-based educational model.
The child in the context of place — in our community, our neighborhood, and its pockets of urban nature — inspires and guides our practice.
Step 1. Getting Ready. Ages and Stages!
Child’s Age. Children who will turn 2 years old before September 1st are invited to apply to the Seeds Class. Children who will turn 3 years old before September 1st are invited to apply to the Leaves Class. Children who will turn 4 years old before September 1st are invited to apply for the Tracks Class.
Schedule. We currently offer partial-day and partial-week class schedules, September through May.
Seeds Class (2- and 3-year olds) meets Thursday and Friday mornings, 8:30 to 11:00.
Leaves Class (3- and 4-year olds) meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings from 8:30 to 11:00.
Tracks Class (4- and 5-year olds) meets Monday through Friday from noon to 3:00.
Our cooperative model.
We are a community outdoor school, devoted to shaping nature equity for all children and families.
Member families are required to serve on a committee or on the Board of Directors. This service supports day-to-day operations, fundraising, and future-planning. We offer early childhood development and parent education delivered through monthly community meetings. Committee work and meeting attendance for these are part of the School’s membership obligations.
Classroom participation (co-oping) is optional and there is no difference in tuition or member experience for families who choose that option.
All Outdoor Education. We are an all-outdoor model, all weather! With preparation, every child will gain a greater appreciation of all weather and of the changing seasonal landscape. We are place-based and play-based.
Step 2. Plan Ahead. Contact our Admissions Team.
Enrollment for Fall 2024-2025 begins in Winter and early Spring. Our admissions team add your email to our contact lists for admissions events.
Additional questions and inquiries will be responded to on weekdays between 9AM and 3:30PM.
Step 3. Submit an Application.
The application for the 2024-2025 school year will be published soon!
We hold rolling admissions throughout the year for available space. Applications for first round admissions are due February 24, 2024. Applications are not considered complete without the application fee of $75.00.
Tuition assistance may be available through the School’s own Ripple Initiative Fund, the MSDE Child Care Scholarship, and/or Montgomery County’s Working Parents Assistance Program.
Contact tuitionassistance@tpcns.org for more information.
Step 4. What’s Next?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the school year. If class rosters are set, applications will be placed in a waiting pool for possible openings.
In guiding enrollment decisions, The Cooperative School looks for applicants that will:
Sustain the School’s family-participatory model and mission through volunteer service in the classroom and on committees that support the School’s day-to-day operations and growth.
Create class rosters that are balanced in age and reflect a diverse community.
Families offered a spot at the school will submit two non-refundable deposits that will be applied to tuition payments.