About The Co-op

The Montclair Cooperative School is a community of students, teachers, and parents who are dedicated to creating a diverse and nurturing environment where children flourish intellectually and where they develop exceptional social skills along with a deep sense of community responsibility.

At the Co-op teachers, parents, and administrators work together to create a rich and rewarding educational environment. At the heart of the Co-op’s success is the sense of community which permeates all aspects of Co-op life.

We are a collaborative group of parents, teachers, administrators, students and alumni who confront issues of race, gender, equity, power and privilege; provide tools for growth and effective communication; steward school policies, by-laws, structures and processes that demonstrate our commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity and justice in order to foster a culture of accountability and belonging.

Many families who visit the Co-op for the first time have questions about progressive education and about our structure as a Co-op. Here we answer the most frequently asked questions. We are always available to answer any questions you may have at admissions@montclaircoop.org

Introducing the Co-op Faculty and Staff: Some of our teachers have taught at the Co-op for many years and some for a lesser time, but all are dedicated to the ideal of progressive education, where challenging academics, social education, hands-on projects and creative expression through the arts are the mainstays of each classroom.

Governance of the school is carried out by the Board of Trustees, in accordance with the school’s by-laws. The Board, with the Head of School’s input, safeguards the school’s mission and fiscal health, and plays a leadership role in its strategic direction.

The Montclair Cooperative School opened its door in 1963 to two groups of three- and four-year-old children, the first interracial, inter-economic, interfaith nursery school in Montclair. It quickly expanded through 6th grade, becoming one of a handful of progressive, cooperative elementary schools nationwide. The Co-op’s final expansion came in 2004 with when a seventh grade and the following year an eighth grade were added.