2024 - 2025 Viewbook
Welcome!
Thank you so much for your interest in Watchung Hills Cooperative School! We are glad that your search for the best educational experience for your child has led you to explore what the Co-op has to offer.
For 60 years, Watchung Hills Cooperative School has been a leader in progressive education. From our early beginnings as the first integrated, non-denominational preschool in Montclair, NJ, the Co-op has continued to be a place that nurtures the whole child.
Please check out our online admissions video tour to learn more about the engaging academic curriculum, developed and honed by our master teachers. You will see why a Co-op kid welcomes each school day and stays excited about learning long after graduation. From preschool through eighth grade, our students are encouraged to inquire about the world around them and realize their full potential through the interdisciplinary approach to learning. Our graduates have an excellent record of acceptance at secondary schools and go on to become leaders and activists.
We also invite you for an in-person tour where you will discover more about parent involvement in our cooperative structure and learn how meaningful being a part of your child’s education can be. Whether you can give hours of time each month or just a little here and there, the Co-op has a way to fit with your family. Just like our classes, our community of families is diverse, engaged and welcoming.
Searching for the right school for your child takes time and great care. I hope that this viewbook will get you started with the information that you need. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We always welcome your calls or emails if you have any questions.
Warm regards,
Therese Cameron Ed.D. Head of School
ABOUT US
From a Seed…
In 1963, Mary Meager, new to Montclair, wanted to start an interracial, nonsectarian cooperative nursery school similar to one she had belonged to in Michigan. At that time, a group of women, including Lauretta Freeman, a member of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, were meeting weekly to discuss civil rights, fair housing, war, disarmament, and other issues. Colleen Leavitt, a member of the group, shared a letter she’d received from Meager, who was recruiting potential members for a cooperative nursery school. The interested women of the group began working with Mary. They approached several churches in town about supporting a cooperative nursery program without charge as a service to the community. The First Congregational Church, located at 68 Church Street, agreed. When the Montclair Cooperative Nursery School opened its doors in 1963, it was the first interracial, inter-economic, interfaith nursery school in Montclair.
Our Mission
The Watchung Hills 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.
Parents and Teachers
Working Together
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.
The partnership between parents, children and teachers is one of the cornerstones of the Co-op’s philosophy. Parents are considered essential members of the Co-op learning community. From assisting in your child’s classroom to lending time and talent to help the school achieve its goals, being a Co-op parent is an experience you will cherish –and one that’s unlike any other.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The Co-op’s founder, Lauretta Freeman, sought to create a school where children of different backgrounds could play and learn together. Grounded in the principles of inclusion, equity, equality and justice, the Co-op has celebrated the rich diversity of its students, families, faculty, and staff since its founding. We honor and continue this legacy at the Co-op in everything that we do.
The Co-op continues to prioritize inclusion, equity, equality, and justice in its current initiatives:
Providing comprehensive DEIJB training for Co-op staff.
Hosting community conversations on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, and social justice as part of our community education efforts.
Developing a curriculum that exposes children to global world cultures and the history of ancient and contemporary societies with a focus on ‘honest history.’
Creating student and parent led affinity groups to better support under-represented groups, including the student-led Gay/Straight Alliance and Students of Color Affinity.
Group and the parent-led Families of Color Affinity Group.
Advocating for the environment, social justice, and participating in local community service projects.
A Focus on Progressive Education
Since its founding in 1963, the Co-op has remained true to its mission to educate the whole child. The emphasis is always on children’s work and the way children think about their world. The Co-op program is founded on the belief that children learn best through hands on experiences inspired by their questions about the world. The teacher’s role, in essence, is to support and give necessary guidance to these young learners as they grow and develop, an approach to learning that leads our students to thrive academically both at the Co-op and beyond. Each class is a community of learners where children are invited to take risks, question, explore, discuss, interpret, and create. They discover how to apply learning effectively in solving problems and constructing new knowledge. Teachers regard learning as a process of discovery and introduce concrete experiences that stimulate abstract thought.
The curriculum encourages natural abilities, poses appropriate challenges, and lays a strong foundation for continued study and growth for students.
A True Sense of Community
At the heart of the Co-op’s success is the sense of community that permeates all aspects of school life. Students of all grade levels feel that they are part of a school community that extends beyond their own classroom. Older children learn about nurturing and responsibility by sharing in a wide range of activities with younger students. For example, older students work one-on-one as reading buddies to children in younger grades. At the Co-op we take seriously the idea that parents, too, are partners in their children’s education. This partnership between parents, children and teachers is one of the cornerstones of the Co-op philosophy and parents are offered meaningful opportunities to participate in many aspects of Co-op life.
An Emphasis on Social Skills
Guiding children toward a greater under standing of and respect for others is one of the school’s primary missions. The social curriculum is therefore an on-going, fundamental aspect of Co-op life. We recognize that conflicts are part of growing up and that it is our responsibility as adults and educators to guide children toward appropriate ways to resolve them. Children learn how to negotiate, to reach a consensus, to resolve conflicts and to advocate for themselves and others in group situations. Rather than lecture children, we use their personal experiences in and out of the classroom to teach healthy social behavior.
Students graduate from 8th grade socially responsive and responsible young people well-prepared to face the challenges ahead. They are thinkers, makers, and doers. They are advocates and activists with a strong academic foundation for success in high school and beyond. Their love of learning launches them into new experiences with confidence.
ALUMNI
Our Alumni
At Watchung Hills Cooperative School, the bonds formed and lessons learned extend far beyond the classroom. Our alumni are a vibrant reflection of the nurturing environment we cultivate, where collaboration, creativity, and a love for learning thrive. Each graduate carries with them not only a strong foundation of knowledge but also the values of empathy, responsibility, and community that define our school culture.
Alumni of Watchung Hills not only leave knowing that they’re full of skills to help them succeed for the rest of their lives, but also a second family. We always keep in touch with our alumni, but we reached out to the following three especially for them to talk to us about their experience with us.
To learn more about their stories and experiences, visit our website www.whcoop.org.
After Watchung Hills
Alumni from Watchung Hills Cooperative School often find themselves well-equipped for a diverse range of career opportunities due to their unique educational experiences. These institutions typically emphasize hands-on learning, real-world applications, and collaborative projects, allowing students to develop practical skills alongside their academic knowledge. As a result, graduates tend to excel in various fields, including business, education, technology, and healthcare.
Our education plans help set every student up to ensure that they succeed no matter what career path they go down later in life, or what high school they move on to after their time at Watchung Hills has ended. We focus on preparing them for real world workplace situations as well as social situations, and prioritize them developing a strong sense of creativity.
Grace '18
Describe your time at Watchung Hills.
I went to Watchung Hills from the time I was two until Eighth Grade. It was honestly the best years of my academic career. The staff cares about both you and your success, and your family; even if they don’t attend Watchung Hills. The school is full of some of the most compassionate and loving people I ever met.
How did Watchung Hills prepare you for your future?
Watchung Hills prepared me for my future by showing me how to think creatively, how to show empathy and compassion for others, and overall just how to be a good human.
Would you send your children to Watchung Hills?
Absolutely. No doubt in my mind about that. I truly wouldn’t have become the woman I am today or had most of the opportunities I did without Watchung Hills and their guidance, and I wouldn’t want anything else for my own children.
Lydia '15
Describe your time at Watchung Hills.
I didn’t start at Watchung until Fourth Grade, but I deeply wish I had the opportunity to be there longer. The staff helped change my life for the better, and I honestly wouldn’t have went down the path I did if it wasn’t for them. They made me see life differently, and played a huge part in shaping me to be who I am today.
How did Watchung Hills prepare you for your future?
Like I mentioned, the staff quite literally changed me as a person. I came from a more troubled background, and they taught me how to be kind, considerate, and loving towards other people as well as showing me important life skills that I didn’t have the privilege of others showing me at that point in my life.
Would you send your children to Watchung Hills?
My own child is currently enrolled, actually. She has been going there since she was two, she is now in third grade. Her development mentally and socially are drastically different from others her age. I wouldn’t send her anywhere else.
Henry '16
Describe your time at Watchung Hills. I started at Watchung in second Grade, and I honestly wish I had the opportunity to start earlier than I did. However, despite me being behind the other children who had been there since they were two or three, the staff made sure that I got caught up as quick as possible and were warm and welcoming.
How did Watchung Hills prepare you for your future?
Honestly? In every way possible. They taught me that social skills, empathy, creativity, and leadership are some of the most important aspects a person could have. I owe them a lot for my current career success.
Would you send your children to Watchung Hills?
Unfortunately, I no longer live in the area. However if I did, my future children would absolutely be attending Watchung Hills. Truthfully, I think there should be more schools like Watchung Hills so that more children get to experience the learning and support system that they provide.
ACADEMICS
At the Watchung Hills Cooperative School, every aspect of a child’s development is important to us. Your child will experience an environment that encourages academic excellence, independent and diverse thinking, imaginative and innovate ideas, support for one’s passions, and active social responsibility. Co-op students’ minds are stretched in many ways. New intellectual discoveries are made every day. Our program emphasizes experiential, integrated, hands-on learning.
Our aim is to foster our children’s natural inquisitiveness so that they may develop a life-long enthusiasm for learning. We see that spirit alive every day as our children come to school eager for the day ahead, whether in kindergarten or 8th grade. The pride and joy in learning is particularly tangible when classes hold their festivals after the completion of a long study, inviting the whole school to experience their work as they explain their process and share their amazing stories and art.
Core subjects like math, language arts, social studies, and science are both integrated into each grade’s thematic curriculum and taught as self-contained studies. Class trips are tied to the thematic curriculum. The school day is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Early Childhood
Early Ages 2’s
Children must be at least 2 ½ years old by October 1st.
Half day (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) or Full day (9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.) options.
Teachers work with you to support your toilet training strategies.
Specials include Spanish, library, music.
Early Ages 3’s
Children must be 3 years old by October 1st of the year they begin in Early Ages.
Full time 9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Teachers work with you to support your toilet training strategies.
Children bring their own lunch and eat with their teachers and peers in the classroom.
Specials include Spanish, library, music.
Pre-Kindergarten
Children must be 4 years old by October 1st of the year they begin Pre-K.
Full time 9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Children bring their own lunch and eat with their teachers and peers in the classroom.
Specials include Spanish, physical education, library, music, art.
Kindergarten
Children must be 5 years old by October 1st of the year they begin Kindergarten.
Full time 9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Children bring their own lunch and eat with their teachers and peers in the classroom.
Specials include Spanish, physical education, library, music, art.
Early Childhood
The Early Childhood division begins with the 2 ½ year olds class and goes through to Kindergarten. Our program emphasizes social growth, early literacy and math skills, music, and art, taught through play and integrated themes. Class trips are tied to the thematic curriculum.
Primary Grades
Our Primary School emphasizes continued development of social skills, such as self-confidence, independence, and creative expression.
Primary Grades
Grades 1 – 4
Core Subjects include math, language arts, social studies, science. (Specific disciplines are organized around thematic curriculum.)
Emphasis includes academic skills, continuing development of social skills and self-confidence, independence, creative expression.
Specials include Spanish, physical education, art, music, technology (3rd and 4th Grades), overnight trips (beginning in 2nd Grade with family involvement.)
Upper School
Grades 5 & 6
Core subjects include math, language arts, social studies, science (themed curriculum approach continues, incorporating direct skill instruction in math, language arts, research skills, and laboratory). Children have a homeroom teacher and move to different classrooms (and teachers) for different subjects. Nightly homework assigned.
Emphasis includes academic skills, continuing development of social skills and self-confidence, independence, creative expression, test-taking skills.
Specials include music, Spanish, physical education/dance, studio art, library, technology lab, class trips, Camp Fairview, Sedge Island overnight trips.
Grades 7 & 8
Core subjects include math, language arts, social studies, science (themed curriculum approach continues, incorporating direct skill instruction in math, language arts, research skills, and laboratory science). Children have a homeroom teacher and move to different classrooms (and teachers) for different subjects. Nightly homework assigned.
Emphasis includes academic skills, continuing development of social skills and self-confidence, independence, creative expression, test-taking skills. Standardized tests administered annually. Letter grades given in all academic subjects.
Special include Spanish, philosophy, music, physical education/dance, studio art, museum study, library, technology lab, class trips. Extensive overnight trips include Springbrook Farm, Kroka Expeditions and our Eighth graders travel to the Southwest.
Upper School
In our upper school, students are encouraged to participate in meaningful service, activism, and community mentoring. This work complements their on-going explorations in math, science, literature, and historical and current world events. The school day is from 9:00 am to 3:15 pm for 5th grade and 9:00 am to 3:30 pm for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
Before & After School Programs
Before School Program (7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.)
The Before School Program operates from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. every day school is in session.
The children start their morning in the Extended Care room, where they can engage in a variety of activities including arts and crafts, board games, puzzles, and dramatic play. The children also play outdoors when weather permits.
Families sign up and pay per semester. For families receiving Tuition Assistance, that rate will be applied to Before and After Care costs.
After School Program (3:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
The After School Program operates from 3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day school is in session, with the exception of specific days indicated on the school calendar. The Early Ages and Pre-K children have after care in an Early Ages classroom, while Kindergarten and older children utilize the Extended Care room. This time of day children engage in arts/crafts, blocks and manipulatives, dramatic play, reading, board games and puzzles. They also play outdoors and utilize the gym.
The Home Link
Communication with parents and caregivers is an essential element of the program. Monthly calendars, notices, reminders and messages are sent home. For safety reasons, all children in the program must be signed out daily by a parent or caregiver.
Homework
Supervised homework time begins after the children have snack and time to unwind from the school day. Staff encourages a quiet and independent atmosphere while providing problem- solving assistance as needed. Please let the program director know if your child has special homework arrangements or materials.
Snack
Children should bring extra snack to eat during after care.
Fees & Fee Policies
Extended Care Program for 2024-25
Families register and pay per semester. The first semester is September to January and the second semester is February to June. Registration opens for the first semester in August and opens for the second semester in November.
Drop-in rates for occasional use of BSP or ASP
BSP: $16 daily rate ASP: $21 daily rate
Before School Program
(7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.)
1 day a week: $210 per semester
2 days a week: $368 per semester
3 days a week: $525 per semester
4 days a week: $683 per semester
5 days a week: $840 per semester
After School Program (3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
1 day a week: $368 per semester
2 days a week: $709 per semester
3 days a week: $1,050 per semester
4 days a week: $1,391 per semester
5 days a week: $1,735 per semester
ADMISSIONS
Student visits
Once the application and all supporting documents have been received, everything is reviewed, and applicants may be invited for a student visit and assessment. Prospective parents will be contacted by the Admissions Office to schedule these visits.
Parent Roles at Watchung Hills Cooperative School
As part of membership in the Watchung Hills Co-op community, parents:
Assist in the classroom.
Perform a family job.
Attend all three membership meetings a year (October, January, and May).
Schedule a Tour Today
Parental involvement is at the heart of the Co-op’s success. Please contact us at admissions@whcoop. org to learn more about the Co-op or to schedule a tour.
Contact Admissions
65 Chestnut Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
T: (973) 783-4955
F: (973) 783-1316
admissions@whcoop.org
www.whcoop.org
Application Process
Applicants should submit an online application together with a non-refundable $75 application fee for applying.
You can fill out our application on our website, www. whcoop.org where you will be asked to register and create an account. If you have any questions about this process, please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@whcoop.org or by calling 973.783.4955 extension 428.
Complete supporting documents
Early Childhood Applicants who have attended a previous school or playgroup and any applicants to grades 1-8 are required to submit a Teacher Recommendation Form.
Students applying to grades 3-8 should submit a Student Questionnaire.
A Transcript Request Form is available for all applicants to grades 1-8. This form should be signed and submitted to the child’s current and former schools in order for their records to be sent to Watchung Hills Cooperative School.
All of these forms are provided with our online application.
Notification of decision
For students who applied by February 1st, decision notifications are received in early March.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Full Day
(9 :0 0 AM - 3:15 PM
M onday -Frida y)
$22, 575
KINDERGARTEN
Full Day
(9 :0 0 AM - 3:15 PM
M onday -Frida y)
$23, 363
FIRST GRADE
Full Day
(9 :0 0 AM - 3:15 PM
M onday -Frida y)
$25, 410
SECONDFIFT H GRADE
Full Day
(9 :0 0 AM - 3:15 PM M onday -Frida y)
$26, 565
SIXTH GRADE
Full Day
(9 :0 0 AM - 3:3 0 PM
M onday -Frida y)
$27,030
SEVENTHEIGHTH
GRADE
Full Day
(9 :0 0 AM - 3:3 0 PM M onday -Frida y)
$27,030
Tuition
We know that choosing your child’s school is a big decision—one that will impact them in ways both big and small. Every school day will bring new opportunities for shaping your child’s future, challenging and expanding their mind, and exposing them to new experiences and ideas. These early years will have a dramatic impact on the person your child grows up to be.
Families may choose to make payments in one, three, or ten payments. Invoices for the threepayment plan are issued in June, September and February. The ten-payment plan begins in May and continues through February. There is also a one-time $350 new student registration fee for each newly enrolled student.
Tuition Assistance
The Watchung Hills Cooperative School actively seeks to build a student body that is culturally, socially, and economically diverse. The goal of our tuition assistance program is to help close the gap between the total cost of a Co-op education and what a family can afford.
How to Apply
The Watchung Hills Cooperative School understands that the decision to send your child to an Independent School is a financial commitment and an investment in your child’s future.
Our tuition assistance program is designed to help close the gap between what a family can afford and the tuition and supports our mission to create a rich and diverse community of learners.
The tuition assistance program is available to students in grades Pre-K through eighth and awards are based solely upon demonstrated financial need.
Although the Co-op is not always able to meet the financial needs of every family, we encourage our families to apply if circumstances suggest that financial assistance might be needed to enroll.
You may apply for tuition assistance through TADS a third-party service provider.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Donna Ellwood, Finance Manager, by email at donnae@whcoop.org or at 973-783-4955 x 212.
The Watchung Hills Cooperative School understands the personal and sensitive nature of financial documents and keeps all such information strictly confidential.
Watchung Hills Cooperative School
65 Chestnut Street Montclair, NJ 07042
T: (973) 783-4955
F: (973) 783-1316
info@whcoop.org www.whcoop.org
