Y U
B E L O N G
FUTURE YOUR HERE BEGINS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Developing a curriculum that exposes children to global world cultures and the history of ancient and contemporary societies with a focus on ‘honest history.’
Advocating for the environment, social justice, and participating in local community service projects.
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.
AN EMPHASIS ON SOCIAL SKILLS
Guiding children toward a greater understanding 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.
PARENTS AND TEACHERS
WORKING TOGETHER
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.
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.
C S A
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, 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 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.
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.
Early Ages 2’s:
Children must be 2 ½ years old by October 1st.
Half day (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) or Full day (9:00 a.m. – 3:15pm p.m.) options.
Teachers work to support your toilet training strategies.
Specials: 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 to support your toilet training strategies.
Children bring lunch from home and eat with their teachers and peers in the classroom.
Specials: Spanish, library, music.
Pre-Kindergarten
Children must be 4 years old by October 1st of the year they begin PreK.
Full time 9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Children bring lunch from home and eat with their teachers and peers in the classroom.
Specials: 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 lunch from home and eat with their teachers and peers in the classroom.
Specials: Spanish, physical education, library, music, art.
PRIMARY
GRADES:
GRADES 1-4
Our Primary School emphasizes continued development of social skills, such as self-confidence, independence, and creative expression. 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 am to 3:15 pm.
CORE SUBJECTS EMPHASIS SPECIALS
Math
Language arts
Social studies
Science
*Specific disciplines are organized around thematic curriculum.
Academic skills
Continuing development of social skills and self-confidence
Independence
Creative expression
Spanish
Physical education
Art
Music
Technology (3rd & 4th Grades)
Overnight trips (beginning in 2nd Grade with family involvement)
UPPER SCHOOL: GRADES 5-6
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.
CORE SUBJECTS EMPHASIS SPECIALS
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.
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.
Spanish
Physical Education/ Dance
Studio Art Library
Technology Lab
Class Trips
Camp Fairview/Sedge Island over-night trips
UPPER SCHOOL: GRADES 7-8
CORE SUBJECTS EMPHASIS SPECIALS
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.
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.
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 8th graders travel to the Southwest.
COMMUNI DIVER
UALITY RSITY
B E FO R E & AF
O
FTE R OG R AM S
BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAM
7:30 A.M. TO 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. – 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.
SNACK
Children should bring an extra snack to eat during after care.
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.
FEES AND 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.
BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAM AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
1
DROP-IN RATES FOR OCCASIONAL USE OF BSP OR ASP:
KATIE 2ND GRADE
My name is Katie and I am in 2nd grade. I get to make art and play games with my friends. I love it at Watchung School!
MICAH 3RD GRADE
My name is Kenny and I just started 3rd grade. My favorite thing about going to Watchung is the After-School programs. They’re the best!
LAURA
4TH GRADE
“
My name is Laura and I am in 4th grade. What I like the most about Watchung is the overnight trips we take sometimes. They’re really fun!
MRS. WALKER
SCIENCE TEACHER 5TH & 6TH GRADE
“ “
My name is Mrs. Walker and I am proud to be a part of the faculty at Watchung Hills Cooperative School.
Watchung understands that there is more to school than just education. Their sense of community and their emphasis on fam ily involvement sets them apart from other establishments. They see the value of their students and prioritize a well-rounded education that goes beyond the classroom.
I love it here at Watchung! I get excited to come to my job every day. I can’t picture myself teaching anywhere else!
AD M I SS IO
OS
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit an application together with a non-refundable $75 application fee. You can fill out our online application at our website, www.whcoop.org where you will be asked to register and create an account.
973.783.4955 ext. 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.
*All of these forms are provided with our online application.
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.
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.
NOTIFICATION OF DECISION
For students who applied by February 1st, decision notifications are received in early March.
PARENT ROLES AT WATCHUNG HILLS COOPERATIVE SCHOOL
As part of membership in the Co-op community, parents:
Assist in the classroom.
Perform a family job.
Attend all three membership meetings a year (October, January, and May).
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.
TUITION 2024-2025
EARLY AGES
EARLY AGES 2S PROGRAM
Shortened Day 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
EARLY AGES 3S PROGRAM
Shortened Day 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
PRE-K TO 8TH GRADE
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
KINDERGARTEN
FIRST GRADE
SECOND THROUGH FIFTH GRADE
SIXTH GRADE
SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE
9:00 A.M. TO 3:15 P.M. 9:00 A.M. TO 3:15 P.M. 9:00 A.M. TO 3:15 P.M. 9:00 A.M. TO 3:15 P.M. 9:00 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M. 9:00 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M. (for children 3 years old by 10/1)
$12,390 $19,360 $22,575 $23,363 $25,410 $26,565 $27,030 $28,140 (for children 2 ½ years old by 10/1)
*Families may choose to make payments in one, three, or ten payments. Invoices for the three- payment 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 stu dents 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 finan cial assistance might be needed to enroll.
You may apply for tuition assistance through TADS, a third-party service provider. If you have any ques tions or need additional information, please con tact Donna Ellwood, Finance Manager, by email at donnae@whcoop.org or at 973-783-4955 ext. 212
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
T: (973) 783-4955 / F: (973) 783-1316
65 Chestnut Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
admissions@whcoop.org / www.whcoop.org
*The Watchung Hills Cooperative School understands the personal and sensitive nature of financial documents and keeps all such infor
