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.
Contents
Our Heritage
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 when a seventh grade and the following year an eighth grade were added.
Bringing Students Together
The “Co-op” began modestly, with just one class of three-year-olds and one class of four-year-olds. Lauretta Freeman was brought on as the school’s Teacher/Director, a role she embraced for an impressive 23 years. Under her leadership, the school steadily grew, and in 1964, it expanded to include a second class of four-year-olds. This growth continued, and by 1970, the school added a kindergarten class, prompting a significant change: the school was officially renamed The Watchung Hills Cooperative School, Inc., marking a new era of development and community involvement.
The year after the name change, a decision was made by parents to further broaden the school’s reach by expanding to include grades 1 through 6. As the number of students and classes increased, it became clear that the Co-op had outgrown its original space at the First Congregational Church. A second location was secured at the Unitarian Church on 67 Church Street. The new “Upper School” opened its doors, offering two mixed-grade classes. Meanwhile, the nursery and kindergarten programs, now referred to as the “Lower School.” remained at the original site.
Bringing Students Together A Lasting Legacy
During this time, the school made several attempts to unify its campus under one roof. In 1982, the Co-op purchased its current building at 65 Chestnut Street. A former grammar school built in 1891 which had been converted to municipal offices, the building was empty and in bad condition. A group of parents and staff members financed the purchase through a novel arrangement with the National Cooperative Bank, which involved obtaining second mortgages on their own homes. After a year of heroic effort, which involved cleaning out rooms that had been inhabited by pigeons, the Co-op had a home.
For many years, Co-op families and teachers had expressed a strong desire to extend the unique and impactful style of teaching that the Co-op is known for into the seventh and eighth grades. This long-standing wish began to take shape in June 2003, when Bruce Kanze, with over 30 years of experience in the field, became the Co-op’s Head of School. Under his leadership, significant progress was made toward this goal. By November 2003, the Board of Trustees This marked a major milestone in the school’s history, hands-on educational environment for students to enjoy.
The 2013-2014 school year marked the Co-op’s 50th anniversary. The Co-op’s first official celebration brought us full circle when our first director, Lauretta Freeman, led a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In her remarks, Lauretta talked of the origins of the school and how pleased and proud she was that the mission that she helped conceive was so vibrantly alive today. Lauretta was 97 when she passed away during the 2020 Covid 19 epidemic. We are proud to carry on her legacy upholding our tradition of excellence in education.
Our Future
The Watchung Hills Cooperative School envisions a vibrant future, focused on growth and innovation while maintaining its core values of community-driven, progressive education. The school aims to expand its curriculum, incorporating new technologies and fostering critical thinking skills to prepare students for an ever-evolving world. Plans for future development include enhancing extracurriculars, building stronger connections with local organizations, and exploring the possibility of expanding grade levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Developing a curriculum that exposes children to global world cultures and the history of ancient and contemporary societies with a focus on ‘honest history.’
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.
Advocating for the environment, social justice, and participating in local community service projects.
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.
An E mphasis 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.
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.
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.
Anna M.
4 years old Pre-K
Hi, I’m Carrie, and I go to Pre-K at Watchung Hill Cooperative School. I really like school because we do fun things like painting, playing games, and reading stories. My teachers are so nice, and they help us learn new stuff every day. It doesn’t feel hard because we get to play while we learn, like when we count blocks or sing songs about letters. I love going to school because it’s always fun!
Gerald K.
8 years old 4th Grade
Hi, I’m Carrie, and I go to Pre-K at Watchung Hill Cooperative School. I really like school because we do fun things like painting, playing games, and reading stories. My teachers are so nice, and they help us learn new stuff every day. It doesn’t feel hard because we get to play while we learn, like when we count blocks or sing songs about letters. I love going to school because it’s always fun!
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.
Information
Core Subjects:
Math, language arts, social studies, science. (Specific disciplines are organized around thematic curriculum).
Emphasis:
Academic skills, continuing development of social skills and self-confidence, independence, creative expression.
Specials:
Spanish, physical education, art, music, technology (3rd and 4th Grades), overnight trips (beginning in 2nd Grade with family involvement).
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.
Grades 5 & 6
Core Subjects:
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:
Academic skills, continuing development of social skills and self-confidence, independence, creative expression, test-taking skills.
Specials:
Music, Spanish, physical education/dance, studio art, library, technology lab, class trips, Camp Fairview, Sedge Island overnight trips.
Grades 7 & 8
Core Subjects:
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:
Academic skills, continuing development of social skills and self-confidence, independence, creative expression, test-taking skills. Standardized tests administered
Specials:
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.
Say Hi To… VERONICA!
12 years old 7th Grade
Hi, I’m Veronica Richards, and I’m in 7th grade at Watchung Hill Cooperative School. One of the best things about Watchung is how they make learning fun. I love dance, and the classes here are not just about practicing moves—they’re about expressing yourself and working with your friends to create something amazing. It never feels like work because we get to experiment and have fun while learning.
In the dance studio with my friends perfecting my newest routine!
Meeting up with the robotics club to make the coolest animatronics.
Volunteering with my local Girl Scout troop!
PLAYING POWERED
BY
Before School Program
7:30 A.M. — 8:00 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.
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.
Children should bring extra snack to eat during after care.
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
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
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
& ENTRY PROCCESS ENROLLMENT
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. 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
All of these forms are provided with our online application.
An E mphasis on Social Skills
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 sched-
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 forshaping 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 2s Program (for children 2 ½ years old by 10/1)
Shortened Day 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday
Full Day 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Monday – Friday
Early Ages 3s Program (for children 2 ½ years old by 10/1)
Full Day 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Monday – Friday
$12,390 $19,360 $19,360
Pre-K to 8 TH Grade
Pre-Kindergarten (9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Kindergarten (9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
First Grade (9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Second Grade through Fifth Grade (9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Sixth Grade (9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Seventh Grade & Eighth Grade (9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
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 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.
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.
