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.
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.
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 ser vice 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.
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 construct ing 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 & GROWTH
A TRUE SENSE OF
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
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.
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
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
Providing comprehensive DEIJB training for co-op staff
Hosting community conversations on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, & social justice as part of our community education efforts
Advocating for the environment, social justice, & participating in local community education efforts
Creating student & parent led affinity groups to better support under represented groups. Including the student-led gay/straight alliance & students of color affinity group & the parent led families of color affinity group
Developing a curriculum that exposes children to global world cultures & the history of ancient & contemporary societies with a focus on honest history
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.
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.
• CHILDREN MUST BE 2 1/2 YEARS OLD BY OCTOBER 1ST
• HALF DAY: 9AM – 1PM OR FULL DAY: 9AM – 3:15PM OPTIONS
• TEACHERS WORK TO SUPPORT YOUR TOILET TRAINING STRATEGIES
SPECIALS
• SPANISH
• LIBRARY
• MUSIC
• CHILDREN MUST BE 3 YEARS OLD BY OCTOBER 1ST OF THE YEAR THEY BEGIN EARLY AGES
• FULL TIME: 9AM – 3:15PM
• TEACHERS WORK TO SUPPORT YOUR TOILET TRAINING STRATEGIES
• CHILDREN BRING LUNCH FROM HOME & EAT WITH THEIR TEACHERS & PEERS IN THE CLASSROOM
SPECIALS
• SPANISH
• LIBRARY
• MUSIC
• CHILDREN MUST BE 4 YEARS OLD BY OCTOBER 1ST OF THE YEAR THEY BEGIN PRE K
• FULL TIME: 9AM – 3:15PM
• CHILDREN BRING LUNCH FROM HOME & EAT WITH THEIR TEACHERS & PEERS IN THE CLASSROOM
SPECIALS
• SPANISH
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• LIBRARY
• MUSIC
• ART
• CHILDREN MUST BE 5 YEARS OLD BY OCTOBER 1ST OF THE YEAR THEY BEGIN KINDERGARTEN
• FULL TIME: 9AM – 3:15PM
• CHILDREN BRING LUNCH FROM HOME & EAT WITH THEIR TEACHERS & PEERS IN THE CLASSROOM
SPECIALS
• SPANISH
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• LIBRARY
• MUSIC
• ART
GRADES 1 – 4
INFORMATION
• MATH
• LANGUAGE ARTS
• SOCIAL STUDIES
• SCIENCE
* specific disciplines are organized around thematic curriculum.
• ACADEMIC SKILLS
• CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS & SELF-CONFIDENCE
• INDEPENDENCE
• CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Our Primary School emphasizes continued development of social skills, such as self-confidence, independence, and creative expression. Core subjects like math, lan guage 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.
• SPANISH
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• ART
• MUSIC
• TECHNOLOGY *
• OVERNIGHT TRIPS **
* 3rd & 4th grades
** beginning in 2nd grade with family involvement
CORE SUBJECTS *
• MATH
• LANGUAGE ARTS
• SOCIAL STUDIES
• SCIENCE
• CHILDREN WILL HAVE A HOMEROOM TEACHER & MOVE TO DIFFERENT CLASSROOMS (& TEACHERS) FOR DIFFERENT SUBJECTS.
• NIGHTLY HOMEWORK ASSIGNED
* themed curriculum approach continues, incorporating direct skill instruction in math, language arts, research skills, & laboratory.
EMPHASIS
• ACADEMIC SKILLS
• CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS & SELF-CONFIDENCE
• INDEPENDENCE
• CREATIVE EXPRESSION
• TEST-TAKING SKILLS
SPECIALS
• MUSIC
• SPANISH
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION/DANCE
• STUDIO ART
• LIBRARY
• TECHNOLOGY LAB
• CLASS TRIPS
• CAMP FAIRVIEW
• SAGE ISLAND OVERNIGHT TRIP
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
GRADES 5 – 8
CORE SUBJECTS *
• MATH
• LANGUAGE ARTS
• SOCIAL STUDIES
• SCIENCE
• CHILDREN WILL HAVE A HOMEROOM TEACHER & MOVE TO DIFFERENT CLASSROOMS (& TEACHERS) FOR DIFFERENT SUBJECTS.
• NIGHTLY HOMEWORK ASSIGNED
* themed curriculum approach continues, incorporating direct skill instruction in math, language arts, research skills, & laboratory science.
EMPHASIS
• ACADEMIC SKILLS
• CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS & SELF-CONFIDENCE
• INDEPENDENCE
• CREATIVE EXPRESSION
• TEST-TAKING SKILLS
• STANDARDIZED TEST TAKING ANNUALLY
• LETTER GRADES GIVEN IN ALL ACADEMIC SUBJECTS
SPECIALS *
• SPANISH
• PHILOSOPHY
• MUSIC
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION/DANCE
• STUDIO ART
• MUSEUM STUDY
• LIBRARY
• TECHNOLOGY LAB
• CLASS TRIPS
*extensive overnight trips include Springbrook Farm, Kroka expeditions, & our 8th graders travel to the Southwest.
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.
7:30AM TO 8:45AM 3:15PM TO 6PM
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.
SNACK
Children should bring 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.
HOMEWORK 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.
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.
1 DAY A WEEK
2 DAYS A WEEK
7:30AM TO 8:45AM 3:15PM TO 6PM
3 DAYS A WEEK
4 DAYS A WEEK
5 DAYS A WEEK
1 DAY A WEEK
2 DAYS A WEEK
3 DAYS A WEEK
4 DAYS A WEEK
5 DAYS A WEEK
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 Cooperative School.
All of these forms are provided with our online application
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.
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, & May)
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
EARLY AGES 2S PROGRAM
FOR CHILDREN 2 1/2 YEARS OLD BY 10/1
SHORTENED DAY 9AM TO 1PM: MONDAY – FRIDAY
FULL DAY 9AM TO 3:15PM: MONDAY – FRIDAY
EARLY AGES 3S PROGRAM
FOR CHILDREN 3 YEARS OLD BY 10/1
FULL DAY 9AM TO 3:15PM: MONDAY – FRIDAY
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
9AM TO 3:15PM
SIXTH GRADE
9AM TO 3:30PM
KINDERGARTEN
9AM TO 3:15PM
SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE
9AM TO 3:30PM
FIRST GRADE
9AM TO 3:15PM
SECOND – FIFTH GRADE
9AM TO 3:15PM
Families may choose to make payments in
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.
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.
65 CHESTNUT STREET MONTCLAIR, NJ 07042
T: (973) 783-4955
F: (973) 783-1316
admissions@whcoop.org www.whcoop.org
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFILE
M E E T D E R E K
Derek is a kindergartner that loves going to Watchung Hills Cooperative School not only because this school allows its students draw outside of the box, but it also has a huge supportive and accepting community. He enjoys being in class because him and his peers have so much fun learning and laughing together which makes the learning process exciting and it will make you look forward to coming back the next day.
DEREK’S FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT
• The ability to explore and be creative solving problems
• The parent, teacher, and student cooperative learning environment
• Strong friendships built with classmates
• The strong support from classmates and staff members to succeed
FAVORITE SPECIALS
• SPANISH
• ART
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PRIMARY SCHOOL PROFILE
ME E T MA D DI E
Maddie is a 4th grader that has grown to love learning thanks to Watchung Hills Cooperative School. Maddie loves this school because they allow students to draw outside the box and it has helped expand her knowledge on subjects. She also really enjoys the class trips and the thematic curriculum as they both allow students to learn through exploration and creativity while experiencing it in the world rather then just the textbooks.
MADDIE’S FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT
• The exploration, risk taking, and creative processes used to solve problems and construct new knowledge on subjects.
• The close connections made between classmates
• The supportive staff and community
• The development of social skills, independence, creative expression, and self-confidence.
FAVORITE SPECIALS/CLASSES
• SPANISH
• MUSIC
• SOCIAL STUDIES
• LANGUAGE ARTS
M E E T S U ZA N N A UPPER SCHOOL
Suzanna is an 8th grader that loves attending school at Watchung Hills because the faculty and staff really care about us students and they will do anything to help us be successful in and out of the classroom. She loves the welcoming diverse atmosphere that is seen though out the school and the community.
SUZANNA’S FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT
• The diverse, inviting environment
• The cooperative setting that allows students to succeed in and out of the classroom
• The problem solving processes used to expand student knowledge
• The development of social skills, self-confidence, independence, and creative expression
