The Co-op School

644 Gates Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11216

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-5
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 13, 2024

We have elementary and middle school-aged kids at The Co-op School. Our family has been happy with our experience. From the moment our children stepped through those doors, we've seen a positive change in their engagement in learning. It’s heartening to see how enthusiastic they are — often sharing stories, especially about their inspiring Spanish and Global Studies program. What stands out for us is the rigor in academics that is clear but never overwhelming. The School sets high standards, which motivates the children, yet they are always supported with ample time and resources to gracefully tackle their projects. The teacher/student ratio is fantastic and allows children to make deep connections with each other. The arts program deserves a special mention! Our kids are not only encouraged to express themselves artistically; they’re also diving into rich cultural studies —all incredibly exciting topics that capture their imaginations!
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2024

The school asked to withdraw our 5-year-old, citing lack of resources. They unenrolled our child after 31 school days but kept 80% of the annual tuition.Classroom teachers were largely unresponsive to our request for more information, including regarding a death threat a classmate made to our child.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2023

We've been a part of The Co-op School for 3 years, and we couldn't be happier. Our son (currently in 4K) is excited to go to school every day, and, as parents, we've been so impressed by the Co-op's academically ambitious program that is still progressive, adaptive and incorporates social and emotional learning. Our child has thrived, and we have found a dynamic community of families, many of whom have become good friends.There are many other things to mention in support of the school: the warm and experienced teachers, the small class sizes, the airy, light-filled campus, the enrichment program and, of course, the relatively low cost of tuition! But most of all, we are grateful to have found a school that will, over the next decade, set our son up for success and happiness in High School and beyond.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2023

What truly sets The Co-op school really is set apart by its remarkable creative arts program. From music and visual arts, the school provides an array of opportunities for students to nurture their creativity. The state-of-the-art facilities and passionate instructors create an environment where artistic expression is not just encouraged but celebrated. Whether your child is an aspiring musician, painter, actor, or dancer, they will find the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.The school's commitment to open communication and involving parents in their children's education is commendable. Regular parent-teacher conferences, informational sessions, and community events make it easy for parents to stay engaged in their child's educational journey.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2023

This school is special. My son was struggling to acclimate to a post-pandemic academic environment, and we thought he needed more time before exposing him to a High School environment in the 6th grade. (Many schools went up to 12th grade.) The middle school program at The Co-op School is top notch, both academically, socially, and in terms of its creativity of curriculum. Though the academics are rigorous, they are doable with plenty of support and ability to individualize programming to every child's unique needs. The teachers are fantastic, and while expectations remain high, have found a way for each child to be successful. Executive functioning is a focus for middle school, and the change in my son has been shocking. The children are so kind to one another and welcoming (not just tolerant) of differences in learning abilities and social challenges. The facilities are brand new, bright and airy. I feel lucky to be part of the community, which while very welcoming finds a way to remain tight knit - your child is my child. I wondered for many months, what's the catch? There is none. It is affordable and remains as high in quality of its offerings as the more expensive private schools throughout the borough. Grab a spot before it becomes so popular, you can't get in.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2022

We are wrapping up our first year at the Co-Op School and have really grown to love the community. Our daughter has really thrived in the 2s program and loves her teachers and classmates. We've also enjoyed getting to contribute to the school and participating in the various events. We look forward to sending our daughter again next school year.
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2022

The teachers are amazing. The school itself is beautiful. The core values are excellent. The leadership is my only issue with this school. They seem to be failing the families as well as the teachers and you can feel that tension. What started out as a beautiful cooperative that cared about families and put kids first, is turning into a school overly concerned with procedure at the expense of efficiency and common sense. Hopefully leadership at this school can figure out how to truly listen to families and teachers and make changes to get back to that joyful, beautiful community we are all hanging on so hard to experience again.
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2021

A GREAT School!!!!My daughters joined the school mid year during the pandemic and have be very happy in the Coop community. They are always excited to go to school in the morning. The parent body is also very supportive. It has been an enriching experience for my daughters all around with exceptional teachers who truly care about your child’s success.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2021

In looking for a 2's program for our son, we scoured Brooklyn and lower Manhattan. No place felt quite right until we did the orientation for The Co-Op School. Even over Zoom, the generous spirit of the place and the people who work there could be felt. Their motto is "joyful learning" and that has been our exact experience. Our son constantly surprises us with new skills: whether it's putting on his shoes and coat or talking to us about compassion and friendship. He loves to tell us about the day's hijinks, and he speaks of his teachers as warmly as he does his friends. He feels safe and happy, and we feel grateful for the amazing environment in which we see him thriving. We've loved being part of the Co-Op School community. Our fellow parents are all interesting and welcoming and invested. And the administration is equally wonderful and should be singled out for superlative communication in an extremely trying time. The Co-Op school is the real deal.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2021

We have had wonderful Kindergarten, First and Second grade teachers who show so much care and compassion for their students. Our son has thrived there, and has grown both socially and academically. There are good teachers everywhere for sure, but we have loved how much consistency has been in place at The Co-op among its staff. Their arts, and extra reading assistance has also helped our (now 2nd grader) son greatly.
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2020

My 3 year-old attends and not only do they have great teachers and a wonderful staff, they have done a great job handling covid. Pre-school enters through a separate entrance. Every class has time slots and kids are required to wear masks all day except snacks and nap (snack time they are separated with a plastic divider). They also sanitize and wash hands constantly. To my knowledge there hasn't been a single case. The school leadership is amazing and my son loves his teachers. They are also very involved in the community.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2020

We are absolutely thrilled with our experience at The Co-Op School. Our two year old and Kindergartner are both thriving there. The community of parents and families is incredibly warm and inclusive and it’s a great feeling to know we are all in it together in terms of supporting our kids and teachers. For kids who are more gentle or march to their own beat, The Co-Op School is a safe haven for them to thrive and find their confidence. The kids are accepting and kind to one another and in a hyper competitive environment like NYC it’s really an amazing thing to witness the collectivism and compassion that’s built into the ethos of The Co-Op School. We’ve bee most impressed by the Forest School offered in Kindergarten, the truly incredible play-based preschool program and the additional resources like Spanish, Creative Making, Movement, and Theater that offered across the board. To have consistent in person learning during the Covid pandemic has been life changing for our family. We are beyond happy and so grateful for this special place!
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2020

This is our 4th year at the Co-Op school and we couldn’t be happier. My eldest child is in Kindergarten and my younger in Pre school. Both LOVE school and their little class community. One of the most important things to our family in a time of so much uncertainty was consistency for our children. This community and the new administration have be dedicated to keeping in person learning safe and joyful. Pre pandemic the school hallways were always filled with love and creativity. While we might not get to see inside these days we know, as our children run through the doors each morning that they are in the best possible place. They are excited and thriving. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the Co-Op community
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2020

We have recently joined the Coop school as a middle school family and we couldn't have found a more welcoming community for our child to join. As a family that has spent significant time overseas, we are delighted by the diversity of nationalities as well as the willingness of the families to engage in important matters of diversity, equity and inclusion. This is indeed a school that is courageous enough to lead the shift towards what education can and should be for all children.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2020

This is our second year at this school and although our child is only in preschool it is impossible to deny that this school is magical for the younger ones. The teachers are dedicated and passionate about what they do, the curriculum is progressive and joyful and their approach to covid this year has been very reassuring and putting us at ease.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2020

The Co-op School is as close to the best school experience possible on all factors. At the heart of all they do is care and it shows. Our daughter is thriving and comes home from school so excited every day.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2020

Both of my kids have had a wonderful experience at the Co-op school, I feel like they have supported and nurtured them and most importantly, they meet the kids where they are. Communication to parents is excellent. The community is friendly and welcoming. Class sizes are small. New facility is excellent and spacious and filled with great natural light. Tuition is kept low to make the school as accessible to as many people as possible (and financial aid is also available).I have also been blown away with how they handled distance learning during lockdown - at first I assumed the semester would just be a waste and then I quickly realized none of the teachers assumed that, and they worked hard to make sure the kids continued to learn and grow. Now they are back in school in person full time and I feel very comfortable with all of their safety protocols.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2020

It's a beautiful place. It fosters true compassion in children and a love for learning. My kids are included in all ways and accepted and nurtured for who they are and how the learn.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2019

During my family's past five years at The Co-op School, we have had ample time to reflect on what makes this school so special to us and why we renew our commitment each year. This year, what has stood out to me is A) how well the teachers and staff know my children and B) the great level of communication that occurs between all teachers and staff. Each area of education ties into the next. For instance, the Makers (aka art) teacher meets with the classroom teachers to brainstorm ways the objects created in art/makers can tie-into, support, and deepen their understanding of what the focus of the humanities lessons are. This year we see this in their study of the Lenape and Manna-hata. Last year, in their study of China.Teachers and staff meet regularly to unpack and strategize complicated educational and social situations. They learn and support from each other and that learning moves throughout the school. The classroom and specials teachers, support staff and admin always have time for our family's ideas, questions, concerns, worries, anxieties, silliness. When I have a question/comment/concern/idea, the teachers + etc respond promptly and thoughtfully. Together we come up with ways to address whatever the issue is, be it homework stress, sibling rivalry, etc. Too, I value the cooperative commitment. Every family participates to the maintenance and running of the school in some way. The time and effort our families put in allows the school to use money to the greatest possible benefit to the greatest number of kids. Our children see this and learn the importance of actively participating in one's community, be it by delivering mail to teachers, washing dishes after a potluck, staying up late to organize a used book fair, making a detour to collect a free bookshelf and deliver it to the school. This value will stay with them as they move through life. I'm grateful to the school and happy to be a part of it.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2019

I’ve had my child in pre-k and kindergarten here and she loves it. I can see her progress, she’s eager to learn, the teachers are wonderful and they just moved to a new, bigger campus. It’s a progressive environment, with a learning style that is perfect for our curious child. I would recommend this school!