The Co-op School: Where Inquiry and Community Shape Education

Sponsored By The Co-op School

The mission of The Co-op School is to inspire passion and educational engagement by fostering children's innate curiosity and creativity.

Created By Brownstoner

The Co-op School stands as a leader in progressive education in Brooklyn, offering a learning experience rooted in collaboration, community, and respect for each child’s unique needs. For families exploring educational options, the school provides the same high-quality progressive approach found at other leading institutions—but with the lowest tuition of any private, independent school in New York, making it accessible to more families.

Progressive Education Through Inquiry
The Co-op School‘s constructivist approach centers on inquiry-based learning through interdisciplinary projects. Students develop critical thinking and creativity while making meaningful connections across subject areas. This method emphasizes curiosity and problem solving.

The school’s commitment to rigorous academics alongside social-emotional development is reflected in its impressive outcomes: 98 percent of students are accepted to their first-choice high schools. This success demonstrates how inquiry-based learning prepares students to think critically and engage deeply with their studies.

Building Community Through Participation
As a cooperative, The Co-op School thrives on active family participation, which is fundamental to the school’s DNA. Each family contributes at least eight hours annually through committees, work shifts, or projects, creating a vibrant community of engaged participants.

This collaborative spirit comes alive through signature events that strengthen community bonds. The annual Sunset Soirée at Herbert Von King Park welcomes new and returning families, setting the tone for a year of connection and shared purpose. The end-of-year Carnival holds special significance, teaching students about its historical roots as a form of resistance against slave owners’ exclusive celebrations. Students honor this history by creating large cardboard figures and joining a joyful community parade—an example of how the school weaves learning, celebration, and cultural awareness together.

Core Values in Action
The school’s guiding principles—compassion, uniqueness, community action, anti-racism, innovation, and joy—infuse every aspect of student life. These values shape the entire school culture, encouraging students to think critically, work collaboratively, and engage meaningfully with their world.

Join Our Community
Rolling admissions are available throughout the year, with school tours beginning September 17th. Families interested in joining a community where inquiry and collaboration drive learning are invited to discover how The Co-op School can nurture their child’s growth and development.

To learn more, visit the school’s website.

[Photos via The Co-op School]