What is a Parent Cooperative?

Parent Cooperatives are parent-governed, non-profit enrichment programs for children.  Parents with children enrolled in the program are members of the cooperative and elect a board of directors that establishes policies and hires qualified staff to run the cooperative’s day-to-day operations.  Besides their role in governance, parents also assist in the operation of the school, organize fundraising events, and provide other support activities.

Co-ops provide a “family of families” to members.  Parental involvement is intricately intertwined with a child’s intellectual growth and emotional stability.  Showing children that education is important to your family creates lasting benefits for children.  As parents participate in these programs, they are empowered to be focused and thoughtful about parenting long after the program’s conclusion.  The benefits of support, as well as a sense of community and belonging are positive influences on children and adults alike.  By becoming part of a community network, sharing stories, and building support relationships, parents are empowered to be focused and thoughtful about parenting.

For more information, Bringing Families Together: A Guide to Parent Cooperatives by E. Kim Coontz is a wonderful resource.

Our Mission:

Explorers Montessori Coastal Cooperative establishes the foundation for life-long learning by providing a positive, supportive, and thoughtfully prepared environment that cultivates an understanding and appreciation of the world beyond the classroom.

Our Programs:

Our school operates five days a week from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m (including before and after care). Students attend 5 days per week .

Students get a lot of individual attention and personalized learning due to our small class size and exceptional student to teacher ratio.  Our children receive Montessori-based instruction that emphasizes independence, developmental readiness, and student choice.

Our Policy:

Explorers Montessori Coastal Cooperative does not discriminate based on religion, race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sex, disability, family, marital or financial status, height, or weight.  All students and families will be given the same rights, privileges, availability to programs, and activities generally accorded to or made available at the school.  As long as it is within our guidelines, Explorers Montessori Coastal Cooperative will do what is within our powers to meet the needs of all employees and families.