Family Coop Preschool

Quick Facts

History: Family Cooperative Kindergarten was founded in 1952 by a group of North Andover parents interested in starting a public kindergarten. North Andover was not prepared for kindergarten so the parents formed a private cooperative school. The parents were guided by early childhood educator Mrs. Mary Charles, who became the school's benefactress over the years. When North Andover instituted public kindergarten in 1969, Family Cooperative became a preschool.

Staff: Director and Teacher, Sylvia Stephenson, joined Family Cooperative in 1981. Teacher, Deedee Roberts, began in 1985. Our staff turnover rate is extremely low! This is significant because the children receive continuous nurturing not only from week to week, but also from year to year. Parents cite Sylvia and Deedee as among the school's greatest strengths, describing them as "gifted and experienced," "warm and wise," "innovative and accessible," and "cooperative and complementary."

"Co-oping": Parents have the unique opportunity to participate in their child’s education through co-oping, where parents help guide children through activities, play, and problem-solving. Time with your own child is supported and encouraged on your co-oping days. Routine clean-up tasks are also performed by co-oping parents. Parents co-op no more than once or twice per month, depending on the number of days their child attends, with a maximum of five days per trimester.

Philosophy & Curriculum: Family Cooperative Preschool believes children learn through play and offers a creative, flexible program designed to meet the children's individual developmental needs (physical, emotional, creative social and intellectual). The school offers children the opportunity to choose and direct their own activities. Family Cooperative Preschool makes extensive use of the outdoors and nature for curriculum. Children spend a significant amount of time outside every day all year round.

Location: Since 1982 we have been thriving in a three-room schoolhouse, with a fenced-in play yard, nestled in acres of rolling hills and pastures accessible via Osgood Street. This serene location helps build a strong relationship with nature and the outdoors. The school house boasts three rooms with opportunities for individual, paired and group play as well as class activities. Our on-going relationship with the nearby Edgewood Retirement Complex also provides meaningful intergenerational contact.

Enrollment: Each session, one morning and one afternoon, has 18 children aged 3, 4, and 5. Children need to be 2 years 9 months by September 1st. Three teachers staff each session as well as two parents.