Morning Co-op Program
Accepting Applications for Fall 2026!
As a license-exempt parent cooperative, the rhythm of the day is led by parents, in collaboration with their children, the seasons, and the Sunbeam on-site staff member.
Teaching parents commit to working on site 2-3 mornings per month in class. Sunbeam commits to at least one supervising staff member present for the duration of the co-op class, acting as steward of the space and helping to notice and give meaning to the children’s play choices.
“Teaching parent” is any adult who is an unpaid guardian or family member of the child. Per our license-exempt agreement with the state, teaching parents must be present when school is in session and are responsible for fulfilling all of the care needs of the children.
We welcome up to 12 children per day in our co-op with a minimum ratio of 1:4 adults to children. 2026 enrollment will prioritize homeschooling families of 4-7-year-olds and their younger siblings.
Rooted in Community: Our Co-op is Education in Harmony with Nature.
Our Co-op program is a child-led learning experience. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and connected. Here, all emotions are welcome—even the big, messy ones—and every child’s voice matters.
As an alternative to traditional classroom-based education, our program regards the natural world as our guide. Children have the right to live their days filled with movement, wonder, and meaningful choice, connected with the seasons and with their own sense of wisdom.
Mixed-ages learning is magical! Children are naturally more cooperative and growth mindset-oriented in a mixed-age group. It is humanity’s original way of learning. Children more easily develop their own sense of place, with unique roles and jobs within the group. They can be a mentor, a helper, or observer, learning through the power of modeling and through community care.
Sample Morning Schedule
9:00 Arrivals, getting settled, farm chores, Child-led play and exploration
10:15 Hand washing and snack, Circle time, story and toileting
11:00 More play and small group time: adult-guided projects
12:15 Reflection Circle, Clean up
12:30 Lunch
12:50 Parents pick up
1:00 Afternoon care starts
Come visit us and see Sunbeam in action.
Morning Program Cost
2 days per week
Tues and Thurs: $250
plus two teaching parent days per month
3 days per week
Tues, Thurs, Fri: $375
plus three teaching parent days per month
Enrolled co-op families are asked to attend one community eduction evening per month and one campus work day per month. Co-op parents who would like to take on more leadership are welcomed on to the board with specific support roles in admissions, facilities, finance, garden, and communications.
You may also be interested in these programs.
Afternoon Program
Age Groups 4-7 & 8-12
Tuesday - Friday 1:50 - 5:30pm Wednesdays 12:30 - 5:30pm
Seasonal Day Camps
Age Groups 3-7 & 8-12
Spring 2026 Camps 9:00am-5:00pm Summer 2026 9:00am-3:00pm
