Morning Co-op Program

Accepting Applications for Fall 2025 & Spring 2026! Apply Now

As a license-exempt parent cooperative, the rhythm of the day is co-created by the children, the program director, and “teaching parents”, who commit to 2-3 mornings per month as the caregivers in the class. “Teaching parent” is any adult who is an unpaid guardian or family member of the child.

With a low 1:4 adult-to-child ratio in one mixed-age group, we welcome up to 12 children per day in our co-op and are building a homeschool pod of 6 for children ages 5-8.

Apply Now

Rooted in Community: Our Co-op is Education in Harmony with Nature.

Our Co-op program is a child-led learning experience for children ages 2-5 and 5-8. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, 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 can 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.

Sample Morning Schedule

8:45 Arrivals, getting settled, farm chores
9:00 Circle time followed by Play (child-led)
10:00 Hand washing and snack, Story and toileting
10:45 Play time and adult-led projects
11:45 Reflection Circle, Clean up
12:15 Lunch
12:30 Parents pick up
12:45 Afternoon care starts

Come visit us and see Sunbeam in action.

Join a Tour

4 days per wek
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: $650
plus three teaching parent days per month

Morning Program Cost

2 days per week
Wed and Fri: $325
plus two teaching parent days per month

3 days per week
Tues, Thurs, Fri: $488
plus three teaching parent days per month

Enrolled co-op families are also required to attend three community events per semester and take on a minimum of four additional volunteer hours per month (for example library helper, laundry help, weekend tending jobs, admission outreach, etc).