Middle school. Just hearing the words can stir a mix of memories. Some thrilling, others cringeworthy. These are the years when kids stretch toward independence, test boundaries, and begin to figure out who they really are. For many, it’s a confusing time. However, at the Montclair Cooperative School, an independent, progressive day school serving children from preschool through eighth grade, those years are viewed as an exceptional opportunity for growth — both academically and personally.
Upcoming Events at the Montclair Cooperative School
October 10 and November 15: Open House for Prospective Parents. RSVP Here
October 13: Parent Ed with Sheryl Ziegler, Author of The Crucial Years. Book Your Ticket.
A Smaller Circle, a Bigger Impact
In a world where middle schoolers can easily get lost in the shuffle, Co-op students stand out for one reason: size.
“I was a tiny bit nervous about the transition too,” says Orion, a sixth grader. at the Co-op. “Sixth grade is when the work starts picking up… more homework, harder math problems. But there’s a lot of individual attention here. My class has only eight kids.”
That intimacy means no one gets overlooked. Students are truly known by teachers and classmates alike. It also means every child’s quirks and strengths are embraced as part of who they’re becoming.
A Different Kind of Middle School
“I think if you ask most people what their middle school experience was, it’s not great,” says Ana Younghusband, Head of School at the Co-op. “And we certainly believe it doesn’t have to be that way.”
With nearly two decades in education, Younghusband has seen how powerful it can be when children feel seen and heard. “Whatever they come to us with is celebrated,” she says. “Nothing is seen as a negative aspect of their character. It’s all developmental growth, and we embrace the child for who they are.”
That philosophy of dignity, empathy, and curiosity runs through every corner of the Co-op.
From Student to Teacher
Few understand the culture better than Touré Weaver, who graduated from the Co-op and returned years later as its Physical Education teacher.
“There’s a lot of awareness from the teachers here. With smaller classes, you really get to know each other,” he says. “There’s a respect that’s fostered. You learn how to be part of a community.”
Learning by Doing
Upstairs, in a bright middle school classroom, math specialist Meredith Kates leads her students through a group problem. For her, it’s not about rote learning, but about discovery.
“There’s always some aspect of math that every student can connect to,” she explains. “Maybe they’re visual, maybe they’re fast with numbers…everyone brings something different. Here, we turn things over to the kids. They participate. They explore. There’s safety in that.”
The result: confidence that carries far beyond math class.
Building Foundations for Life
That sense of belonging and independence is exactly what parents like Keri Dole value most. With two children at the Co-op — one in third grade, one in sixth — she says the school’s investment in the “whole child” is unmistakable.
“What’s really amazing is the amount of time they spend building the foundation early…critical thinking, problem-solving, self-advocacy,” Dole says. “It not only sets kids up for high school, but for college and for life.”
Community in Every Corner
Back on the playground, Orion shares a story that captures what makes the Co-op so special.
“There was another person who was coming in for a tryout,” he says, “and she was eating lunch alone. People noticed, and they just started coming over.”
Middle school will always have its awkward moments. But at the Montclair Cooperative School, those moments come with community, support, and the chance to grow into exactly who you’re meant to be.
The Montclair Cooperative School is a sponsor of The Montclair Pod.
