The West Philadelphia Cooperative School was founded by a small group of parents who wanted a certain kind of educational experience for their children--one rooted in play-based learning, the outdoors, and cooperation at every level. More than 15 years later, our school remains a play-based, parent-run, cooperative school. Parents work together with teachers to provide individualized attention to each child from all backgrounds and walks of life. We believe every family deserves quality, affordable childcare, and we aim to create a supportive community that is representative of and responsive to the diversity of West Philadelphia. Our goal is to give children a chance to play and learn through experimentation, express their thoughts and feelings, and feel heard in ways that are meaningful to them.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

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“WHEN CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE RISKS, THEY MAKE MEANINGFUL DISCOVERIES. TEACHERS AT WPCS GIVE CHILDREN THE FREEDOM TO GET MESSY AND EXPERIMENT WITH MATERIALS IN WAYS THAT EMPOWER THEM TO DIRECT THEIR OWN LEARNING. BY TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR RISKS, CHILDREN LEARN TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES AND OTHERS AND TO SOLVE PROBLEMS INDEPENDENTLY.”- TEACHER EMILY

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