What is Co-op?

Co-op is a magical community of caregivers, children and teachers
working together to provide a rich, supportive learning environment.

Madison Park Co-op is run
primarily by current parents.

We are an independent, non-profit school run by the parents of current students, along with our full-time preschool teacher and parent educators from North Seattle College.

Because we are run by parents, being a co-op member requires an extra bit of time and commitment. One adult from each family volunteers in the classroom 1-2 times a week. We see parents, grandparents, nannies, and au pairs participate in this role as a “classroom assistant.”

In addition to working in the classroom, each family shares in the planning and operation of the school. Your job might be on an event committee or in a leadership role. Attendance at evening class meetings (exception for Infants classes), fundraising events and general membership meetings are also examples of a family’s involvement.

Benefits unique to Co-op:

A high-quality preschool with a high adult-to-student ratio
Lower tuition rates than other models
Early childhood education for parents and caregivers
Getting to be with your child in the classroom and watching them grow and form relationships at school
Professional parenting support from your Parent Educator
Community support from fellow families
Fun family events throughout the year to develop close relationships

We are more than a school.

The support, friendship, joy of playing, and learning that many of us experience at MPCP makes for a magical first school experience for our families. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a visit.

Find even more about the Co-op Model on the North Seattle Co-ops website.

Students and parents play, learn and grow together.

At MPCP, children to have a fun first school experience while gaining confidence and building social and academic readiness skills. MPCP provides a setting where members observe child behavior, discuss parenting concerns, and practice new techniques.

Members manage the preschool and assist in the daily operation of the classroom, making the education process a cooperative effort. Under the guidance of preschool teachers, each family sends one adult to join the class 1-2 times per week depending on age as a classroom assistant. Caregivers may help with art projects, join imaginative play, provide a snack or help on the playground.

Parents also socialize and learn once a month in an evening meeting (except Infants classes). One hour of this monthly meeting is led by a Parent Educator, who brings discussion topics about child development, parenting challenges, parenting wins, and other topics as requested by the current group. Parents have a chance to learn from and build community with each other. The second hour is dedicated to class business. We hear updates from the teacher, organize fundraising or community events, and discuss ideas for improving the flow of the class or the school at large.