At a Glance
A Tiny, Progressive Elementary Where Families Run the School
Families seeking a deeply personal, small-scale elementary experience where parent involvement is built into the model. Ideal for children who benefit from individualized attention and a progressive approach that prioritizes social-emotional growth alongside academic skills. Particularly well-matched for families who want to be active participants in their child's school community and who value diversity in their child's peer group.
- Extraordinarily small scale: only 122 students in grades PK-5 creates an intimate, family-like environment
- 7.6:1 student-teacher ratio means teachers can give individual attention to each child
- Parent cooperative governance means families are genuinely invested in the school community
- High diversity index (0.79) with 25% multiracial students reflects a modern, inclusive community
- Progressive, hands-on curriculum emphasizes curiosity and social-emotional development
- Very small size may not suit children who thrive in larger peer groups or need robust athletic programs
- Parent participation is expected — this is a commitment, not just a school choice
- Limited data available on outcomes since it's a small private school
- The cooperative model requires time investment from families — both parents typically need to be involved
- As a nonsectarian progressive school, it's philosophically distinct from more traditional academic programs
A nonsectarian, progressive elementary school governed by a parent cooperative model. The 7.6:1 student-teacher ratio reflects a deeply personal approach where every student is known as an individual.
With a diversity index of 0.79, this is one of the more diverse elementary schools in the city. The student body is roughly half white, a fifth Black, and a quarter multiracial — a mix that reflects Brooklyn's broad demographic landscape. The small size creates an intimate community where families tend to know one another.
Bedford-Stuyvesant (East) is a historically rich Brooklyn neighborhood with deep roots in Black culture and community. It's become increasingly attractive to young families drawn to its tree-lined blocks, brownstones, and neighborhood feel. The area has a family density score of 84/100 — one of the highest in the city.
The Gates Avenue location is walkable and neighborhood-oriented. Families report that the area feels safe and community-oriented, with local shops and cafes within reach.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Positive overall - 4.8/5 rating across 25 reviews. Parents praise the welcoming community, caring teachers, strong arts program, academic rigor, and small class sizes. Multiple reviews mention the cooperative model and family involvement. One negative review regarding withdrawal process.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is CO-OP SCHOOL a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for CO-OP SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Bedford-Stuyvesant (East).
- What grades does CO-OP SCHOOL serve?
- CO-OP SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into CO-OP SCHOOL?
- CO-OP SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is CO-OP SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
- CO-OP SCHOOL is a private school.
- What neighborhood is CO-OP SCHOOL in?
- CO-OP SCHOOL is in Bedford-Stuyvesant (East), Brooklyn.
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