About Us
Sharing in the laughter, chaos, triumphs, and worries of this all-consuming phase of parenthood is our absolute privilege. Because, let's face it, this was never meant to be done without a village.
At the Ridgewood Co-Op, extraordinary learning and an extraordinary sense of belonging aren't separate things. They are equally important facets of a great program. Preschool is about how your child grows, how your family connects, and how everyone feels when they walk through the door. We're not a typical preschool. We're a cooperative, and more importantly, a community where teachers, children, and families don't just coexist; we work together for your child.
Loved and trusted for over 50 years, we've built a standard of excellence that continues to evolve to meet modern families where they are, without ever sacrificing the community-driven values at the heart of the cooperative model. Our teachers are dedicated, and our approach is grounded in decades of early childhood experience and a deep belief in the power of play-based learning, one of the most well-researched and effective ways young children grow, discover, and thrive. Most important is our priority that every child leaves us with a love for school and the confidence in their independence outside your home that will serve them in kindergarten and beyond. And parents leave us with new friends and cherished memories that last a lifetime.
From baby sensory and music classes to our beloved preschool program, we welcome children from 3 months through age 6. Our classes are intentionally small, so no child is ever just a face in the crowd. Our teachers meet each child exactly where they are, nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of learning that lasts long after they leave us.
And you are a part of this too. We welcome parents into the classroom at their convenience, and offer family friendly events at least once a month outside of school, because the community doesn't stop at the classroom door.
Ready to see it for yourself? Book a tour and find out if becoming part of our village is the right fit for you.
Convenient Location
Nestled in the heart of downtown Ridgewood, NJ with private parking, steps away from local bus stops and trains, the co-op provides convenience and accessibility.
Our families support in the classroom, serve on our school Board, volunteer at school events, etc.. Calendars book up fast with regularly scheduled family events such as Family Fun Night, Trunk or Treat, Dad's Night, etc.
Engaged
Families
Lifelong
Friendships
The more our families participate, the more they gain — in connection, support, and lifelong friendships. And that goes for our teachers too, who are an incredibly tight knit team both inside and outside the classroom.
Dedicated
Staff
Our staff set the tone for your child’s first school experience and they take that privilege seriously. Co-opers graduate with the core skills needed for success in Kindergarten and beyond --a strong sense of independence, confidence in making friends and an absolute love of learning.
Strategic
Partnerships
From field trips to local train and police stations, assemblies with local dentists, swim schools and wildlife reserves, free occupational and speech therapy screenings, and more; our partnerships with local businesses open doors to our families while supporting our local community.
Digital
Forward
Our app provides direct access to our staff and other parents right at your fingertips and ensures secure check in and out of students at drop off and dismissal. See photo and video updates daily on our private Facebook channel and follow us on Instagram where parents share parenting tips and laughs.
We strongly believe teamwork
makes the dream work.
For our teachers and staff, the Co-Op isn't just a place they work. It's a place where many of them dropped their own children off for their first school years. As a result, many liken the teaching community to more of a family than just a school. It feels like dropping off your children with a grandparent or close family friend who you know delights in your children as much as you do. Not to mention, our staff is highly trained, talented, and dedicated. Their enthusiastic, supportive approach speaks for itself when you see those same morals mirrored back in the children's early aptitude for teamwork, kindness and a strong sense of community.
Our parents know best ...
Our community is special, like a preschool newcomers club, where families share in the joys and challenges of these early years together, making friendships that often last well beyond the preschool years. But don't take our word for it, here's what our families have to say!
When we hear "co-op,"
we think community.
Once you join the co-op your calendar will be as full as you want it to be with opportunities to meet local, likeminded families. Whether you're looking for a date night, weekend family gathering or ways to give back to those in need, our board of parents is always planning memorable events.
Participate as often or as little as you like. You craft your own experience at the co-op.