University Cooperative School Photo #0 - University Co-op - Where childhood is a journey!

University Cooperative School

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University Cooperative School Photo #1 - University Co-op - Where childhood is a journey!
University Cooperative School is a progressive, community-oriented Pre-K through 5th Grade school in Seattle`s North University District.
Since 1975, we have valued children and celebrated childhood that wonderfully rambunctious journey of a lifetime.
We offer a joyful education rooted in engaging, hands-on academics, creative arts, outdoor learning, and social-emotional growth.
Our program features a dynamic, multi-age learning environment, exceptional teachers, and passionate learners actively engaged in their community.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Yearly Tuition: $19,300
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Year Founded
1975

Student Body

Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
5%
State avg.: 28%

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Pre-K - $13,300, Kindergarten - $15,300, First-Fifth Grade - $19,300
% on Financial Aid
18%

Sports

Total Sports Offered
2 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
Art, Dance/Drama, Instrumental Music, Singing

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Biking

School Notes

  • Welcome to our unique and wonderful school. We are committed to preserving childhood and making each school day joyful and meaningful. Our days are filled with wonder, discovery, and laughter. At University Cooperative School, you will find children climbing trees, digging in the dirt, playing imaginative games, running in the grass, and so much more. You will also see children deeply engaged in their learning, working collaboratively as mathematicians, writers, scientists and artists, actively participating in class discussions and problem solving and creating a culture of kindness.
  • When you walk through our doors you will notice a great deal of respect and honoring of individuality from the teachers to the students, and among the students themselves. At University Cooperative School, social and emotional learning and the creative arts are given equal footing with academics.
  • Students graduate from our school with a strong sense of self, resilience, passion for learning, and compassion for others. We feel that these are the greatest gifts to have for the middle school years and beyond.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does University Cooperative School cost?
University Cooperative School's tuition is approximately $19,300 for private students.
What schools are University Cooperative School often compared to?
University Cooperative School is often viewed alongside schools like Kapka Cooperative School by visitors of our site.
What sports does University Cooperative School offer?
University Cooperative School offers 2 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing and Ultimate Frisbee.
When is the application deadline for University Cooperative School?
The application deadline for University Cooperative School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is University Cooperative School located?
University Cooperative School is located in the Northeast Seattle neighborhood of Seattle, WA. There are 13 other private schools located in Northeast Seattle.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (4 reviews)
5  
I am the father of a student who went to UCo-op starting in Kindergarten (there was no Pre-K at that time) and graduated after 5th grade. As a family we consider our time there to be an absolute joy from start to finish, a rich and deeply emotional experience that has lasting positive effects for everyone in our household. The community that is built and continues to evolve at the school is remarkable. We made life-long friends while we were there and our class still gets together regularly for meet-ups, camping adventures, and even does some international travel together. Co-op life is not for everyone, the time investment for parents is not insignificant, but if the family is engaged and shows up and puts in the time that is asked of the families who join, then it is a self-fulfilling engine which makes for a better environment for learning for the child, a more connected community and a significantly more clear view for parents of the child's day-to-day. But it does require that commitment from the family, and so I always encourage people coming into the community to think very carefully before engaging with a Co-op lifestyle. If you can't commit to that which is asked of each family in terms of time and support then perhaps Co-op life is not a great fit for your family. That self-fulfilling engine only runs if everyone is engaged together in the process. The teachers at UCo-op are among the most dedicated, thoughtful, engaged, and mindful people I have ever met. They care so deeply for the kids, the process of teaching and learning, and the community, it is inspiring to see and a joy to engage with. We see this again in how the community continues to show up and connect with the staff years after the family has left the school. I am certain that I will know and interact with the staff for the rest of my life. The school recently did an amazing re-envisioning of the lower floor of the school and it has set them up for continued evolution of the Co-op, with new and improved spaces for learning, play, admin, and more. I've had a tour and it's an incredible result. I truly wish that I had the opportunity to go through the UCo-op experience again with my kid, it has set him up with everything he needs for middle and high school and beyond and equipped him with a greater capacity to love, accept love, and thrive emotionally. If Co-op life is the right fit for your family then there is no better option in Seattle than University Cooperative School.
- Posted by
5  
My husband and I cannot recommend U Co-op enough. It's really a special place. At Co-op, individuality is genuinely celebrated rather than tamped down. Even after 10 years of our family being part of this school, my husband and I still find ourselves blown away by the teachers' and administrators' pure dedication to giving our children the most excellent education, childhood, and community. Our kids have felt academically supported and challenged AND have felt loved, heard, and respected!. Children seem to leave Co-op with a strong sense of self and they seem to thrive wherever they go. My husband has taught U Co-op grads in high school and has been impressed with their confidence and strong sense of self. Post Co-op my son attended a public middle school and now a public high school. It's been great to see how well-prepared he was for his subsequent schools thanks to the educational foundation provided by Co-op. They instilled in him a love of learning and a love of school in general. Our daughter will be graduating this spring. As she cried the other day about leaving Co-op, I comforted her and explained that her tears make sense because she knows what it's like to be loved unconditionally by an entire community from the children to the parents to the most loving, talented, and playful teachers. And she knows how to love them back. And now she gets to head off to middle school knowing: - What it's like to be respected, loved, and academically challenged. - How to respect others, how to love, how to be curious, how to ask for help from teachers, other parents, and classmates.- How to make mistakes and how to navigate tricky social situations because of the guidance from the teachers. And because of this school being a Co-op, our family is living with a shared community where we know the kids and the kids know us from our time assisting in the classroom, on epic trips, or simply playing games together. The Co-op will always be with her and always with us.
- Posted by
5  
There is something special about the cooperative model. Parents and staff together in the trenches to make school happen outdoors, in the midst of a pandemic, revealed a lot of what the u-coop spirit is about. U-coop kids didn't just survive this incredibly challenging time for kids globally - they thrived. Being new to the school, we have never known the "normal" times, but what we have experienced is exceptional. The kids are engaged in constant learning in a joyful, playful way. The students are known and seen, not just by the teachers and students, but by the extended community as well. Initially, I was concerned about the commitment of a work shift in the classroom and a parent job, but it hasn't been overwhelming. The supportive community means you give what you can, and are suited to your abilities. And by being involved in the community, I truly know my children's friends and peers - their interests and their personalities. My daughter will happily take another parent's hand and tell them about her day. My son will earnestly discuss Minecraft with his friend's parents. I love these children - and in turn, my children have a village of parents who genuinely care about them. We are a part of something special and the real evidence is watching the kids - these are happy children. It's what struck me when we toured, and a big reason why we chose this school. Do you want happy, joyful children that are excited about learning? Because that's what you get. I don't think we could have picked a better school for our children, in Seattle - or elsewhere.
- Posted by
5  
The University Cooperative School is a fabulous school where learning is nurtured in a hands on, integrated manner. You won't find kids sitting in rows filling out worksheets at this school. More likely you''ll find the kindergarten students engaged in creative writing and drawing (for instance about all the things a small piece of yarn could be), building with blocks, counting coins they have collected for a local pet store/animal shelter or skipping in front of the school when energy gets a little high. This is a place where children's learning, as well as their social/emotional development are both taken seriously. Teachers in the K-2 team work closely together, and also work with the 3-5 teachers to ensure continuity and a sense of community (for instance the kindergarten students have 3rd grade buddies who they look forward to doing fun activities with such as reading together and pancake breakfasts. Another great highlight of this school is the fantastic Spanish, Music and Art curriculum, my child skips home singing new songs (in English and in Spanish) and sharing her excitement about something she has created at school on a daily basis. The school uses Cowen Park for recess and many outdoor activities, but there's also a fantastic new "active space" and music room in the lower level of the school. Love this school!
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Yearly Tuition: $19,300
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Seattle, WA is $21,378 for elementary schools and $24,598 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Seattle, WA is 77% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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