This article is sponsored by Stevens Cooperative School.
The experience children have in their first classrooms can set the stage for all of their future educational experiences. Classrooms that encourage creativity, exploration, and critical thinking from a young age help students reach their full potential. Stevens Cooperative School is an independent progressive school that has a Hoboken campus with three buildings located at 339 River Street, 301 Garden Street, and 301 Bloomfield Street, + a Jersey City campus located at 100 River Drive, South. This school sets the foundation for students to be ethical, articulate, and broad-minded citizens and is celebrating 75 years in Hudson County in May 2024. Keep reading to learn more about this independent school in Hudson County and upcoming information sessions this fall.
75th Anniversary + Upcoming Information Sessions
Mary S. Baker started an informal playgroup in November 1946 for 17 faculty children at Stevens Institute of Technology. The school was incorporated with a cooperative model three years later. Stevens Cooperative School has grown over the years but the dedication to family involvement and the belief that students learn best in an empowering environment has not changed over the past seven decades.
Stevens Cooperative School will be celebrating its 75th anniversary (yes, you read that right — 75 years!) in May 2024 and the Stevens community is excited to carry on the school’s many traditions. From the International Festival to the Faculty vs. Students Basketball Game, the school is proud of its longstanding history in the community and plans to continue fostering curiosity, compassion, and confidence in its students for another 75 more years.
^ Stevens Cooperative School circa 1946
Families who want to get involved or learn more about the school can attend one of the upcoming fall information sessions. These info-session events will give families a chance to meet the incredible faculty, staff, and parents and see the classrooms in action. This is a good opportunity for prospective families to learn about the school’s innovative approach to education. Families can also get a better understanding of the admissions process and learn about financial aid options.
Info sessions will take place on Tuesday, November 14th at 9:30AM, and Tuesday, January 16th at 9:30AM at 301 Garden Street in Hoboken for PreK 3-7th Grade. Info sessions will also take place on Wednesday, December 6th at 9:30AM, and Tuesday, January 30th at 9:30AM at 100 River Drive, South in Jersey City for Kindergarten through 7th Grade.
The Early Childhood Literacy — The Science of Reading virtual lunch and learn event will be held on Thursday, November 9th at 12:00PM, and the Lunch and Learn — Affording Private School virtual event will be held on Tuesday, December 12th at 12:00PM so busy families can learn more about Stevens during their lunch breaks.
What Makes Stevens Cooperative School Unique
Stevens sets itself apart by creating an environment where students can really be themselves. Carefully curated classrooms allow students to explore their unique interests and work with a variety of materials every day. The dedicated teachers follow a meaningful curriculum and assessment model that is adapted to the individual needs of each student.
Social-emotional development is also prioritized and empathy and responsibility are modeled in the early childhood classrooms. Stevens also ensures the safety of all students by training and equipping faculty to respond to any challenging situation.
The school is currently led by a 12-person Senior Administration team including Sergio Alati, Ed.D. — who has been the Head for a decade — and more than 80 experienced adults who deliver the dynamic curriculum.
The school is deeply rooted in the community and the curriculum includes visits to local transportation systems, neighborhood walks, and a project called the Lenape Museum where students honor the indigenous inhabitants of Hoboken and Jersey City who were displaced in the 1800s.
Young learners can also participate in more than 50 after-school enrichment programs. In-school activities like the Reading Buddies program also help younger students learn from older students and build confidence and new friendships.
The Early Education Experience at Stevens Cooperative School
Stevens Cooperative School is the oldest cooperative school in the state and was founded by parents who approached education together. Families choose a cooperative job and vote on Board members and bylaws. One of the biggest traditions at the local school is the ‘Helping Parent/Guardian Days’ where families get to share something special with their child’s class.
Families also get to actively participate in the school community and can engage on their own terms. Each cooperative job is important and shaped to meet the unique needs and talents of each family — whether it’s a Board member position or a movie night snack table helper.
The school follows the core values of community, progressive teaching and learning, diversity and equity, and continuous improvement to help each student become a lifelong learner and ethical, broad-minded citizen. For 75 years, Stevens has engaged students at every stage of their development. Athletics, trips, afterschool enrichment, and a high school guidance program are all part of the student experience.
About Stevens Cooperative School
Stevens Cooperative School is an accredited independent school that serves a diverse population of students from PreK 3 through 8th grade. It is a tight-knit community of 430 students, and 70% of the 2023 graduating class joined Stevens as Kindergarten students or younger.
Stevens is accredited by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools, the Middle States Association on Elementary and Secondary Schools, and the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY).
Students can start attending Stevens Cooperative School for PreK3 — the early childhood hub is located in Hoboken’s River Street building, which is close to Stevens Park and even has an outdoor rooftop playground.
Students stay at the River Street building through Kindergarten before moving to the 301 Garden Street building for 1st through 6th grades. This recently renovated building has a gymnasium and art and movement space. Then, 7th and 8th grade students attend the 301 Bloomfield Street building, which features two state-of-the-art classroms and instrumental music studios.
The 20,000 square foot 100 River Drive, South campus in Jersey City has classrooms for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. This campus has a private outdoor space with impressive New York City skyline views, science rooms, media rooms + a large gym.
Stevens Cooperative School has three buildings in Hoboken at 339 River Street, 301 Garden Street, and 301 Bloomfield Street, + one campus in Jersey City at 100 River Drive South.
You can email admissions@stevenscoop.org with questions or to register for a tour of the school.
