About usIn 2021, the families who attended The Cottage School were devastated to learn that the school (TCS) was closing its doors after more than 20 years. Instead of seeing the Community disappear, the prior Director and Founder of The Cottage School graciously handed over the space, the curriculum and the teachers to a group of parents who wanted to continue the program. Jason Rodker and Jennifer Fleischer, a set of those original parents, continue to run the TCS Co-op. They see themselves as guardians of this unique program and hope to shepherd it into the future.The TCS Co-op follows The Cottage School’s curriculum, which was developed by Laura Soulages (currently an advisor and classroom teacher at TCS Co-op) during her over 30 years of experience in education. |
Using the NJ Core curriculum content standards as its foundation, the curriculum exceeds expectations in many levels. Having the cooperative and non-competitive environment at its core, the multi-aged small classrooms provide children with developmentally appropriate activities to teach without traditional tests, grades, or textbooks. This flexible dynamic provided by well trained teachers focuses on the talents and speed of each child, prioritizing the learning process and fostering a spirit of discovery. |
This process of learning allows children to process large quantities of interrelated information and interpret, solve, and construct conclusions on their own. The emphasis on diversity, free play, and arts in all different forms (painting, dance, theater, multicultural literature, and music) as well as an appreciation for the natural world, makes TCS Co-Op a place where each child can develop their full and unique potential. Ultimately, our graduates will be comfortable with who they are and will have self-awareness to guide them in making their own contributions to the world. |