Question 1

What are your values?

Accepted Answer

Community: We build a strong, supportive network of families and educators.

Quality Mentorship: We value enthusiastic teachers who prioritize hands-on learning, asking questions, and contextual storytelling- all of which make learning memorable and relevant.

Kindness: We create a welcoming environment where respect, tolerance and compassion are emphasized.

Support: We support parents, students, and educators: Parents, by offering a quality drop off opportunity and organizing family field trips. Students, by fostering a friendly educational environment. Educators, by providing a meeting place and community to offer their classes to.

Question 2

Are you a religious co-op?

Accepted Answer

No. Both religious and non-religious families are welcome and will be present.

Question 3

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are located in Maple Plain. Specific details are given to families who register.

Question 4

What's the difference between Wednesday and Thursday?

Accepted Answer

Wednesdays are a semester commitment and families are able to select which classes they would like to enroll in, from 1 class to 5 classes!  Thursdays are a year long, full day commitment and students stay with their similar age cohort throughout the day. Both days participants are invited to field trips and parent education events. You're not limited to one day, although Thursdays have a waiting pool and when space allows, families from the waiting pool are invited to visit Thursday co-op for a day.

Question 5

When are classes?

Accepted Answer

Wednesday classes run September- April and are a semester commitment. Classes run between 9-2:30
Thursday classes run September- May and are a full year commitment. Classes run between 10-2:30

Question 6

How are classes divided?

Accepted Answer

Most of our classes are divided by age groups. These divisions allow teachers more flexibility in how they cater their content.  Some classes work well with mixed ages and provide opportunities for leadership as well as accelerated cognitive and social development.  
Regardless of age, students are expected to be kind, respectful and active class participants.

Question 7

Are you equipped to accommodate my child with special needs?

Accepted Answer

It depends. If a child needs accommodations due to physical limitations (wheel-chair use, hearing/seeing difficulties, etc., we do our best to work with families to help each child participate and feel successful.  Children who contribute positively to the learning environment are welcome, regardless of needs. Name calling, aggression, chronic interruption or similar behaviors aren’t acceptable and will be promptly addressed.  Please email with specific questions and be transparent during registration.

Question 8

Do you accommodate food allergies/preferences?

Accepted Answer

Teachers have been asked to avoid gluten, food dye and high-sugar treats if they bring food into their classrooms, or to provide a comparable alternative for kids. If other restrictions are important to families (nuts, dairy, meat etc.) we can relay that info to teachers as well. Families must include details on enrollment form if accommodations are needed. Many of our families are particularly intentional about healthy foods/lifestyle choices and we seek to be a space that feels inclusive for these families. We request that participating families keep this in mind during co-op sponsored events as well.

Question 9

What safety measures exist?

Accepted Answer

Students are dropped off by parents and checked in by parent volunteers or a member of the leadership team. Volunteer parents will be present to help with basic first aid, additional needs and minimal hall monitoring.  Students will be allowed age-appropriate independence in the building. Students who are at risk of wandering must have a parent on site during classes. (Parent are welcome to stay, regardless). The main door to the chapel and their offices are unlocked during their office hours. Teachers will be present with kids for classes and activities held outside. Occasionally kids will play outside before and after classes, and during lunch. There is a basketball hoop in the parking lot as well. All parents must come in the building to check out their children when their class is over. Parents/families must decide if they are comfortable with the inherent risks of this drop off program.

Question 10

Do you use screens/media during the day?

Accepted Answer

Families are required to agree to a "no cell phones" student policy during co-op. Teachers and leadership may use various devices to take pictures or fulfill responsibilities. Screens are minimally used in the classroom, and only used when digital materials significantly enhance the learning experience of the students. If a class is offered that requires screens/media, we will include those details in the description.

Question 11

Do I need to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

This is a drop off co-op, however, most families are expected to volunteer periodically throughout the semester in a classroom/ set up/clean up setting, usually twice during a semester. Parents can find a substitute volunteer OR pay $100 for each assigned volunteer day they miss.  Wednesday families who sign up for 1 or 2 classes only are not required to volunteer.
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Participating families are invited to participate in additional volunteer opportunities as needs arise. Tax deductible donations are welcome and 100% of donations will serve the students through supplemental materials, opportunities or scholarships.

Question 12

Is this a drop off program?

Accepted Answer

Most families drop off their children. Weekly, multiple families will stay on site to volunteer. Families are welcome to stay on site with younger siblings as space allows. There is a lovely outside space, as well as a small nursery inside.

Caregivers can drop off children at the front door, reminding them to check in upon arrival/entering. Caregivers must enter the building to check out children when they are done for the day.

Question 13

Do you prioritize medical freedom?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 14

How do you address disruptive behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Behavior/Intervention Policy (per offense):
 • 1- Teacher and/or leadership will respectfully address the child directly
 • 2- Alert the parent of the issue
 • 3- Parent must attend class with child, or child must skip a week of classes
 • 4- Discussion of withdrawal or action plan takes place.

Question 15

What are the class sizes like?

Accepted Answer

Class sizes range from 5-14, with Wednesday classes holding 5-10 most often. Occasionally Wednesday classes will have a couple more, with teacher permission. When there are 2 teachers, the class could have as many as 16.  Thursday classes typically range between 8-13 students.

Question 16

Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

West Village maintains a small scholarship fund to help subsidize costs for families experiencing financial hardship. Scholarships are awarded to families who are (or will be) actively investing in our community — through time, service, or other meaningful contributions.

We believe in the principle of energetic exchange: every family has something valuable to offer, whether it’s volunteering additional co-op days, assisting with special events, helping behind the scenes, or sharing unique skills and talents.

Scholarship recipients are asked to contribute back to the community in a way that feels balanced and authentic, ensuring that support flows both ways and the spirit of West Village remains strong.

Our Mission.