Thursday Co-op | West Village MN

Thursdays at West Village

Here you'll find a tight knit group of kids, supported by inspiring teacher mentors and intentional families.

Run by parent volunteers and dedicated leadership, we depend on committed involved families to keep the co-op thriving.
Our co-op is built on kindness and a passion for learning. We’re looking for families and children who are excited to engage fully with the learning experience and are committed to fostering a warm, supportive community.

Monthly field trips and family friendly activities strengthen the bonds we create.

Check out our classes below!

We offer a full day drop off co-op for kids ranging from 7-14 years old. Classes are 10am - 2:30, with a lunch/play break mid-day.

Once a month we gather as families for our child-led morning meeting and student showcase.

Want to join Thursdays? Join our waiting pool, then sign up for our field trips and let's get to know each other. We'd love to connect with you and your family.

Waiting Pool

Living History, Mr. Miles

Take a blast to the past with Jean Jacque the voyageur to learn of the fur trade and early explorers of the frontier. Have a taste of the meals they ate and try your hand at the games they played. Don't forget the native American Dakota people and their interactions with the Ojibwa Anishinaabe. Games and tales will inspire and delight. Complete with tools, artifacts and lots of stories, this class is sure to spark an interest in and appreciation for the French explorers/ fur trappers and Native tribes who make up our early American history.

US constitution, Mr. Reed

U.S. Constitution is a document of history as well as a guide for citizens and the government. This class will take students back in time to hear a story of rebellion, innovation, creativity, and morality. Students will learn the guiding principles of our country and how they were forged. Each class will focus on a different topic and activities to bring a hands-on learning style consisting of students taking on the role of Congressmen/Congresswomen, voters,
lawyers, Justices, Senator, and jurors. Prepare to learn and interact with the document that defines our nation!

Living STEM, Ms. Billie

Living STEM brings science and its partner disciplines to life. Hands-on challenges, lots of questions, inspiring and memorable stories that create context, are sure to engage students and make learning fun and accessible. This year, class will cultivate the child's interests and build on their unique value to promote a deeper STEM understanding. Beyond critical thinking, objectives include developing self-awareness, belief in self, decision making, problem solving, effective communication and a positive growth mindset. Additional objectives include developing a passion for innovation and exploratory learning through the scientific method and observation.

Forged & Tempered MIX,
Mr. Joe

Forged & Tempered LLC Mix class is a collection of small units of study. Each topic blends several different disciplines to include: recreational fitness, competency with tools, world studies/history, and science. Experiential in nature, this class is all about learning by way of doing and trying to have a crazy amount of fun while doing it. With each unit only lasting a few weeks, there really isn't any time for class to feel stagnant. Come get in the Mix, and let's get moving and learning!

Unit 1: Way of the Sword

Unit 2: Legends of the Hidden Temple

Unit 3: Making an Impression

Unit 4: Ancient Games

Unit 5: Handy Kids

Unit 6: Schoolyard Games from Around the World

Unit 7: Archery

Unit 8: Soccer

Unit 9: Geocaching

Art History, Ms. Jenni

From cave painting to Banksy we will explore the exciting tales from history. Tales of duels between rival artists, monks living under the threat of viking raids, the greatest art heists in history and world famous artists who hide their identity will bring the exciting history of art to life. We will learn famous tales from history behind some of the great creators, learn where it was happening and do hands-on activities to try different techniques for ourselves.

Outdoor Adventure & Camping, Mr. Ben

If your child LOVES adventure and wants to be outside, you'll want to connect with Ben. This past year, he taught students the basics for planning and carrying out their own outdoor adventures throughout their life.

This year Ben will return in a different capacity.

He will be hosting 3 overnights locally at Baker Park (Fall, Winter, Spring) that local families may opt into. He will also be doing small-group trips further out, state parks, boundary waters, etc. that families can express interest in after attending a local overnight.

During these camping trips, organic learning opportunities will emerge and Ben will be there to connect with and offer insights. He may facilitate some activities and challenges as well for the students/families to get their feet wet in the world of outdoor adventures and camping.

Village Trips

Our monthly field trips are the perfect way to combine education and fun with family and friends. With each new trip, we aim to inspire our members to reach to new heights, while creating unforgettable memories. Learning in new environments with friends can spark amazing ideas!