Kapka Cooperative Primary School

We love KapKa school! Our daughter has been attending for the past 2 years, and we plan to also send our son there when he gets old enough. We are so glad that the school has expanded to include 3-5, it means that we can continue with this progressive, cooperative education all the way through 5th grade. The teachers are fabulous! There is incredible energy with new team members joining, and both progressive academics and social-emotional development are focused on in the classroom and school-wide community. We've been so pleased with our daughter's academic development and her self-confidence in expressing her feelings. Our daughter's love of learning is supported and she can't wait to go to school every day. The students benefit from small class sizes and every child feels truly recognized and known by the teachers. We love the cooperative community aspect of the school too. Our daughter feels safe and nurtured there, and we love that we can be friends with our school community. There is time commitment as with any cooperative, and even though both my husband and I work outside the home, we've been able to make it work. It's actually easier than we anticipated!
—Submitted by a parent

Kapka was one of the best decisions we have made for our family. Our daughter is in her second year at Kapka and absolutely loves school and loves learning. We chose Kapka because we thought it would be the best place for her social-emotional development. After three years of holding on to her teachers leg in preschool and only rarely interacting with other children, we were concerned she could easily get lost in a big school. Kapka turned out to be a great decision- within her first week at Kapka she was comfortable and making friends, and by first grade she owns the place! The learning environment at Kapka is fun and stimulating with amazing teachers and our daughter is excited to learn everyday. I will say that as a family with two working parents and a younger child we were really apprehensive about starting a co-op initially- we nearly backed out a month before her kindergarten year. But once we got started it has been quite manageable for us. In the end we get so much more from this community than what we put in.
—Submitted by a parent

The new location is fabulous, the teachers are devoted, energetic, and oh-so-talented, and the focus on social/emotional growth as well as academic growth is a true gift. I couldn't ask for a better school for my daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is not for every one. Kapka has so many positive intentions and some very committed teachers and parents but it falls short in its delivery at times. When push comes to shove, it seems to unravel in great uncertainty. Two teachers are leaving and the search is on for a new space and new faculty. They are adding a 3-5 program which is great but seems to be the focus of a lot of the schools energy. They really mean well and do care for the children at the school. It swings back and forth between great highs and great lows. It is a wonderful alternative to public school as it costs less than most private schools in town but that is because it is a coop, demanding a lot of time from the parents.

KapKa is the best place for our daughter. Their focus is on developing a strong social-emotional foundation in the young child and I have never seen it done better. The children are taught to care for each other with no exceptions, which creates a loving, inclusive community. My child loves going to school and loves learning, which is such a gift!
—Submitted by a parent

As a high school math teacher, I have been incredibly impressed with KapKa's ability to give my daughters a conceptual foundation in the core academic subjects. Children learn through hands-on, authentic activities which go beyond rote skills. At the same time, children are learning how to work together and be part of a community in an environment where they are supported by adults. You couldn't find a better start!
—Submitted by a parent

Our K son is watching salmon and chicken eggs hatch, visiting Aikido and gymanstic studios for enrichment, cooking healthy snacks in the kitchen (with parents guidance) and gearing up for after-school Spanish, as well as learning foundational academics like how to read, have fun with numbers, and explore the great outdoors. This is not a cookie-cutter approach to learning. There is a deep caring and commitment at KapKa for his well being that feeds his body, mind and soul. We are deeply grateful that KapKa exists and that we found it.
—Submitted by a parent

It is hard to imagine a better school for our daughter. Her kindergarten teacher is so insightful and has provided us with wonderful guidance. If you are looking for a small, child-centered, creative school that encouages community, outdoor play, and leadership learning check out KapKa!
—Submitted by a parent

After moving our son in the beginning of his kindergarten year to Kapka we couldn't be more impressed with what Kapka has offered our son , and our family. Kapka offers a host of traditions that not only influence our thoughts in a positive way, but engage our spirits as well. Small classroom sizes, a compassionate and emotionally balanced atmosphere, a true community feel at the school, and afterall Kapka is in a a red house that has become our second home. Our son continues to thrive at Kapka and each year brings a challenge as well as enthusiasm academically. We are sad this is our last year but are grateful for our experiences at Kapka. Cons -no 3-5, but it's in planning. Pros- It is a co-operative when engages the whole family, this does require work but well worth the effort.
—Submitted by a parent

After moving our son in the beginning of his kindergarten year to Kapka we couldn't be more impressed with what Kapka has offered our son , and our family. Kapka offers a host of traditions that not only influence our thoughts in a positive way, but engage our spirits as well. Small classroom sizes, a compassionate and emotionally balanced atmosphere, a true community feel at the school, and afterall Kapka is in a a red house that has become our second home. Our son continues to thrive at Kapka and each year brings a challenge as well as enthusiasm academically. We are sad this is our last year but are grateful for our experiences at Kapka. Cons -no 3-5, but it's in planning. Pros- It is a co-operative when engages the whole family, this does require work but well worth the effort
—Submitted by a parent

Pros- Overall we have been quite happy with our experience at KapKa. The biggest pro is the teachers skill at channeling our son's energy and enthusiasm. We sent him to KapKa because we wanted him to start off his school experience with a true love of learning, and we are really seeing that happen. Another great thing about KapKa is that the children get to participate in so many amazing projects and field trips. From raising salmon from eggs to cooking Thanksgiving for the needy, it's really amazing to see what 5,6,7, and 8 year olds are capable of. Cons- While we do love this school, we have found that being part of a cooperative is a lot of work. It's a great opportunity to be a part of our son's education, but at times it does feel burdensome. Overall a great school with a forward-thinking approach to education. 5 stars.
—Submitted by a parent

We worried about sending our little man to school. Hoenschooling was a failure for us based on time but we wanted a more whole approach to education than we found in public. Kakpa acheives this and he is bummed that summer is here We hear 'I want to go back to school...' everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

KapKa has been a wonderful experience for our daughter. She has become self-assured and is an attentive learner who frequently brings home topics to discuss at dinner. She thrives on all the activities that the school offers. We love the fact that there is a focus on being outdoors and understanding the natural world.
—Submitted by a parent

An engaging place for students & families learn and grow together.
—Submitted by a parent

Kapka offers a wonderful parent community, emergent curriculum, a new administrator and a cohesive team of 3 teachers. My 8 year old is a confident learner and a whole person who has developed some great social skills and much confidence in his academic abilities. If you are looking for a traditional classroom with worksheets, you'll find a little of that, but much of the work that happens is embedded in projects that the teachers and kids identify together. A recent owl project led to questions about flight (and a trip to the flight museum), research into Northwest owl species and lots of owl art. Music and art are integral as are community outreach (Thanksgiving meals to shut-ins and visits to a local reitrement home). What more could you ask for? I am certain my child will look back at this experience as one of his most formative and positive.
—Submitted by a parent