We are a small play based, Montessori and Reggio inspired cooperative school, with programs for children ages two to seven years old. CPA is located on the Southwest side of Indianapolis, inside Friedens UCC. We utilize nature by expanding the classroom to the outdoors, and help our students' imaginations and creativity flourish.
Cooperative Play Academy Inc. is a non-sectarian cooperative incorporation. CPA is a member of Parent Cooperative Preschool International.
By learning through play, we are able to tackle science and math, music and art process, gross motor and fine motor skills, and more! Teachers lead developmentally appropriate activities with the support of parent volunteers.
We believe each child is unique and should be allowed to develop at his or her own pace. Our priority is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children are challenged and allowed to grow at their individual pace.
Children, Families and Teachers building a unique relationship and enhancing their educational experiences by using structured and unstructured play.
Our Chipmunk program is for children ages 18 months to 36 months old and their Big (Adult/ Caregiver). Each class, the lead teacher will host a variety of activities for the students and their Big, along with gym and outside time, painting and sensory activities. The Chipmunk program meets every Friday from 9:15am - 11:15am. Families will also have field trip opportunities each month. Families can enroll in a drop-in class anytime, or for an entire month.
Our Rabbit program is for children ages 2 to 3 years old. Morning classes run Tuesday through Friday, from 9:15am - 12:15pm. Extended classes run from 9:15am - 2:15pm. Families can enroll in one to four days a week, morning class, extended class or a combination of classes. Trained teachers plan developmentally appropriate activities for children and a participating adult, to grow and learn together through play. Every day, students will have access to gym time, steam and sensory activities, reading/ story time, and lots of outside time.
Our Fox program is for children ages 4 to 6 years old (must be 4 by Sept. 1st. All children must be potty trained). Classes are offered Tuesday through Thursday from 9am to 2pm, with a Forest Day on the last Monday of every month, from 9:30am - 12:30pm, at a local park. Families can enroll in one - three classroom days, along with the Forest Day. A lead teacher works closely with the students and a participating adult in structured and unstructured activities. Students will have the opportunity to participate in steam and sensory lessons, critical thinking, reading and writing, gym and outside time every class day.
Field trips and Special events are offered throughout the school year. This is a wonderful opportunity to expand our learning outside the classrooms and build friendships within the membership and the community. We participate in a variety of field trips, such as the apple orchard, the farm, the firehouse, ice skating and much more! Field trips and Special events are typically offered on a non school day (pending location hours of operation)
-Enrollment time is here! Schedule your tour today!
-Please contact us for more information about our programs and membership requirements.
Membership Requirements
-Adults/ Caregivers for the Chipmunk class are required to stay each class.
-Parent Participation, for the Rabbits program, is based on a rotating calendar (a minimum of once a month).
-Parent Participation, for the Foxes program, is based on a rotating calendar (a minimum of once a month in the classroom. Families will also participate once a year for Forest Days.).
-All participating parents must have a s a background check.
-New Cooperative families will be required to take a Classroom Participating Training course offered during a class day or evening session, in the fall.
-Members may hold an Advisory Board position or Committee position , and help serve on a Special Event Committee and Fundraising Event Committee.
Cooperative Play Academy Inc.'s staff members love to play! We continue to educate ourselves in all forms of play by attending trainings and conferences. All staff members are CPR and First Aid trained.
Ms. Nicole is the founder of Cooperative Play Academy Inc. She has 3 beautiful children, and two spoiled dogs. She has been with Cooperative Schools since 2010. Ms. Nicole loves to explore and play! And she can't wait for the adventures she will have with her students.
Ms. Emma is our co- teacher for the Rabbits class. She loves to investigate and create. Ms. Emma is very excited to see what her students will discover in her classroom. She joined Cooperative Schools in 2022. She is married and has 2 beautiful children.
We are excited to have Mrs. Maranda joining us as our Rabbits Co- teacher. Mrs. Maranda joined CPA in 2023. She is married with a son. Mrs. Maranda is looking forward to learning from the incredible kiddos this school year!
Mrs. Shaina is thrilled to be adding her preschool teacher hat to her collection! She is married with a beautiful daughter. Shaina is looking forward to providing a space for students and their parents to curate closer bonds and empower their joy and curiosity for learning.
Join us on Saturday, April 26th from 10am - 8pm, for a day of fun for the whole family! We paired with uPaint Pottery Studio (in Greenwood), for a fun painting adventure. We will also have a bake table and silent auction at the event!
At check-out, tell the uPaint staff member that you are painting for Cooperative Play Academy and 20% of you purchase will be donated to CPA. Bake sale items and the silent auction are sold separately. Too busy that day to stay? No problem... stop by and purchase pottery to-go and 20% of your purchase will still be donated!
You do not have to be present to win silent auction items. Silent auction items will need to be claimed within 24hours of sale. All funds raised will go back into CPA programs to enhance our indoor and outdoor classroom spaces, expand our field trip opportunities and more. Questions, please contact our Director at cooperativeplayacademy@gmail.com
Who has spring fever? We are so excited to announce our Spring Fundraiser with Rise 'n Roll! And guess what! They have more than just donuts! They also offer delicious cookies and pies. Interested in flipping through their catalog? Email us to get a copy. All orders and money will be due on March 31st. Orders will be baked and delivered to CPA the week of Easter! Perfect timing for those family gatherings. Contact our Director to place your order at cooperativeplayacademy@gmail.com
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8300 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46217, United States