About Us
What is Cooperative Play Academy Inc?
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.
"Play is the highest form of Research" Albert Einstein
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.
Our Mission
Children, Families and Teachers building a unique relationship and enhancing their educational experiences by using structured and unstructured play.
Cooperative Play Academy's Programs
CHIPMUNKS PROGRAM
CHIPMUNKS PROGRAM
CHIPMUNKS PROGRAM
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.
RABBITS PROGRAM
CHIPMUNKS PROGRAM
CHIPMUNKS PROGRAM
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.
FOXES PROGRAM
Field trips and Special Events!
Field trips and Special Events!
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!
Field trips and Special Events!
Field trips and Special Events!
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)
Meet the Team
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.
Director and Teacher
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.
Rabbits Co- Teacher
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.
Rabbits Co- Teacher
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!
Chipmunks Teacher
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.
Fundraising
CPA Yard Sale!
CPA Yard Sale!
CPA Yard Sale!
You asked, so we are here to help host! CPA will be hosting a yard sale on Saturday, June 21st from 9am to 3pm at CPA! Perfect timing for those doing some spring cleaning :)
If you are cleaning out items from your home and want to donate to CPA for our upcoming yard sale, please contact us at cooperativeplayacademy@gmail.com . We are now collecting the following:
Kids clothing and shoes, toys, kitchen items, furniture, books, jewelry, yard items and more. Please no adult clothing and shoes
Thank you!
CPA Yard Sale!
CPA Yard Sale!
A big thank you to our 2025 Sponsors💙