South Mountain Co-op Opinions

I'm looking for feedback on the South Mountain co-op. I'm also curious as to the tuition cost. Thank you.

Last I checked tuition was based on a sliding scale. My son attended last year and loved it. He is attending this year also but they have moved and are no longer in Maplewood (I don't know the new address off the top of my head) so that is something to consider. For us we already had a year to experience it and felt the drive was worth it to continue this year.

It is a democratic school so the students do have the freedom to participate or not, but you'd be surprised at what kids choose to participate in when not pressured to do so. A few classes cost extra due to expenses, but IIRC it wasn't a huge amount, just to cover the extra costs. Those classes were the dissection class and music class.

One important things we noticed with our son is the difference in him by the end of the year in being better able to speak up and advocate for himself. As with any school there will be conflicts between students, but at SMC if there is a conflict a student can ask for a mediation overseen by a teacher or a volunteer rather than a teacher just stepping in and handling everything for the student. This helps the students to feel more empowered and in control and to learn from conflict. Emotional growth was a big part of why we choose SMC for our son and also why we are sending him again this year.

My apologies if this is rambling or doesn't answer your question directly, I'm writing this on my phone and it is difficult to proof read.

What town did they move to? The website still says Maplewood, or did when I looked it up yesterday for a friend who was asking me about the place.

I also didn't realize that they had moved. That would impact my decision. It sounds like the perfect type of school for my son but it depends if we can afford the tuition. Even if they do a sliding scale, I'm sure it doesn't account for the amount that I have to pay in property taxes here. That's a large chunk of income.

If you have any questions about the tuition contact them. I'm not being snarky, I completely understand the feeling of "If I have to ask I probably can't afford it" but they are very nice and easy going and believe me they won't make you feel embarrassed at all about inquiring and you won't be pressured into signing up or hounded with recruitment attempts

I recently spoke with someone else who also thought it would be a great fit for his child but he wouldn't even look into it because he had convinced himself it would be unaffordable without even knowing that the tuition would be. That isn't to say that you will be able to fit it into your budget no matter what, but you won't know that for certain without asking.

The new location is: 99 S. Fullerton Ave, Montclair in the historic Red Gables House at Bnai Keshet.

That's a shame. I don't think I can fit that commute into my schedule :-(

I'm sorry to hear that. It is only six miles away, but I do know it isn't a quick drop off like Maplewood was, my midwife was only a few blocks from the new location.

For anyone who is interested there will be an open house August 23rd and 24th to both show off the new location and to also explain how democratic education works. I hope the link works, times and other information are in there.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1197765200240780/

carpooling available?

Since the new site is more than 2 miles away, would these students be eligible for the $884 payment in lieu of transportation, (as described in another thread) ?

SuzanneNg said:
Since the new site is more than 2 miles away, would these students be eligible for the $884 payment in lieu of transportation, (as described in another thread) ?

I don't see why not.

This Open House date listed above is incorrect. Here's the correct information, in case anyone is interested.

Sunday, August 23, from 1:00pm-2:30pm
Location: 99 S. Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ, We are the first building you come to in the parking lot of the Bnai Keshet Synagogue.

Please join us to learn more about our democratic free school in Montclair, NJ! South Mountain Co-op is the only free school in North Jersey. South Mountain Co-op's approach to education is individualized and curiosity-driven; students are free to explore the world around them at their own pace and according to their own interests, with the support of the adult staff and school community at large.

School governance is collaborative and participatory; each member of the community, regardless of age or role, has an equal say in the Consensus decision-making process and running of the school.

We are dedicated to creating and maintaining an environment of trust and respect; we support students on their learning paths by fostering strong connections to fellow South Mountain Co-op members, to families, and to the surrounding community.

For more information you may call or email us at: 973-580-2212 or info@southmountaincoop.org

https://www.facebook.com/events/253858771441170/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular South Mountain Co-op's Fa cebook page - www.facebook.com/SouthMountainCoOp
www.southmountaincoop.org

The Red Gables House is gorgeous. What a terrific setting!

But that makes two co-ops in Montclair and none here, yes? A shame we've lost that option for people who prefer it.