Brooklyn is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with direct donations helping to support programming and accessibility initiatives. Your tax deductible donation is greatly appreciated. A cooperative preschool is a parent-run preschool, in which the school's member-families offer classroom support, in addition to taking on a family job that contributes toward the school's day-to-day operations.
Teacher Merry has been leading classes at Brooklyn Preschool for over 15 years! She was even a family -teacher in our Brooklyn classroomswhen her two daughters were in preschool. As a child, she attended a cooperative preschool in North Portland. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the summer and school year as space allows.
Teacher Merry has been leading classes at Brooklyn Preschool for over 15 years! She was even a family -teacher in our Brooklyn classroomswhen her two daughters were in preschool. As a child, she attended a cooperative preschool in North Portland. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the summer and school year as space allows.
Services
At Brooklyn Preschool, we offer a supportive, play-based environment where children can explore the world around them in their own way. Open-ended activities allow students to engage with other children and make choices about their work and play. Our focus on problem-solving skills helps children become self-directed in their activities and supports preventative discipline.
Teacher Merry has been leading classes at Brooklyn Preschool for over 15 years! She was even a family -teacher in our Brooklyn classroomswhen her two daughters were in preschool. As a child, she attended a cooperative preschool in North Portland. Before becoming our teacher, Merry worked as our nursery provider for 2 years.
Brooklyn Preschool's nursery program benefits our members with babies and toddlers. Siblings of Brooklyn students who are not yet age-eligible for preschool can go to our on-site nursery during their family's parent-teaching shifts. Our CPR and first-aid-certified nursery provider of 5 years has been a member of our community since her own children attended Brooklyn.
Our annual Open House typically occurs the first Saturday in February from 9:30 and 11:30am. Visitors are free to come and go at their convenience. Kids can explore activities and play in our indoor and outdoor spaces while parents meet our teachers and visit with current families. This is a great opportunity to get first-hand answers to all your questions about the world of preschool and joining the co-op community!
A co-op is a member-run organization. A cooperative preschool has both requirements and benefits that aren't always found in a traditional preschool environment. Becoming a member of a cooperative preschool requires a commitment of time and energy to the school, in addition to paying monthly tuition.
Reviews (19)
Bekah S.
Dec 15, 2021
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My daughter is in the Lions class (3-4s) which meets twice a week. Most days, she wakes up and says " Is today a preschool day?!" and is very disappointed when it's not. She has recently been asking me , " Mommy, can I go to preschool more days when I turn 4? I really hope so." Needless to say, we love Brooklyn. Both Teacher Merry and Teacher Nicole are kind, curious, and patient with the children and have a true passion for early childhood development. And, despite a trying year due to COVID, our community has pulled together in recognition of our common goal of pouring
Sarah D.
Jan 17, 2020
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I can't say enough wonderful things about this preschool and community. We are in our second year here and continue to be impressed both by the teachers as well as the amazing amount of good things which come from a community working together.
Our son has loved it here from the moment he visited, and he continues to wish every day is a school day. This is in large part due to his fantastic and caring teacher Merry. She brings such thoughtfulness and expertise into the classroom. The children all really love her. I have also definitely learned a great deal from her which has greatly influenced
Our son has loved it here from the moment he visited, and he continues to wish every day is a school day. This is in large part due to his fantastic and caring teacher Merry. She brings such thoughtfulness and expertise into the classroom. The children all really love her. I have also definitely learned a great deal from her which has greatly influenced
Adam W.
Jan 16, 2020
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Two of my daughters have gone to Brooklyn, one of whom started going in the first year of the program for 2-year olds, and so she is able to spend three years at the preschool. It's been great for both of them!
Friendships are made, kids grow alongside one another, and parents work together, both inside and outside of the classroom, to help the school run on a day-to-day basis.
The teachers are both amazing and the preschool facilities are clean, large (with a large fenced outdoor play area) and always full of interesting and fun things to do and learn about.
Friendships are made, kids grow alongside one another, and parents work together, both inside and outside of the classroom, to help the school run on a day-to-day basis.
The teachers are both amazing and the preschool facilities are clean, large (with a large fenced outdoor play area) and always full of interesting and fun things to do and learn about.
Alexis Lessard
Jul 22, 2018
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Update: Just wanted to update our review as we’re at our 3rd year at Brooklyn. We truly have found the community magical and the opportunity to be involved in our children’s preschool experience irreplaceable. I am only sad that our time is ending! The school has an amazing group of dedicated parents and caretakers and a wonderful teacher in Merry. I have loved getting to see and know these sweet preschoolers over the years and will always hold Brooklyn in my heart!
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We've been with Brooklyn for 4 months now and I am truly grateful that we found it! The entire experience
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We've been with Brooklyn for 4 months now and I am truly grateful that we found it! The entire experience
Megan C.
Jan 24, 2018
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Brooklyn Cooperative Preschool is amazing! Before my son entered this preschool, my husband and I were a little apprehensive and weren't sure if he was ready, both socially and with the separation from me. We shared our concerns with Teacher Merry and she was able to give us some reassurance. The events before school started allowed all of us to get to form relationships with the members in the Brooklyn community, which made it a much smoother transition! My son is now more confident, plays with his peers and loves going to school! We are so happy to be apart of the Brooklyn community
Leah Samour
Jan 12, 2018
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I don't even know how to put into words what a wonderful experience it has been for my son, and our family. But I'm going to try, to spread the word about this amazing school!
1) Merry! I have never met such an engaged, nurturing, fun spirited preschool teacher as this gal. As a parent teacher in the classroom, I've witnessed her countless times gently coming alongside students to help them express themselves, or problem solve together. She is so in tune with each child, and though there is a steady, predictable routine to each day, she is a master of improvising and flexibility. And all the fun
1) Merry! I have never met such an engaged, nurturing, fun spirited preschool teacher as this gal. As a parent teacher in the classroom, I've witnessed her countless times gently coming alongside students to help them express themselves, or problem solve together. She is so in tune with each child, and though there is a steady, predictable routine to each day, she is a master of improvising and flexibility. And all the fun
Laura G.
Dec 22, 2017
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Brooklyn is a super sweet, play-based preschool. We visited a number of different preschools and finally chose Brooklyn because of Teacher Merry. Teacher Merry is a wonderfully positive, patient, and caring person. I admire her cooperative spirit and the values that she models for the children on a daily basis.
In a co-op preschool, every family has a responsibility to parent-teach in their child's class and to hold a family job. We have found that this is a fairly big time commitment, however through this, we have also become part of a close-knit community of wonderful families.
My daughter
In a co-op preschool, every family has a responsibility to parent-teach in their child's class and to hold a family job. We have found that this is a fairly big time commitment, however through this, we have also become part of a close-knit community of wonderful families.
My daughter
Alison M.
Nov 16, 2017
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This school is so wonderful! Being involved with a co-op school is amazing because you get so much out of it! I've gained great relationships and friendships with the other parents. I also love how connected I feel to the school, parents, the wonderful teacher (Teacher Merry) and the program itself. It's a clean safe place where my son has really blossomed and developed in mind blowing ways! All the kids are being lead with love each day. Couldn't be more happy with Brooklyn, and I'm very glad we have one more year after this one before he's off to Kindergarten!
Wendy F.
Aug 22, 2017
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My daughter spent two great years at Brooklyn, and we all loved being a part of this special community. Not a place to go if you're just wanting less expensive child care. Brooklyn Co-Op is a thoughtful program that requires engagement from all parties - that's what makes it work. Parents are trained from the start, and attend workshops throughout the year to get a foundation in the child-centered philosophy of the co-op. While parents brought different comfort levels and skill sets, all had something to offer and the mix made it interesting.
The space is very thoughtfully designed
The space is very thoughtfully designed
A. D.
May 26, 2016
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Brooklyn cooperative preschool has been a wonderful community to be part of. This is the first co-op our family has joined and unlike a "typical" preschool there is an obligation you will have and that is what makes a cooperative preschool so much more. With that being said, the more you put in, the more reward you will get. Simple. As for teacher Merry, I cannot say enough great things about her and the impact she has had on our sons life. If we were to have many more children we would not hesitate to join Brooklyn Coop again and again and again.
Kerry A.
May 26, 2016
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Aj L.
May 17, 2016
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We moved here a year ago and found Brooklyn on Yelp. Joining the co-op preschool has been one of my best parenting decisions! Being part of a co-op has helped create such a strong community for me as a parent and my children. We have made life-long friends!!
Teacher Merry has been with Brooklyn for 10 years and she has taught me so much as both a parent teacher and a parent. She is so patient, kind and excited by the children. And the feeling is mutual!
The parent obligations are more than a drop-off preschool but not too much to be unmanageable. The jobs also help to create community (my job
Teacher Merry has been with Brooklyn for 10 years and she has taught me so much as both a parent teacher and a parent. She is so patient, kind and excited by the children. And the feeling is mutual!
The parent obligations are more than a drop-off preschool but not too much to be unmanageable. The jobs also help to create community (my job
Grace P.
Sep 23, 2014
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This is my fourth year here at Brooklyn, as my older daughter went through for two years, and my youngest is now on her last year here at the school. I find it curious that a review would criticize the space as I found it the biggest draw to the school as a new parent - huge outdoor dedicated space with bikes, tire swing, real playground equipment and huge sandbox. The indoor space is sunny with decent size rooms, each room has its own "feel" - kids who prefer a quieter surroundings can easily find it. My oldest was at a school with one big room her very first year as a young 2/3 year
Katy L.
Sep 23, 2014
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You know what's great about this co-op? Everything.
Let me start with Teacher Merry. Her passion, kindness, ability to teach while nurturing, redirect without shaming, and reach in to shine the light in the childrens' eyes and heart are only the tip of the iceburg. And shine they do; the woman knows what she's doing. Everything she does in the classroom relates directly to the development and abilities of children. These skills will shape how they will construe the environment they are in now, and every year after they leave the co-op. Children recognize authenticity when
Let me start with Teacher Merry. Her passion, kindness, ability to teach while nurturing, redirect without shaming, and reach in to shine the light in the childrens' eyes and heart are only the tip of the iceburg. And shine they do; the woman knows what she's doing. Everything she does in the classroom relates directly to the development and abilities of children. These skills will shape how they will construe the environment they are in now, and every year after they leave the co-op. Children recognize authenticity when
Aurelia L.
Sep 23, 2014
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My kids have attended four different co-op preschools in the PCPO network, and Brooklyn is definitely the best one we've found. Teacher Merry is amazing, and we've made good friends with other families there.
The physical space is comfortable and supplied with everything a preschooler could want-- indoor "treehouse", art room, sensory table, woodworking bench, books, puppets, blocks, educational toys & games, and much more. The playground is also very well-equipped.
We like the healthy snacks that are included in the cost of tuition. We also enjoy the field trips and
The physical space is comfortable and supplied with everything a preschooler could want-- indoor "treehouse", art room, sensory table, woodworking bench, books, puppets, blocks, educational toys & games, and much more. The playground is also very well-equipped.
We like the healthy snacks that are included in the cost of tuition. We also enjoy the field trips and
Lea B.
Sep 23, 2014
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Writing is not my strong suit, so please bear with me. We are current members of Brooklyn and I wanted to address a few inconsistencies in our less then favorable reviews.
Some of the info is untrue, " kids see a sea of revolving faces. Every time they walk in the door, it's a different set of parents running the day." Um no, it is the same small group of parents who the kids get to know and love. That is what I love about a co op and our co op in particular. It is a small group of parents, not a "sea of revolving faces". This is our second year and I really know and
Some of the info is untrue, " kids see a sea of revolving faces. Every time they walk in the door, it's a different set of parents running the day." Um no, it is the same small group of parents who the kids get to know and love. That is what I love about a co op and our co op in particular. It is a small group of parents, not a "sea of revolving faces". This is our second year and I really know and
Jen H.
Feb 25, 2014
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To start, there are some really nice things about this school. The outdoor space is wonderful, lots of places for the kids to explore . Over the summer, there is an organized play date in the park which helps new kids meet their classmates and Teacher Merry comes and meets each child at home before the school year starts. The downside, the indoor space is 3 closed off rooms which does not allow the teacher to see what's going on in the individual spaces. It's one teacher for 15 kids- parents fill in the other gaps. Though the parents are nice well meaning people, they're parents
Scooby D.
Feb 24, 2014
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We've had two kids go through Brooklyn. Things seemed to go downhill in the last few years. More parents were into the money-saving aspects of the co-op instead of the community aspects, and you could tell by the way they just went through the motions, doing the minimum required and caring little about any kid except their own. Of course there were some wonderful parents there too, but your experience will largely depend on the mix you get. The teachers were good (not great) and seemed overwhelmed, especially on days with less engaged parent-teachers.
Delcie A.
Jan 20, 2012
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My daughter goes to the Brooklyn Co-op and it's her first year. She loves it!! I can't say enough about Teacher Merry and all of the families that make up this awesome community of kids, teachers, and parents. I'm so glad that I am a part of her first school experience. The facilities are great, and Teacher Merry always has something special going on in the classroom. I also really love the outdoor facility. There is a garden, and sandbox, huge playground. Much bigger that other preschools that I toured. And the kids are always getting outside. We love it at Brooklyn, and
