Co-Op Program Fees

While the "Co-op Program" section focuses on that program's philosophy, goals, and curriculum, this "Fees and Responsibilities" section outlines the necessary family commitments and contributions required to run our unique program.

The following tuition rates are for standard parent participation as outlined in the "Co-Op Program Responsibilities" section below. We offer a limited number of flexible participation spots as well with varying tuition amounts depending upon the level of participation. Some "non-working in the classroom" slots are available as well. Click here for a full listing of available tuition and participation levels.

• Registration: $100 new students, $75 returning students
• Insurance: $75
• Tuition:
  2 Days per week: $175 per month*
  3 Days per week: $225 per month*
  4 Days per week: $260 per month*
  5 Days per week: $290 per month*

Co-Op Program Responsibilities

The following program responsibilities are for standard parent participation (able to work in the classroom; fully able to meet all family obligations). We offer different "levels" of participation for those families that are unable to meet one or more of the responsibilities. We also offer a limited number of slots which do not require parents to work in the classroom. Please consult the full tuition document for a complete listing of available tuition and participation levels.

Classroom Participation

The standard number of classroom co-op work days per month is the same number of days your child attends the co-op program per week, plus one alternate day. Flexible classroom participation may also be available and would impact tuition depending upon how many more or less classroom days you work -- please ask us if you're interested in flexible participation.

All adults participating in the classroom are required to attend all monthly General Meetings as well as a one day (9am to 1pm) Orientation/In-Service session and a one day (9am to 1pm) Philosophy Orientation session prior to working in the classroom. Families not participating in the classroom are required to attend three mandatory General Meetings per year (September, January, April) as well as the one day (9am to 1pm) Philosophy Orientation session held prior to the start of school.

While we do our best to accommodate each family's participation needs, please note that our program requires a certain amount of parent participation in order to sustain itself and maintain an optimal balance. Thus all participation levels may not be available at all times.

• Work Days: Parent work days run from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• 2 Days per week: you work approximately 2 scheduled days plus 1 alternate day per month
• 3 Days per week: you work approximately 3 scheduled days plus 1 alternate day per month
• 4 Days per week: you work approximately 4 scheduled days plus 1 alternate day per month
• 5 Days per week: you work approximately 5 scheduled days plus 1 alternate day per month

Family Obligations

• Ways & Means (Fundraising) Obligation - Parents are required to participate in major fundraising events and contribute at least five hours towards the planning and execution of those events per school year.
• Maintenance Obligations - Parents are required to perform two maintenance duties per school year, one of which is a maintenance job (such as painting or repair work), and the other of which is a scheduled Clean-Up Day.
• Job Obligation - Parents are required to maintain a job or a committee position for the school year, i.e. Board member, librarian, secretary, fundraising committee.
• General Meetings - Parents are required to attend monthly general meetings held the third Wednesday evening of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (parents not working in the classroom need only attend the three mandatory General Meetings held in September, January and April).
• Orientation - New parents working in the classroom are required to attend a one day (9am to 1pm) Orientation/In-Service session before they are scheduled to work in the classroom. All parents (working and non-working) are also required to attend a one day (9am to 1pm) Philosophy Orientation session typically held prior to the start of the school year.

An Active Partner

• Active participation of families is vital to the success of a co-op preschool such as Hilltop. The time, energy, ideas and commitment of our member families enable the smooth running of our operations and thus allow our wonderful teachers to more fully concentrate their efforts and talents on the children.

Program Levels

• We recognize that families have different time and budget capacities. Therefore we offer flexible participation levels so you may better match your families' commitment level.

  Pending availability, you may choose to work or not work in the classroom. You may also choose participation Levels 1, 2 or 3, each of which carries a different mix of program responsibilities. The amount of tuition you pay will depend on the work option and Level option you choose.

• Level 1: families complete all five program responsibilities listed in the "Family Obligations" section to the bottom left.
• Level 2: families complete the Ways & Means, Maintenance, General Meetings, and Orientation obligations listed in the "Family Obligations" section to the bottom left. Level 2 does not have a Job obligation.
• Level 3: families complete only the General Meetings and Orientation obligations listed in the "Family Obligations" section to the bottom left. They do not have Ways & Means, Maintenance, or Job obligations.
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