History

The Cooper School was founded in 2007 by Dr. Kate Ellesworth. Dr. Ellesworth developed the visionary seed for The Cooper School after twenty years of working with thousands of students and teachers. A native of South Carolina, Dr. Shorter completed her B.A at Harvard University, her Masters in Curriculum and Teaching at Columbia University, Teachers College, and her Ph.D. in Instruction and Learning at the University of Pittsburgh.

Before starting The Cooper School, Dr. Ellesworth was a consultant to New York City Public Schools, and a teacher supervisor and instructor for The Department of Education at The College of Charleston, The University of South Carolina and The University of Pittsburgh.

Inspired by the work of John Dewey, Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, and drawing on her extensive knowledge of the theory and research that informs the best practices in education, Dr. Shorter developed The Cooper School and its curriculum to provide a unique community.

The Cooper School was designed to be a school for students to engage in a rigorous curriculum that responds to the developmental needs of the whole child; for educators who care deeply about children, their own learning, creativity, and service; and for families seeking a nurturing environment that challenges, delights and engages young children.

The Cooper School opened in September of 2007 at 723 St. Andrews Blvd. with 13 students. The Cooper School continues to serve as a forward thinking educational environment where students’ social, emotional, physical and academic development are fostered using an integrated, challenging and meaningful curriculum.