We prepare students to confront environmental challenges and thrive in a diverse, democratic society.
OUR MISSION
1. To provide developmentally appropriate, play-based early childhood education that promotes respect for people and nature.
2.To use outdoor learning to foster curiosity, compassion, empathy, cultural awareness, creative problem solving, and environmental responsibility in young children.
3. To build community by involving parents/caregivers of enrolled students in all aspects for the school’s operation.
OUR BOARD
Oak Leaf Cooperative School was founded in September 2021 by a group of parents and educators.
Liana Grey, Founder and President
Liana is an early childhood educator originally from the New York City metro area. She taught Pre-K at a public school and directed nonprofit educational programs, including gardening projects and a summer camp with a focus on cooking and community service.
Liana has a Master’s degree from Pace University in New York City. She lived in Ann Arbor, MI for two years before settling in the Chicago area with her husband and identical twin sons. While in Michigan, she served as lead teacher and director at Glacier Way Cooperative Preschool, working with the school board to develop an outdoor learning program.
Abigail Derby, Vice President
Amina Shareeff, Secretary
Amina is a design operations manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield. She grew up in India and has always been drawn to art and design. After graduating from design school, she worked at design firms in Dubai and India. She went on to London for her Master’s degree, and moved to Chicago in 2018.
She is a new mom to an 18 month old son and is drawn towards early childhood education and making education fun and unique in today’s technology-driven world.
Caryn Lewis, Treasurer
Ann Angel, Programs Chair
WHY A COOP?
As a co-op, our school will be governed by a parent board and all families will contribute in some way to operating the school, i.e. assisting in the classroom, helping set up a nature playground, or helping with marketing or fundraising. The goal is to build community, keep tuition affordable, and form a true collaboration between teaching staff and parents.