Cooper School
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 102 cents.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
We elevate education by recognizing how children learn is as important as what they learn.
- Income
- $3.7 million
- Spending
- $3.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- -3.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 94%
- Employees
- 30
- Volunteers
- 30
- Highest pay
- $179,483, head of school
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 35 out of 100. Higher than 10% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 51% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 10% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 10% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 102 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 67% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2510 of 10 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
9 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $2.8 million spent. At The Cooper School, we redefine learning. Our unique approach values individuality, fosters personal growth, and develops well-rounded and well prepared students ready for an ever-changing world. Our core values academic excellence, inquiry, innovation, empathy, community, and sustainability form the basis of our curriculum and school culture. We balance high student engagement and exceptional social emotional learning with content specific academic rigor.Active Learning and Real-World SkillsStudents at TCS take the lead through project-based learning, reflective assessment practices, and real-world experiences. This hands-on approach prepares them for success. Project-Based Learning (PBL) at The Cooper School is more than just a teaching method; it's a transformative educational experience. PBL empowers our students to become active participants in shaping their own knowledge and understanding. Each project serves as an immersive exploration of real-world topics that captivate student interest, making learning truly engaging.With PBL, our students develop essential questions, embark on authentic research journeys, and navigate diverse avenues to creative solutions. At TCS, we encourage our students to ask big questions and nurture their ability to craft even bigger answers. Project-Based Learning is at the heart of our commitment to fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning skills, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the complexities of the world beyond the classroom.Kindness, Community and DiversityTCS cultivates a culture of kindness, fostering community and celebrating diversity. Inclusivity, understanding, and collaboration are central to our ethos. We wholeheartedly believe that a culture ofkindness and psychological safety is the foundation of empowering our students. We prioritize social and emotional learning, understanding that when students feel supported and valued, they are not only more open to learning but also willing to take risks in their educational journey. Our nurturing environment allows students to grow into compassionate global advocates who appreciate diversity, respect others, and contribute positively to the world.Enrolling at The Cooper School means giving your child the gift of a holistic education that not only shapes their intellect but also molds their character, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive and make a meaningful impact in an ever-evolving world. Qualatative Applicable FeedbackAt TCS, we emphasize qualitative feedback and personalized assessments instead of traditional grades, helping students understand their strengths and areas for improvement. That means we replace conventional letter grades with competency benchmarks based on national standards, as well as lengthy narratives that provide comprehensive feedback about your student's progress. Our approach places emphasis on meaningful feedback, fostering an environment where students take an active role in self-reflection as students work towards mastery.We believe that this method not only helps students understand their strengths and areas for growth but also encourages a deeper connection to their own learning journey. In Middle School, we introduce percentage-based mastery numbers to offer a comprehensive view of a student's progress. While we understand the desire for traditional grades, our research-backed approach is better aligned with modern educational principles.At The Cooper School, we prioritize a holistic educational experience that nurtures your child's growth, both academically and emotionally, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel in a dynamic educational landscape.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 2007.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.