KapKa Cooperative School

KapKa Cooperative School is a small independent day school in Seattle, Washington, near Woodland Park. The school enrolls more than 70 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Its cooperative model is distinctive: families, teachers, and staff share decision-making power rather than following a top-down hierarchy. This structure attracts educators who thrive in collaborative settings and want real input over their school's direction.

Teaching at KapKa rests on three concrete practices. Project-based learning shapes daily academics. Social-emotional learning runs throughout the day. Students spend an hour or more outdoors every day—environmental education woven into science, literacy, and social studies. Classrooms use little to no technology. This choice keeps focus on direct instruction, one-on-one attention, and face-to-face relationships. In small classes, you teach fewer students but know each one deeply.

The cooperative structure reflects a commitment to access. KapKa welcomes all families and offers financial aid. Teachers here believe equity matters in practice. That shared mission shapes hiring and culture alike.

Compensation at KapKa is modest compared to larger Seattle independent schools. The trade-off is tangible: you work in a values-driven setting where your teaching philosophy aligns with daily practice. You teach outdoors most days. You know every family's story. Tuition benefits for employees are available; inquire directly about the full benefits package.

KapKa hires for elementary teaching positions and community coordination roles. Most faculty openings emerge in summer, though the school accepts applications year-round.