About Us

Penokee Mountain Cooperative School is a 501(c)(3) secular homeschooling cooperative in northern Wisconsin.

Our goal is to give children the opportunity to experience the benefits of group activities in a safe and caring environment while giving parents social support. We are committed to maintaining a cheerful, pleasant environment where all children and adults feel welcomed, respected, and valued.

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Penokee Mountain Cooperative School was founded as a neighborhood school in 1981 and incorporated in 1982. In its early years, the families that founded and joined this unique, cooperative school hired a full-time certified teacher. Initially classes were held in a member’s home; in 1984 a separate building was built. After 1986, members decided to teach their children at home and to come together as a cooperative only one day per week. The philosophy of the school was based on two models, John Holt’s book, Growing Without Schooling and a school in California that had a central focus of an annual play production in which the students did everything from sets to acting.  Many of the early Penokee plays were historical with original scripts. The setting for the school was moved from Lincoln Township to the community center in Benoit in 1996. The school currently operates out of the Washburn Club in Washburn, WI as of 2024.

Penokee Mountain Cooperative School is open to anyone who is able to attend and wants to contribute. Penokee became an important resource for homeschooling families in the area. All homeschooling families are welcome, regardless of background or educational philosophy. Other families whose children attend school but were able to find the time to attend are also welcome. It is a model of cooperative spirit and a committed attempt at a cooperative organization.