Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township would like to thank our corporate partners for their support of The Woodlands 50th Anniversary celebration. In this series, we highlight our partners and the positive impact they make in our community throughout the year.
The John Cooper School has been serving our community for 35 years. The Woodlands founder George Mitchell believed in the value of an independent school education, and in his design for The Woodlands, set aside 43 acres of land for The John Cooper School to grow and thrive, with a mission of providing challenging education in a caring environment.
“We are a proud to be a part of the master plan of George Mitchell, who envisioned our school, and the important role it would play in our community. We are most grateful to be part of this special community,” said Dr. Stephen Popp, Head of School.
Popp describes The Woodlands as a verdant, master planned community, with ample green spaces, a vibrant cultural scene, and an array of businesses that differentiates this community from other places. The Woodlands’ unique combination of natural beauty, curated over the past five decades through thoughtful development, and its innovative spirit guided by generations of community leaders have fostered a thriving hometown. “The John Cooper School is a national leader in independent school education, and we believe our collective efforts further distinguish our community from others,” Popp said.
Support for The Woodlands 50th Anniversary
On October 19, The Woodlands is commemorating five decades of excellence as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The desire to recognize the remarkable journey and achievements of The Woodlands community drove The John Cooper’s School’s motivation to sponsor this milestone moment in The Woodlands’ history to honor its past.
“The John Cooper School is honored to be part of The Woodlands’ rich history and vibrant community. We are committed to fostering the growth and development of our students, preparing them to be thoughtful, engaged citizens who will contribute positively to this thriving community,” said Popp. “As we celebrate The Woodlands 50th anniversary, we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to make a lasting and positive impact in our community.”
Civic Responsibility
As part of their school’s mission, The John Cooper School endeavors to help its students become responsible citizens and leaders in the communities in which they are a part. Since their founding, the school has been deeply integrated into the community of The Woodlands. Students and faculty actively participate in a variety of service projects and community outreach programs such as Habitat for Humanity, Interfaith of The Woodlands, the Montgomery County Food Bank, the Rotary Club, Interact, the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center, and other area non-profit organizations.
While community service is not a requirement at Cooper, they strive to instill a sense of civic responsibility and virtue in their school community. You will find its students, faculty, and families volunteering each week and on weekends, spending their time giving back to The Woodlands community. In 2024, Cooper was recognized by Interfaith of The Woodlands as a Hometown Hero. “From supporting local charities, to organizing fundraising, and to participating in community events, Cooper students are a ubiquitous presence in and around the community,” remarked Popp.
President Bush’s Keynote Address
A momentous event in the school’s history took place in 1994 when former President George H.W. Bush delivered the keynote address at Cooper’s first commencement ceremony. In his remarks to the twenty-five graduates of Cooper’s inaugural class, President Bush lauded the graduates’ intellectual accomplishments and highlighted the importance of the school’s motto: From Curiosity to Wisdom. Imploring their graduates to continue their journey to wisdom, galvanized by curiosity, President Bush inspired them to pursue a life of learning.
History of Draco the Dragon
In May 1985, prior to the school’s founding, the Bottom of the Lake celebration was held to herald the completion of Lake Woodlands before the lake was filled. In coordination with the event, artist Marc Rosenthal was commissioned to design a sculpture. His creation entitled Rise of the Midgard Serpent appears to emerge from the south end of the lake near Southshore Park. The 35-foot-long sculpture inspired the naming of the school’s mascot – the Dragons. “When Cooper students met with the founding Head of School Marina Ballantyne Walne to choose the mascot, the Dragon emerged as the favorite. Known as Draco, the Cooper Dragon embodies strength, intelligence, and ambition, and invokes pride and connection to our Cooper community and importantly to The Woodlands community,” noted Popp.
Today, The John Cooper School enrolls 1,370 students from Pre-K through grade 12, and the school continues to make a positive impact and shape the lives for future leaders.