A poly(phenylene ether) copolymer of 2-methyl-6-phenylphenol and a dihydric phenol having an absolute number average molecular weight of 1,000 to 10,000 grams/mole is made by polymerization of 2-methyl-6-phenylphenol and a dihydric phenol in the presence of molecular oxygen, a polymerization catalyst comprising a metal ion and at least one amine ligand, and a solvent composed of at least 95 weight percent of a C1-C3 alcohol selected from methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol. The poly(phenylene ether) copolymer can be, for example, a copolymer of 2-methyl-6-phenylphenol, 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenol)propane, and optionally 2,6-dimethylphenol. The poly(phenylene ether) copolymer finds utility in curable compositions, cured compositions, and articles.