Do your kids skip to school?
Children skip up the gravel path to The Common School every morning. They can’t wait to get to class. Ask why, and they’ll probably tell you— ‘school is fun’ But if they spoke ‘adult,’ their answer would sound something like this: ‘In an age when increasing academic pressure is squelching creativity and playful habits of mind, The Common School is a refreshing alternative.’
But ‘fun’ sounds better; don’t you agree?
Do your kids skip to school?
The Common School’s mission is to develop strong academic and social skills while nurturing each child’s love of learning, respect and compassion for others, and commitment to the
environment.
Philosophy
Guided by the philosophy that meaningful education must cultivate the imagination and
instill an appreciation for learning as an engaging, joyful pursuit, The Common School
creates a safe and stimulating atmosphere for learning that encourages children to trust in
themselves and others, honor differences, question, take risks, collaborate, assume
responsibility, and discover individual areas of strength and interest.
As progressive educators, our teachers respect children’s individual differences, recognize
their natural curiosity and capacity for growth, and are committed to authenticity in the
activities that shape their learning. A curriculum organized around thematic, in-depth studies
integrates many aspects of the classroom experience, with opportunities for rigorous inquiry,
hands-on exploration and creative expression, quiet reflection, celebration and play.
Enrollment
- enrollment: 115-120
- Common School families come from Amherst and more than a dozen communities across the Pioneer Valley
- Children of color represent about 21% of the student body
- More than 30% of students receive financial aid; average award is 40% of tuition
Classrooms
Students are grouped in six mixed-age classes:
Two Nurseries (age 3-5) >
Primary 1 (age 5-7) >
Primary 2 (age 6-8) >
Elementary 1 (age 8-10) >
Elementary 2 (age 10-12) >
Primary 1 (age 5-7) >
Primary 2 (age 6-8) >
Elementary 1 (age 8-10) >
Elementary 2 (age 10-12) >
Students typically spend two years in a class of 17 to 24 students with the same teachers.
Accreditation
The Common School is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools of New England
and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. The Common School
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion or
national or ethnic origin in the administration of its admission policies, educational programs,
hiring practices, financial aid or other school-administered programs.
“It has been one of the best
decisions we’ve made as a
family. We all love it, and
love seeing our daughter
enjoy her school, her
teacher, and the studies.
I think it’s very important
to love to learn, and
The Common School helps
children do just this.”
- Yesim and Steven Caines
parents
