Within the first few days of our child arriving at The Common School, this wonderful and always astonishing community of learners felt like home to us.

— Alum Parent

School Facts

About the Common School
Nursery Program & Elementary Curriculum
Diversity & Community Life
School Facts
Faculty & Staff
Board of Trustees

Enrollment

Total school enrollment is 118 children.
Children of color currently represent about 18% of the student body.
Common School families come from Amherst and more than a dozen surrounding communities.
Over 30% of Common School students are supported by financial aid.

Classrooms

Children are grouped in six mixed-age classes.

3 - 5 year olds - Nursery
14-17 children • 3 teachers

5 - 7 year olds - Primary I (P-1)
18-20 children • 2 teachers

6 - 8 year olds - Primary II (P-2)
20-22 children • 2 teachers

8 - 10 year olds - Elementary I (E-1)
22-24 children • 2 teachers

10 - 12 year olds - Elementary II (E-2)
22-24 children • 2 teachers

Daily Time Schedule

3 - 5 year olds
8:30 - 11:45 a.m. Monday - Friday (Required)
11:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday (Optional)

6 - 12 year olds
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
8:30 - 11:45 a.m. Friday

Our After School Program operates daily until 5:30 p.m. for all children who need after care.

Educational Staff

Each classroom is staffed by a Head Teacher and an Associate Teacher (supported by an Assistant Teacher in some cases).
Additional instructional staff includes a Head Teacher-Librarian, Music, Spanish Language, and Physical Education specialists, Curriculum Coordinator, Tutors, and a consulting psychologist.
Most teachers have Master's degrees and teaching certification.