We couldn't imagine a better nursery/preschool program ANYWHERE! In his two years in the Nursery, our child has been nurtured in all the ways that matter - emotionally, intellectually, and artistically.

We credit The Common School (and especially his wonderful, experienced teachers) with helping him flourish and develop as a happy, engaged and curious kids.

— Parent

About the Common School

Our Progressive Tradition (pdf)
Nursery Program & Elementary Curriculum
Diversity & Community Life
School Facts
Faculty & Staff
Board of Trustees

Mission and Philosophy

Our mission is to foster intellectual competence and strength of character within a setting that nurtures each child's curiosity, identity, sense of self-worth, and respect for others.

Our vision is of a diverse community of learners that inspires children with a sense of belonging to human culture and history, and instills in each child the confidence that comes from discovering, making, and doing things for themselves.

Our philosophy embraces the concept that schooling should aim beyond preparing children for the next stage of training.

Our approach is guided by respect for children and faith in their inherent capacity for growth.

History and Location

Emily Johnson, a distinguished educator who sought to combine a developmental outlook with an understanding of learning theory, founded the Common School in 1967. A Board of Trustees was formed from a committed group of parents, and the school opened for classes in September 1967 in the parish hall of Grace Episcopal Church on the Amherst Town Common.

The dedication of The Common School's parents, teachers, alumni and friends has since seen the school through two relocations and expansions resulting in our current home on Larch Hill just south of Amherst College. We are bordered by and share the use of sixteen acres of conservation land and the Hitchcock Center for the Environment.