An Open gate Policy
As the morning sun rises over fields and farmland, a child pushes open a wooden gate and starts a new day. At The Common School, students stream through this gate each school day, eager to join their friends and teachers. But this simple, rough-hewn gate marks more than just a boundary; it is the gateway to a world of opportunity. It is here our students take the first step every day toward a life sustained by a love of learning.
Come see for yourself. We’ll meet you at the gate.
application Process
Prior to submitting an application for your child, we invite you to visit The Common School and get a feel for our programs, community and mission.1 - Parent Tour and Meeting
Learn about the School’s philosophy, have questions answered and share information about your child. Tours and meetings—for parents only—are offered Monday-Friday at either 8:45 or 9:00am beginning in October. Please call to schedule a tour with Outreach Administrator, Dana Kadish, at 413-256-8989.
2 - Application
Applications may be submitted at any time, and must be accompanied by all written school records, care giver evaluations and specialist evaluations (as applicable to each child) to be considered complete. There is a $25.00 application fee.
• application for admission >
• parental permission form for school records >
3 - Parent Observation
Once an application has been submitted, parents are invited to observe in our classrooms, meet teachers and ask questions.
4 - Child Visit
Having your child visit the School is the final step in the admissions process. Beginning in February, after we determine the number of openings in each group, we arrange visits for children. Our youngest children visit in small groups. Beginning in Primary 1, children visit individually. The goal of the visit is to have us become acquainted with your child, to get a sense of his/her developmental level and learning style, and to insure that your child knows a little about the School and what to expect if admitted.
5 - Notifications
Admissions decisions are made beginning in March of each year. A contract and deposit are required to confirm your child’s admission.
Admissions Criteria
- We seek to balance each class by gender and age
- We seek to promote diversity in our student and family body
- Priority is given to siblings of enrolled children, and to children of staff and alumni
- We look for indications that The Common School is well-suited to meet the needs of a particular applicant.
- For children with special needs, careful consideration is given on an individual basis to determine if the School has the resources to support the applicant.
- Children need to have turned three years old by September 1 to enter the Nursery program, and five years old by September 1 to enter Primary 1.
“Two things that sold us on the school were the welcome and continued contact from teachers and staff throughout the application process, and our son’s instant comfort and interest in the class at the open house.”
current parent
