Admissions and Financial Aid

There is no more important decision for a parent than deciding on where your child will spend his/her pre-school and elementary years. These years lay the critical groundwork for so many facets of adolescent and adult life - attitudes toward learning, ability to work collaboratively with others, and appreciation of the natural world - to name just a few.

I invite you to look at The Common School closely. Our progressive model of education is unique and our track record of graduating kids who are highly competent and confident has been demonstrated for 40 years. We provide a nurturing, stimulating and joyful learning environment that encourages children to take risks and stretch each and every day.

The best way to learn about The Common School is to come for a tour where you will see firsthand our classes in action and you'll meet with Dana Kadish, our Outreach Administrator.

You can arrange for a tour of the school or simply have your questions answered by calling Dana or Deb Hanley, Office Manager, at (413) 256-8989. Or join us at our Pre-school and Elementary Open Houses on December 1 and January 26th from 10 a.m. to noon.

We look forward to meeting you, hearing about your child, and sharing our enthusiasm for this wonderful school.

Bud Lichtenstein, Director

Admissions Process

Parents are invited to submit an application for admission at any time. Tours of the school begin in October for the families interested in the following year. Acceptances to the school for new enrollees begin in March of each year. After an initial tour, the application process includes parent observation time in the classroom, and a child visit from the applicant. All applications must include written teacher/caregiver evaluations as applicable.

Children must be three years old by September 1 to enter the Nursery and at least five years old to enter our Primary I classroom.

Applications are accepted year-round, but preference is given to families who apply by December 31.

Download an application (PDF). Current Tuition

Financial Aid

The Common School awards need based financial aid grants to a significant percentage of its families. Financial Aid award funds come from a variety of sources including the operating budget, endowment funds, and fund-raising events. Grants are made to families with a broad range of incomes and can range from 10% to 90% of tuition. Some assistance is also given to all financial aid families toward other Common School programs. Families interested in applying for financial aid should indicate that on their application form.

The 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.