Inclusion & Community
The Common School’s close-knit community is rooted in the values: safe, kind, and fair. Our students learn together in diverse, mixed-age classrooms, forming strong bonds and inspiring confidence in each other.
Many of the big questions our students explore intersect with timely social and environmental justice issues that prompt reflection on how to be compassionate, courageous, and responsible citizens of the world. They are supported with care and intentionality as they begin discovering their voices and skills as leaders.
The Common School nurtures a diverse community of students and families, faculty, and staff. Concepts including fairness, equity, compassion, and empathy are an integral part of our curriculum, which carefully and intentionally incorporates a variety of identities, experiences, and perspectives.
We've embedded social justice concepts into our curriculum – and we have packed our shelves with books that reflect a variety of identities and have included a wide range of voices and perspectives in our in-depth studies.
In every classroom and in every corner of our community, we explore and celebrate similarities and differences, reject stereotypes, stand up to prejudice, and advocate for equity and justice. At the same time, we understand we are stronger together.
Community Events
Families and Caregivers play a big role in the life of the School, whether helping in classrooms, volunteering at special events, leading committees, or joining school-wide activities and field trips. Many friendships that begin on campus last long after students graduate. Here are just a few of the community events we offer:
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Coffee in Common
Friday morning meet-ups for parents and caregivers to connect
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Sledding Parties
Weekend fun for families during the winter season
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Garden Work Parties
Families and students volunteer to help beautify campus
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Forums
Open dialogue on topics such as social-emotional wellbeing, screen time, and early childhood literacy
Outcomes
Here we offer an innovative alternative to traditional education, built on a rigorous and effective academic program. We know because our graduates go on to excel in secondary education and attend some of the best colleges and universities in the country.
Schools Attended by Recent Graduates
Secondary Schools
Academy at Charlemont
Amherst Regional Middle and High School
Deerfield Academy
Northfield Mount Hermon
Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School
The Bement School
Williston Northampton