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.

Please click here to view our full diversity statement

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:

Coffee in Common

Friday morning meet-ups for parents and caregivers to connect
Sledding Parties

Weekend fun for families during the winter season
Garden Work Parties

Families and students volunteer to help beautify campus
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.

Paloma, 2018

Middle/High School: The Academy at Charlemont
“I remember when we measured different chemicals in the local river and researched an aquatic animal. This was one of my first exposures to the field of science and I have loved the subject ever since. Now I hope to pursue a track of environmental science or ecology with a focus on aquatic biology”
Orlee, 2013

Education: Williston Northampton, Deerfield Academy, Harvard University ‘23
“The School created a supportive environment full of intellectual engagement and curiosity, that allowed me to discover my passion for the Classics, scientific research, and history. And the incredible mentorship I experienced at The Common School didn’t end at graduation; my teachers continue to serve as mentors today.”
Ben, 2012

Education: Pioneer Valley School for the Performing Arts, Amherst College ‘23
“I always felt like my ideas mattered, and I learned how to express my thoughts and how to listen to the ideas of others. I learned what it felt like to participate in a focused academic community. Just as importantly, the School helped me to build deep social values, and I left with an understanding of the importance of kindness and fairness that I still cherish.”
Caleb, 2012

Education: Amherst Regional Middle School, Tufts University
“The Common School instilled in me a curiosity for the world alongside a supportive, close-knit community. Every day at CS was partially spent outside and in the library. A curiosity in the workings of the natural world and the surrounding community has absolutely influenced my college studies and interests.”
Thandiwe-Wanjiru, 2018

Education: Williston Northampton, Homeschooling, NYU, Tisch School for the Arts ‘24.
“The Common School taught me that we are all born with a love of learning, a love of touching, discovering, feeling, and creating. Thank you for shaping me into someone who is ready to take on the challenges of the world in a fresh, curious, and artistic way.”