Our Approach to Learning

The Common School curriculum is designed to help children ages three through twelve discover their own strengths and interests by trying new things, asking questions, and taking healthy, calculated risks.

six preschool and primary age chlidren kneeling and sitting next to garden bed, one wearing a face mask, planting seeds in garden

See our philosophy in action!

Mission & Philosophy →
Inclusion & Community →
Leadership & Staff →

Our in-depth, project-based approach to learning gives each student opportunities for voice and choice in their own education. We offer six mixed-age classes of up to 22 students; students typically stay with the same teachers for two-year increments, which helps form solid, trusting relationships and creates a nurturing environment where children can spread their wings.

In addition to classroom work, we prioritize structured and unstructured play for all students.

Children are given ample time to explore The Common School’s beautiful campus, which includes a playground and neighboring nature trails and farmland.

two primary-age children, one Black child with hair in braids and beads on the ends, one white child with blond hair, both squatted and looking up at leaves on a plant
two elementary age children, one white child with pigtails, one Black child wearing wool hat that says "Philadelphia", both wearing rain suits and drumming
two elementary-age children seated on cushions, both with hair tied back wearing jeans, both reading books, one with headphones listening to audiobook

In-Depth Studies (IDS) are the primary organizing feature of The Common School’s curriculum. These are content-rich, multidisciplinary inquiries that look at a central theme or focus area over the course of several weeks or even months. Students learn to explore the designated theme from numerous different angles by drawing on different areas of study.

This deep-dive approach encourages them to sharpen their math, reading, science, and social studies skills as they tackle meaningful, real-world problems. It also hones their ability to think critically, to listen, observe, and evaluate carefully, and to see the relevance of their education.

Our graduates go on to excel in secondary education and attend some of the best colleges and universities in the country:

  • 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

The world is interesting and learning is fun! Our goal is to help children to discover this for themselves, using their innate curiosity and their own two hands.

At The Common School, our students:

  • Discover

    Identify animal tracks in the snow

  • Transform

    Make textile dyes out of flowers grown in our Children’s Garden

  • Experiment

    Experiment with electrical circuits and solar units

  • Advocate

    Organize marches and advocate for change

  • eight children with drawing on clip boards on the floor in the library

    Library

    It’s rare to find an elementary school with a library, but The Common School’s houses almost 20,000 books by a diverse range of authors! All of our classes visit the library at least once a week; younger children look forward to story time with our teacher-librarian, while older students engage in independent reading and research, hone their critical literary skills, and explore creative writing.

  • assorted craypas drawings on yellow, blue, orange, red paper of faces drawn by elementary schoolers

    Arts

    You won’t see formal art classes because art is part of everything we do! We strive to integrate art into every area of instruction, encouraging students to work with a range of media to learn new skills and techniques.

  • two elementary children weaving with handlooms

    Choice Time

    At every grade level, students can choose how they begin their day—there’s building, crafting, playing strategy games, exploring, experimenting, writing, reading, coding, participating in multi age activities, and more!

  • one teacher partially hidden, and one student looking at a computer in a classroom

    Computers

    Starting in Elementary 1, students begin to use use computers. We work to ensure that students are technologically savvy and work with them to develop report writing skills, conduct responsible online research and even try basic coding. While we supply a computer to every student we have a balanced approach to technology - blending online and offline work for each project.

  • several multicolored ukeleles stacked on top of eachother

    Music

    Nursery and primary classes meet weekly with the music teacher, while elementary students have music instruction twice weekly in large- and small-group sessions. Singing is a beloved community tradition! Every Friday, the whole school gets together for a “Big Sing,” and friends and families are also welcome.

  • child facing away running in PE class, other children smiling and running

    Physical Education

    The Common School kids are active! Weekly physical education classes develop both fine and gross motor skills while nurturing compassion, cooperation, and self-regulation. Students can also get involved in the Recess Council to help our physical education teacher plan outside activities.