The Common School

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Amherst, MA
The Common School

Progressive Pre-K and elementary school education across the Pioneer Valley since 1967.

Fostering joyful learning through wonder, discovery, play and authentic hands-on learning.

09/18/2026

Silly, sandy, and full of cross-age joy … just a normal day in afterschool at The Common School. There’s a kind of magic that only happens when little hands, big kids, and grown-up hearts find the same reason to laugh.

It’s not too late to sign up for our afterschool clubs and join our fun!

09/17/2026

Flower pounding and natural dyes filled the tables this week. Mallets, droppers, and a pile of leaves became the tools for discovering what color can do.

09/14/2026

Mud on the knees and kids in trees are what a Reggio Emilia childhood looks like. Maria Montessori said it best: “Play is the work of the child.” Our students are hard at work out here.

09/09/2026

Blue Nursery had their first woods day of the year at the fallen trees, a longtime favorite spot. There was a stick fort, plenty of logs to climb and balance across, and a hammock that saw steady use. The activity finished with iced tea and showing the kids how to brush off for ticks before heading inside. This is what learning looks like.

09/06/2026

Ending our first week of school with Forest Friday ✅ We had a fantastic first week here at The Common School. Can’t wait for more joy, experimentation, learning, and play together.

09/01/2026

Rain all day…. warm welcome anyway. Kids …. and caregivers …. arrived at The Common School this morning nervous, excited, half-asleep, or all three at once. Everyone was met at the door and shown where they belonged. A first day should feel like walking into a place that was expecting you and is glad you came. Here’s to a good year.

08/28/2026

Today, in the midsts of trainings, meetings, cleanings, preparation… ALL the things it takes to start the school year off right, we took a moment as a group to ground in nature today. Our walk through the woods and neighboring farms was a moment of quiet connection.

08/17/2026

Creativity meets curiosity at The Common School afterschool clubs! From hands-on art to outdoor exploration, every afternoon is a new adventure. Registration opens August 17th—reserve your child’s spot for a season of joy and discovery!

Clubs Offered:
- Magic: The Gathering
- Younger Visual Art Club
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Older Visual Art Club

05/27/2026

Fifth and sixth grade spots available! Inquire today!

05/26/2026

Our spring Farm Day tradition perfectly captured that children are at their best when joyfully engaging with the world. Our peaceful walk to Bramble Hill Farm was filled with singing, popsicles, and fun with bubbles. Grounded in our progressive philosophy, we believe children co-construct knowledge through inquiry and a vital connection to nature. To sustain this transformative environment that equips students to confidently question, collaborate, and shape a more just world, we rely on your collective support during our Spring Appeal. Please visit our website today to make a powerful donation that directly fuels this alive, nature-infused curriculum and ensures our children continue to thrive.

Address

PO Box 2248, 521 S Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA
01002

Website

http://www.commonschool.org/, https://secure.givelively.org/donate/common-school-inc?ref=41bd8ee4-3471-4458-a85e-b9d7048

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