Greenfield Center School
The Progressive Alternative
Greenfield Center School (GCS) is an independent day school for students in Kindergarten through Middle School (K-8). Integrating social and academic learning in every aspect of the school day, we develop strong learning communities to give area children an excellent education. The school is vibrant with enthusiastic students and dedicated teachers.

Our school emphasizes both the building of community and celebration of the individual. Classroom settings foster opportunities for creativity, problem-solving and contributing to a more just and humane world. Over a period of 2-3 months during the course of an academic year, children explore learning themes in depth, integrating the arts as well as social and ethical issues in their studies. For example, themes focused on: Boats (Primes, grades K-1), States (PUPS, grades 1-2), Sun and Light (Middles, grade 3), Fire (Upper Middles, grades 4/5), Abolition (Upper Middles, grades 5/6), and Child Labor (Uppers, grades 7-8). Students investigated multiple aspects of the subject and demonstrated understanding using a variety of expressive forms (including visual and performing arts, writing, dioramas, and verbal presentation).

Approach to Education
We advocate a developmental approach to education which understands that children grow at different rates and need to balance physical, social, emotional, and intellectual learning. We actively seek to understand ourselves, our relationships with all people, and our connection to the environment. Our educational philosophy fosters classroom communities in which children feel known, included, and self-confident enough to work hard and pursue meaningful intellectual and creative endeavors.

Our staff works within the Center School and with school districts around the nation to help create long-term educational change through staff development workshops, consultations, and the production of resource materials. The unique combination of consulting, resource development and school establishes and promotes a model in which teachers teach teachers.

Contact Information:
Laura Baker, Principal
Greenfield Center School
71 Montague City Road
Greenfield, MA 01301-3906
413.773.1700 (voice)
413.774.1135 (fax)
laura@centerschool.net

Our Mission
Greenfield Center School integrates high quality academics with ethical decision-making to develop the skills and convictions for creating just communities.

"I would describe this school as a home... We provide TLC (tender loving care). And all go by one exceptional rule, which I predict everyone can follow. The Golden Rule: Treat people the way you would approve of being treated."
-a fourth grader