Dear friends,

Happy Anniversary, Greenfield Center School! Thirty years

ago, the Center School was born out of a dream for something different. Its founders set out to create a school that would reflect children’s interests, teach challenging academics, and model progressive values.  The students at this new school would have a say in what got taught and teach one another. Children would be encouraged to be independent and resourceful. Above all, they would be taken seriously.

The Center School’s latest generation still lives the dream of its founders. Most days, at least one child can be spotted marching into school with an enormous project made for Lit or Theme dwarfing her as she proudly maneuvers it to her classroom. Students purposefully roam the halls with clipboards in hand, recording observations of their environment or surveying their learning community. There are lively debates on real issues resounding from the lunch tables. Teachers spill over into each other’s classrooms to share ideas, make supportive

comments, or invite another class to come visit.

While we are undeniably a warm and caring community, our program isn’t for the faint of heart. Rigorous academic projects, deep critical thinking, rugged outdoor pursuits, a commitment to creativity and curiosity, and an expectation of openness to new ideas are the mainstays of a Center School education. The Center School invites all of us to investigate how we learn best and at the same time how we might make our world a better place. For years, the Center School community has succeeded in fostering in its students a balance of social consciousness and self awareness.

There will be a few special events and functions this year to celebrate thirty years of unique progressive education. I hope to also look at how the Center School can expand and build on our

foundation of INQUIRY, EQUITY and EMPATHY, and move full steam ahead! 

Please contact us if you’d like to visit. We would love to show you what we’re up to...