Dear Community,
Fifty-five years ago, Community School was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that children should love learning. The world has changed considerably since 1971, but when I recently rediscovered a copy of the first welcome letter to families, I was struck by how much of our school’s original vision remains the same.
In the letter, David Nickerson, our first director, describes the role of experiential learning in the “continuous growth of the whole child.” He highlights the value of multi-age classrooms, looping teachers, conferences as forms of assessment, and an integrated curriculum. These were not just lofty ideas for a new school; they became the educational foundation that continues to guide us 55 years later.
Today, we honor those roots every day. In multi-age classrooms, students grow as leaders and learners, guided by teachers who know them well. Children spend time outdoors where fresh air, movement, and a little dirt are essential parts of a good school day. Students lead conferences, where they reflect on their progress and set their own goals for learning. While we recognize technology’s role in our world, we continue to prioritize foundational skills, giving students opportunities to handwrite a story, get lost in a print book, and experience the joy and wonder of the natural world.
In that first newsletter, David Nickerson also wrote, “As you well know, the success of Community School will be measured by what all of us are willing to put into it.”
Fifty-five years later, those words remain as true as ever. Community School’s vision endures because our families, teachers, alumni, and friends believe in what we do and invest in our school. Your support allows us to attract and retain talented teachers, create meaningful learning experiences for our students, and provide tuition assistance that opens our doors to more families.
As we look toward the future, we invite you to help sustain the mission that began in 1971: a school where children love learning and every child is engaged, curious, and known. Please consider a gift to our Annual Fund at CommunitySchool.net/Give.
Thank you for being a part of our Community and helping make the next 55 years as meaningful as the first.
Katrina Hill
Executive Director
Listen to Katrina read the letter.