Full Circle School

Welcome! Located in the beautiful woods of Bernardston, MA, Full Circle School is a small, independent elementary school that serves students ages 5 - 12 years old and offers both half-day and full-day kindergarten options. Intelligence, innocence, and courage are nurtured in our carefully crafted learning community. We believe in discovery based learning, multi-aged classrooms, engaging students’ individual interests, and the importance of giving children the opportunity to play in nature every day.

Click the videos below to get a taste of the Full Circle experience:

We are all born learners

Since 1973 Full Circle School has been focused on fostering a love of learning. We believe learning new things should be a blast. School should be something you look forward to each day. Children should leave school hungry to learn more. Learning should be integrated into your life, something you feel confident about, something you enjoy, something ongoing.  Intelligence, innocence and courage are nurtured in our carefully crafted learning environment.  Intelligence develops in children by learning through a growth mindset approach and believing the sky is the limit. Innocence is both learned and preserved by pairing younger children with older ones as mentors on a daily basis.  Courage can only be learned through a willingness to make mistakes and self evaluate.  At Full Circle School, kids aren't afraid to try new things.  

What is the Full Circle difference?

• Each child works to a personalized curriculum.

• The classroom is open. Children work independently and in groups. Ages are mixed.

• There is a deliberate emphasis on self-motivated learning.

• Classes are small. The student:teacher ratio is 8:1.

• Play is valued as a critical part of the school day.

• We’re happy to offer both half-day and full-day kindergarten options.

Discovery Based Learning

The teachers are facilitators who create opportunities for students to learn for themselves through experience. 

The Outdoor Classroom