The Circle School

Before the Day Begins, There is a Story.

At The Circle School, children didn’t begin their school year by settling into rows of desks. They gather together to listen, imagine and remember. For a few minutes each morning, the whole school becomes an audience then, gradually, a community. The entire school — children from PreK-8th grade, teachers, staff, and many parents too — sits in a circle on the floor and listens to a teacher share a story from cultures around the world. Oral storytelling nurtures language development by expanding vocabulary, strengthening engaged listening and comprehension, and helping children develop a lifelong connection to language.

Stories are selected that teach peace, empathy, open-mindedness, and cultural awareness, carrying each week’s wisdom lessons into the curriculum and classes for that week.

“The stories reveal the similarities and diversities of human experience and interpretation. They open us up to our place in the human community and to the strength and existence of other cultures.” – Isabeth Hardy, Circle School Founder

Before the curriculum, there is the Circle. It’s a place where children learn not only their letters and numbers, but how to listen, wonder, contribute and belong. We’re proud of our students for settling into routines that will serve them throughout the school school year as they learn together.