A Therapeutic Day School in Cummington, Massachusetts
A First of its Kind
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J.S. Bryant School empowers LGBTQIA+ high school students to be their most authentic selves by integrating experiential learning with wellness in an LGBTQIA+ supportive environment.
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Nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires, we are the first private, not-for-profit therapeutic high school dedicated solely to the needs of LGBTQIA+ students aged 13 - 19. All administrators, teachers, and staff have lived experience and/or professional training in working with LGBTQIA+ teens and their families.
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J.S Bryant School has been approved by the Central Berkshire Regional School District to operate as a private school. With a 12-month curriculum, all learning strategies and outcomes meet Massachusetts learning standards. We are committed to, and accountable for, creating a high quality and culturally sensitive learning and caring community. For more information on the school curriculum or wellness program, please see the Learning & Wellness Page
Think J.S. Bryant School may be right for your child? We have rolling admissions. Begin by submitting a School Interest Form on our Admissions page.
Co-Designing J.S. Bryant School
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We believe the best way to serve our students is through co-design. In our planning stages, we met with over 70 teenagers at local camps to ask, “Where do you feel your most authentic self?” We wanted to learn where, when, and with whom they feel comfortable, affirmed, and heard. Today, we continue the co-design process with our own students and in community conversations, providing the autonomy and agency our students need.
The Name of Our School
J.S. Bryant School is named after Julia Sands Bryant, the youngest daughter of the Cummington poet and conservationist, William Cullen Bryant. Julia supported her father by helping him manage his business affairs and by caring for him until his death in 1878. After her father's death, Julia left the country and lived the rest of her life in Paris with her same-sex partner.
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We name this school after Julia Sands Bryant to honor her and to remind us of our goal to create a future where our children will not have to move away from their families and their community to be who they want to be with the people they love.
Donate
We are actively seeking continued support for the school with a focus on scholarships. Learn about all the ways you can help make J.S. Bryant School stronger.
Your donations are tax-deductible.
J.S. Bryant School is a private 501(c)3 not-for-profit charitable organization.