Cummington, Massachusetts
A therapeutic day school celebrating and empowering
LGBTQIA+ teens through experiential learning and wellness support.
J.S. Bryant School is where students can be their most authentic selves through learning and wellness.
Our learning model meets the Massachusetts state standards, honors the LGBTQIA+ identity of students, and fully integrates the arts, wellness, and land‐based learning. It engages staff with lived experience and/or professional training in working with the LGBTQIA+ community and their families.
Learning
The approach to learning exemplified in J.S. Bryant School’s curriculum is interdisciplinary, inquiry-based, career-connected, inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ experience, and integrated with wellness and farming. Students are encouraged and empowered to nurture their unique interests within course subject matter. The curriculum prepares students to continue learning in college and/or enter a career of their choice.
The learning structure is unique. All content for all four years is taught within five interdisciplinary courses which comprise the school curriculum: Worldview, Environmental Activism, Creative Activation, Community Leadership, and Personal Identity. These five core courses integrate the various disciplines of Massachusetts Learning Standards, and allow ample time to ponder, research, experiment, and reflect. Course sequence is designed to help students transition from exploration in their first year to leadership and impact in their final year. The student:teacher ratio is no more than 8:1, wellness education and support is integrated throughout each day, and immersive, place-based learning takes place on our 5 acre campus farm.
Wellness
J.S. Bryant School aims to promote the physical, psychological, and socio-emotional wellness of each student. Integrated wellness education and support is provided throughout the school day. Students engage in club therapy (e.g., art or music therapy, outdoor exploration, animal-assisted therapy, etc.), individual therapy sessions, and family therapy. We make use of a variety of methods, including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness development, and take place both indoors and outside. All staff are trained in supporting LGBTQIA+ students and have lived-experience in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Land-Based Learning & Wellness Through Farming
J. S. Bryant School believes that deepening one’s connection to the natural world is healing. Our campus, set amidst conserved land in the Berkshire foothills, provide a soothing and life-affirming environment for hiking, flora and fauna observation and identification, forest bathing, maple syruping, contemplation and exploration of nature’s many lessons, challenges, and gifts. Our farming arts program presents students the opportunity to experience small-scale farming in a way that supports the earth and our own bodies while learning about natural cycles, regenerative practices, and business skills.
From perennial orchards to herb and vegetable cultivation, from poultry care to goat milking, there are truly opportunities for every student to find what they are drawn to in land-connected work and play.
A School Day
The school day begins with opening circle and continues with students engaged in one of their five core courses: Personal Identity, Worldview, Environmental Activism, Creative Activation, or Community Leadership. Wellness education and support are built-in throughout the day. Mornings and afternoons include farming arts and outdoor education. Students tend to the farm's animals and plants, and assess and design strategies for land and water management and renewable energy use. A sample day in the life is below.
"It's with things like the apple orchard that J.S. Bryant School is able to have an integrated learning experience for our students."
Pepper Fournier-Scanlon (she/they)
Director of Farming (Farm Heart)
Pepper Fournier-Scanlon (she/they) is J.S. Bryant School's Director of Farming (Farm Heart) who is native to Cummington and loves nurturing life in all kinds of ways. An entrepreneur and farmer/homesteader since 2008, she has run an independent bookstore, market garden collaborative, permaculture design/build business, a raw milk CSA, and currently runs a certified organic maple business at their home farm. Pepper spent a good chunk of this decade as a foster parent and raising a family with three neurospicy forever kiddos. She is passionate about advocating for children in foster care, disability and environmental justice, and helping youth find their voice in moving toward a more equitable and inclusive world.
