Welcome

Open Circle provides a unique, evidence-based social and emotional learning program for grades K-5. Working with administrators, educators, counselors, and staff from across the school, Open Circle aims to:

Proactively develop children’s skills for recognizing and managing emotions, empathy, positive relationships and problem solving
Help schools develop a community where students feel safe, cared for and engaged in learning.

Open Circle News

Are you utilizing Open Circle HomeLink letters?
New meta-analysis in AERA’s Review of Educational Research journal finds tighter Home-School Bonds Improve Students' Social and Emotional Skills (as Well as Academics). Read the article in EdWeek HomeLink letters can be found in the Open Circle Curriculum binders, at the back of each lesson. All...
SEED teams with Open Circle for Tufts University Workshop on SEL and Equity
Open Circle and SEED co-facilitated a workshop on SEL and equity for the Tisch College SEL and Civic Engagement Faculty Fellows program. The workshop focused on SEL and equity interconnections, particularly in terms of difficult classroom conversations. Read...
Two Massachusetts school districts utilize Open Circle to provide a safe space for students to learn how hateful actions hurt their classmates:
Framingham Elementary School Principal ‘Heartbroken’ After Note Calls Muslim Girl A Terrorist (CBS Boston) Hate ‘mainstream’ in Massachusetts schools (Wicked Local Concord)
Did you know Open Circle curates SEL literature?
Peg Sawyer, Open Circle Trainer and Coach, reviews children's literature that relates to social and emotional learning. See our list of recommened children's literature

How We Help Schools & Communities

Open Circle’s whole-school approach:

Unites schools with common vocabulary
Improves school climate
Increases students’ use of prosocial and critical thinking skills
Reduces negative behaviors such as peer exclusion, bullying and fighting
Strengthens educators' facilitation and SEL (social emotional learning) skills
Frees up time for academics through proactive behavior management

Building

Sustaining

Leading

TESTIMONIALS

"Open circle has been wonderful and necessary in my classroom, although we were trained over three years ago it is still so relevant day to day."

– Grade-level Teacher, Public School
TESTIMONIALS

"It’s a wonderful program for giving the children a common language when negotiating social issues."

– Grade-level School Teacher, Independent School
TESTIMONIALS

"Overall, I really like Open Circle and so do the students and teachers I use it with. I think it's a very user friendly modality that is able to be completed easily when you allow time for it."

– Mental Health Professional, Public School
TESTIMONIALS

"I am participating in Classroom Teacher training this year. I have fully implemented Open Circle in my classroom for the first time and I have noticed the difference in my students SEL immediately."

– Grade-level Teacher, Public School
TESTIMONIALS

"It’s been a life changing experience personally and professionally."

– Grade-level Teacher, Independent School