Open Circle

Open Circle is a whole-school social and emotional learning program designed to improve school climate and foster social and emotional skill development in grades K-5. Since 1987 Open Circle has reached nearly half a million children and trained over 10,000 educators. A program of the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College, Open Circle is currently used in 262 schools across 98 communities in the Northeast. Open Circle strives to develop safe, caring and cooperative learning environments and develop children's self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship and decision-making skills. The Open Circle approach involves 15-minute, twice-weekly class meetings with active lessons from the grade-differentiated, spiraling Open Circle Curriculum. In addition, teachers, administrators, support staff, and parents infuse Open Circle concepts throughout the school day and at home. Teachers receive extensive training and coaching, while other school community members receive training tailored to their specific roles at school and at home.

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