Gianna Cassetta

The Commons Public Charter School (The Commons) will be a K–5 school that integrates rigorous, standards-based instruction, experiential learning, and bounded animal-assisted services in a nature-based setting. The school’s model is grounded in the belief that academic and social-emotional development are deeply connected, and that children learn best when they feel known, connected, and secure. In an environment defined by clear expectations, consistent routines, and strong relationships, students develop a sense of belonging, responsibility, and agency. The Commons is designed to show what elementary education can look like when a school is built around the whole child from day one. 

Gianna Cassetta, who will serve as the founding executive director of The Commons, brings deep experience as a teacher, school founder, and education leader. She began her teaching career in New York City, where she became one of the state’s first 25 National Board-certified teachers, and went on to co-found and lead one of only five public-to-charter conversion schools in the city, which outperformed both its host district and the city as a whole. She later helped launch the Office of School Reform and Innovation at Denver Public Schools as Director of Leadership Development, founded a school in Far Northeast Denver, and has led change initiatives for schools, districts, and state education agencies nationally. A published author of books on social and emotional learning, classroom culture, and equity leadership, and an International Coaching Federation-certified leadership coach, Gianna believes adult learning and student learning are inseparable. She envisions The Commons as a community where adults are supported to grow so that every child is known, challenged, supported, and surrounded by the conditions they need to thrive. 

Gianna completed her school and district administrator coursework at Teachers College, Columbia University, and earned a Master of Science in Teaching from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Purchase College, SUNY. She also holds a certificate in Animals and Human Health from the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work.