About Community School
Tehran, Iran

Established in 1935 by the Presbyterian Mission, Community School was so named in order to introduce "its identity as a school for children of many lands and cultures". Its student body was international, representing over 30 nationalities and most major religions from around the world. Someone described it as "a laboratory of democracy at work." Children of missionaries, prominent local families, diplomats, exiles, military personnel, professionals and businessmen were brought together by personal circumstance and world events.

"It seems to me that one of the essential lessons I learned at Community...is a mystery: human beings are all essentially equal, yet we are each unique and valuable. The school tried to respond to us as individuals, praising us when we did well, punishing us when we got out of line, trying to mold us to become the best we could be. Yet above all this recognition of our individuality was a strong sense that none of us - no matter what religion or nationality, no matter how wealthy or well educated - was any better than any other. " Michael Zirinsky, CS '60, "Community School and Twentieth Century History", Reunion 1995

Community School closed its doors in 1980, following the Islamic Revolution. Its alumni and faculty are scattered all over the world.

Today, through the volunteer efforts of various alumni, students and faculty gather together periodically, to remember their schooldays and to honor the school that helped them find their place in the world.

This site has been created to facilitate this effort.

"If only the world were a great Community School." 1985 Reunion, Commodore B.Fisher, Principal 1940 - 1951