Commonwealth School

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Commonwealth School Photo #1 - Two blocks from Copley Square, nestled in a pair of brownstones in Boston's Back Bay, the feeling of family persists at Commonwealth, and its location gives students unparalleled access to Boston's resources, fostering meaningful scholarly research, independent projects, and community service.
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Commonwealth School Photo #1 - Two blocks from Copley Square, nestled in a pair of brownstones in Boston's Back Bay, the feeling of family persists at Commonwealth, and its location gives students unparalleled access to Boston's resources, fostering meaningful scholarly research, independent projects, and community service.
Perennially recognized as one of the region's premier independent high schools, Commonwealth feels something like a college and something like a home.
Challenged by thought-provoking curriculum, supported by outstanding faculty, and inspired by our generous community hailing from diverse backgrounds, Commonwealth students share the excitement of inquiry and graduate poised to succeed at the best colleges and beyond.
We encourage you to connect with us and see if Commonwealth is right for you.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 154 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $55,400
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 16
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Commonwealth School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Year Founded
1957
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
154 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
56%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
Commonwealth School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
83%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
19 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus 1, Calculus 1 Advanced, Calculus 2, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English, Environmental Science, French, Latin, Modern European History, Multivariable Calculus, Physics 1, Physics 2, Spanish, Statistics, Theoretical Calculus, United States History
Average SAT score
1490
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 16
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
If cost is a concern, know that Commonwealth was founded with accessibility in mind, and we extend $1.5 million in financial aid to families every year. Thirty percent of our students have need-based financial aid grants, and our program ensures every student can access every opportunity Commonwealth has to offer—including transportation, technology, and travel. We view financial aid as a partnership, and we welcome conversations with families about affording a Commonwealth education.
Average Financial Aid Grant
$40,200
Admissions Director
Carrie Healy
Admissions Associate
Natasha Matthews

Sports

Total Sports Offered
8 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
43 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
ACLU Chapter, Architecture Club, Asian Pacific Peoples Affinity Group (APPA), Chess Team, Commonwealth Cares (community service), Commonwealth Food Initiative, COMMunity (social event planning), Competitive Programming, Computer Science Club, Debate Team, Environmental Club, Environmental Committee, Evil Genius Club, Feminism Club, Film Club, FLI Group, Football Club, French Club, Game Club, Gender-Sexuality Alliance, Go Club, History Club, Japanese Club, Knitting Cult, Latino Affinity Group, Literary Magazine (Helicon), Math Team, Model UN, Newspaper, oy. (Jewish Affinity Group), Philosophy Club, Pirate Club, Politics Club, Robotics Club, Science Team, Sisters Affinity Group, Speech Club, We Discuss (Diversity Committee), Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness, Yoga

School Notes

  • Commonwealth School is a private co-ed high school for grades 9-12 dedicated to adventurous intellectual and artistic exploration, a place where creativity and individuality flourish. Commonwealth students take full advantage of Boston's resources to pursue scholarly research, independent projects, and community service. Commonwealth`s academic curriculum is rooted in rigorous analysis, focused attention, discussion, and inquiry.
  • Faculty work closely with students to explore their personal interests, develop problem-solving skills, and boost their confidence. Examples of college-level electives include Multivariable Calculus, Axiomatic Set Theory, Advanced Topics in Neuroscience, and Shakespeare and the Fairy Tale.
  • Commonwealth's roughly 155 studentscome from more than 40 communities around Boston. They discover their passions, pursue new challenges, and grow into thoughtful and inquisitive young adults who thrive and excel in college, career, and life.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • David Altshuler '82 - Geneticist and co-founder of MIT's Broad Institute
    • Peter W. Galbraith '69 - Diplomat
    • Susanna Kaysen '66 - Author
    • Kasi Lemmons '77 - Director
    • Hamish Linklater '94 - Actor
    • Ottessa Moshfegh '98 - Author
    • Cornelia (Nina) Pillard '78 - United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Commonwealth School cost?
Commonwealth School's tuition is approximately $55,400 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from Commonwealth School?
Commonwealth School famous alumni include: David Altshuler '82, Peter W. Galbraith '69, Susanna Kaysen '66, Kasi Lemmons '77, Hamish Linklater '94, Ottessa Moshfegh '98 and Cornelia (Nina) Pillard '78.
Does Commonwealth School offer a summer program?
Yes, Commonwealth School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Commonwealth School offer?
Commonwealth School offers 8 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Fencing, Sailing, Soccer, Squash and Ultimate Frisbee.
What is Commonwealth School's ranking?
Commonwealth School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Highest average SAT score and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Commonwealth School?
The application deadline for Commonwealth School is Jan. 16.
What neighborhood is Commonwealth School located?
Commonwealth School is located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, MA. There are 4 other private schools located in Back Bay.

School Reviews

5  
Commonwealth students receive a distinguished education in a small community, which allows faculty and students to know each other and work closely together. It is akin to an idea lab bringing bright people together from different areas. The kids work hard and graduate, having had the equivalent of colleges` freshman/sophomore education. The campus is not extensive compared to suburban schools, but that does not prevent the school from offering sports, performing arts and other electives. Most students commute, which develops independence and urban savvy, and the school does a good job of introducing students to some cultural and geographical history of the city of Boston. Parents are also engaged through social events and volunteer opportunities. It is a special place.
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 154 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $55,400
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 16
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Boston, MA is $32,541 for elementary schools and $41,247 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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