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.
Connect with us today to see why Commonwealth is right for you..
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 146 students
- Yearly Tuition: $57,625
- Acceptance rate: 62%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Commonwealth School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Year Founded
1957
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 6, 2025
School Mascot
Imogene The Mermaid
Student Body
Total Students
146 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
17%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
86%
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, Music Theory, Physics 1, Physics 2, Spanish, Statistics, Theoretical Calculus, United States History
Average SAT score
1520
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
$57,625
Tuition Notes
If cost is a concern, know that Commonwealth was founded with accessibility in mind, and we extend more than $1.5 million in financial aid to families every year. We also ensure 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
$44,619
Acceptance Rate
62%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Carrie Healy
Admissions Associate
Natasha Matthews
Application URL
Endowment Size
$21.6 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
42 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, FAM (Black/African American Affinity Group), 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, Speech Club, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness, Yoga
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, FAM (Black/African American Affinity Group), 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, Speech Club, 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 912 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 $57,625 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Commonwealth School?
The acceptance rate of Commonwealth School is 62%, which is lower than the national average of 71%.
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 9 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Dance, Fencing, Sailing, Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
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. 15.
In 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.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Commonwealth School also viewed these schools: The Newman School, Boston University Academy, Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, Milton Academy and Beaver Country Day School.
The nearest high school to Commonwealth School is The Newman School (0.2 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Kingsley Montessori School (0.1 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: 7-12 | 258 students 0.2 miles 247 Marlborough Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-4530
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-4530
0.2
7-12
258
Grades: 9-12 | 233 students 1.6 miles One University Road
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-9000
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-9000
1.6
9-12
233
Grades: PK-12 | 1,048 students 3.2 miles 80 Gerry's Landing Rd
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-6100
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-6100
3.2
PK-12
1,048
Grades: K-12 | 1,020 students 6.6 miles 170 Centre Street
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 898-1798
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 898-1798
6.6
K-12
1,020
Grades: 6-12 | 490 students 4.8 miles 791 Hammond St
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 738-2725
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 738-2725
4.8
6-12
490
School Reviews
5 3/5/2020
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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